Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Roots

Introduction: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a medicinal plant used in alternative medicine for its multiple therapeutic and preventive properties. However, insufficient data are available about its toxicity. Materials and methods: dandelion roots total extract vas prepared by maceration for 24 hours and its toxicity was then assessed on 30 WISTAR male rats divided into four experimental groups receiving the extract at different rates, and one control group treated with the vehicle. Changes in renal, hepatic, lipid, and hematological parameters as well as signs of acute toxicity were noted during 15 days after the one dose extract administration. Results and discussion: The obtained results reveal a very significant (p<0.01) disruption of transaminases but not renal, lipid and hematological parameters. The acute toxicity study demonstrated that dendelion roots extract has low intraperitoneal toxicity with a LD50 ranged between 500 and 5000 mg/kg. Conclusion: Dandelion's richness in secondary metabolites and its low in vivo toxicity make it a good candidate as a source of drugs with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Keywords: Dandelion, Acute toxicity, LD50, Transaminases, lipids, hematolog

Ethnobotanical survey on dandelion use in the western region of Algeria

Introduction: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an edible and medicinal plant. We use the leaves, flowers and roots. The objective of this study is to show interest in the use of dandelion as a natural remedy in the primary treatment of serval pathologies. Methods : An ethnobotanical survey of 1000 people in the western region of Algeria was conducted using a questionnaire. Results: the obtained results from this study show that 60% of the population questioned prefer traditional medicine the majority of them use the plant in the medical field whose leaves and roots are most used. Infusion and maceration are the most usable methods for the preparation of the plant and administration is exclusively oral. Most users testify that the plant has significant efficacy with a percentage of 61%. Conclusion :All this information constitutes a database to perform other research in vivo or in vitro to value this planton the therapeutic level. Keywords : Taraxacum Officinale, traditional medicine, leaves, ethnobotanical study