Dandelion extract found to reduce inflammation of endothelial cells

Korean researchers reported on the anti-inflammatory activity of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) extract on the endothelial cells that comprise the interior of blood vessels. Based on their findings, the herbal extract possessed some promise as a natural remedy for atherosclerosis.

The study was supported by Inha University and the National Research Foundation. Its results were published in the medical journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Dandelion is an important medicinal herb in traditional medicine. It increases bile secretion in the liver, prevents cellular damage due to oxidative stress, and stops inflammation. However, earlier research has not covered its anti-inflammatory activities for endothelial cells.
• Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) served as experimental substitutes for actual blood vessels. The cultured endothelial cells were treated with 100 micrograms per milliliter (?g/ml) of methanol extract from dandelions.
• The pre-treated HUVECS were incubated in one ?g/ml of lipopolysaccharides. These large molecules are known to trigger inflammation symptoms similar to those found in atherosclerosis.
• Various tests measured the number of cytokines and binding molecules in the pre-treated samples. Cytokines are compounds that cause inflammation, while binding molecules attach harmful monocyte white cells to endothelial cells, causing the destruction of the latter.
• The methanol extract protected endothelial cells from the harmful effects of monocytes triggered by lipopolysaccharides. It did so by decreasing the production of molecules and proteins that trigger an excessively powerful inflammatory response from the immune system.

The researchers conclude that the methanol extract can prevent inflammation in endothelial cells that comprise blood vessels, thereby protecting against atherosclerosis.

The full study can be accessed at this link. Or access more articles about herbal remedies at Herbs.news.

Journal reference

Jeon D, Kim SJ, Kim HS. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EVALUATION OF THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE IN LPS-STIMULATED HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 29 November 2017;17(508). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2022-7.