Dandelion Root

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments for chronic myeloid leukaemia based on nilotinib (NIL), dasatinib (DAS) and imatinib (IMA) have improved patient quality of life and have turned chronic myeloid leukemia from a fatal disease into a chronic disease. Dandelion is a rich source of phenolic compounds with strong biological properties, and the effects of using this plant in the treatment of different illnesses can be linked to the presence of various polyphenols found in the different parts of the plant. Thus, dandelion can potentially be used as a nutraceutical (dietary antioxidant) to prevent different disorders associated with oxidative stress, i.e. cardiovascular disorders, cancer and inflammatory processes. Mutual interference between a drug and a food constituent may result in altered pharmacokinetics of the drug and undesired or even dangerous clinical situations. In the present study, a bioanalytical ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of DAS, IMA and NIL in rat plasma. Sample preparation was carried out using solid-phase extraction with C18 cartridges with a good extraction recovery of ≥94.37% for the three drugs. The method was fully validated as per the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seventy to 95% of acute tonsillitis episodes are caused by viral infection, therefore why antibiotic therapy is not indicated in majority of cases. In such cases, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are used to alleviate the symptoms. The objective of this study was assessment of efficacy of phytoneering extract BNO 1030 (Imupret®) in patients with acute non-bacterial tonsillitis. METHODS: This randomized, open-label, multicenter, comparative study randomised 238 outpatients aged 6-18 years to receive either BNO 1030 (Imupret®) as a supplement to standard symptomatic therapy, or standard therapy. Assessment criteria were as follows: sore throat dynamics at rest and at swallowing, throat irritation associated with cough, general condition, day of withdrawal of antipyretics, the share of treatment responders, as well as assessment of "therapeutic benefit" from the use of BNO 1030. RESULTS: Decreased intensity of acute tonsillitis symptoms to 1 point and lower, assessed using 4-point scale starting from the day 5 of treatment (p < 0.005), alleviation of local symptoms and general condition starting from day 2 of the disease (р < 0.001), withdrawal of antipyretics starting from day 4 of treatment (p < 0.005), increase of the number of treatment responders to 81.6% (p < 0.005) versus the control were reported. "Therapeutic benefit" was 4.2 days. All patients tolerated phytotherapy well, and no adverse reactions were seen. CONCLUSION: BNO 1030 (Imupret®) is a safe and effective product for treatment of acute non-bacterial tonsillitis in children aged 6-18 years, assuring therapeutic benefit when prescribed additionally to the standard symptomatic therapy.

2. Pol J Vet Sci. 2014;17(1):93-8. doi: 10.2478/pjvs-2014-0012. Effect of inulin extracts or inulin-containing plant supplement on blood lipid indices and fatty acid profile in fattener tissues. Grela ER, Sobolewska S, Roziński T. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of inulin or dandelion, chicory and Jerusalem artichoke powder on lipid indices and fatty acid profile in fattener tissues. The experiment involved 120 crossbred pigs (PL x PLW) x Duroc with an initial body weight of 25.0 +/- 0.5 kg. Animals were assigned into 6 groups. A diet for group I (control) did not comprise an inulin additive, group II and III received 2% inulin (water or water-alcohol extraction of inulin from chicory root, respectively), while the mixtures for group IV, V and VI contained 4% root powder from Jerusalem artichoke (topinambur), chicory or dandelion, respectively. The animals were slaughtered at 115 kg body weight. The samples of blood, liver and the muscle longissimus dorsi tissues as well as whole hearts were collected for analysis. Fatty acid profile, some lipid indices and crude fat and cholesterol content were evaluated. Dietary supplement of 40 g dandelion powder resulted in preferable significant changes in the blood lipid indices and fatty acids composition (increased PUFA share and decreased n-6/n-3 ratio).

INTRODUCTION: Plaque control plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Antibacterial mouthwash is one of the most important tools for plaque control. Pudilan, including extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis root, Taraxacum mongolicum, Bunge corydalis herb and Isatis indigotica, was reported playing the role of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. However, its effect on dental plaque and periodontal inflammation remains unknown. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Pudilan Keyanning antibacterial mouthwash which contains the active essence of Pudilan and 0.03%-0.06% cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as Pudilan active essence for plaque control and gingival anti-inflammation in patients during periodontal maintenance phase. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 participants during periodontal maintenance phase will be enrolled. After supragingival scaling, they will be randomly assigned into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the Pudilan Keyanning antibacterial mouthwash group, a chlorhexidine acetate mouthwash (0.12%) group or a placebo group with mouthwash containing the same components as the Pudilan Keyanning mouthwash except for Pudilan active ingredients. They will rinse with mouthwash, respectively, two times per day for 6 weeks. Clinical parameters (such as plaque index, bleeding index) and the level of volatile sulfide in the breath will be measured and analysed. The subgingival plaque will be collected and analysed microbiologically. Questionnaire feedback will be analysed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol (V.4) was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology (Ethics Approval No. PKUSSIRB-201950153b). All participants signed a written consent form. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2000041253. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

TkMYC2 mediates jasmonate-induced drought resistance and rubber biosynthesis simultaneously in Taraxacum kok-saghyz. Taraxacum kok-saghyz (T. kok-saghyz) is an important natural rubber-producing plant, yet its cultivation is often limited by drought stress, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying rubber biosynthesis and laticifer development remain incompletely understood. This study focused on TkMYC2, a core transcription factor in the jasmonate (JA) signaling pathway. Through homologous and heterologous genetic transformation, we systematically elucidated its dual functions in conferring drought tolerance and driving rubber biosynthesis. TkMYC2 expression was induced by both drought and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Overexpression of TkMYC2 significantly enhanced the tolerance of transgenic plants to osmotic and drought stress by activating the antioxidant system (SOD, POD, CAT), maintaining ROS homeostasis, and reducing membrane lipid peroxidation. Using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we demonstrated a direct physical interaction between TkMYC2 and TkJAZ11, a key repressor in the JA pathway. Phenotypic analyses showed that TkMYC2 overexpression promoted root thickening, laticifer development, and natural rubber accumulation, functionally supporting the hypothesis that rubber biosynthesis drives laticifer development. In summary, TkMYC2 acts as a critical molecular hub concurrently regulating drought stress response and rubber biosynthesis, providing new insights into jasmonate-mediated coordination of stress resilience and secondary metabolism, and offering a genetic resource for molecular breeding of T. kok-saghyz with enhanced yield and stress tolerance. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an edible medicinal herb having an extended history for its traditional usage owing to the health promoting benefits associated with this plant. Nevertheless, traditional extraction methods limit the recovery of bioactive compounds from different parts of dandelion and insufficient research is available on process optimization. Hence, current research developed an effective ultrasound-assisted extraction method for maximum recovery of total phenolics contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assays), and bioactive compounds (HPLC) from dandelion plant using response surface methodology in combination with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimal extraction conditions determined by RSM were as follows: sonication time, 30 min; ultrasound amplitude, 70%, and ultrasound temperature, 40 °C. At these conditions, the recovery of total phenolics and total flavonoids reached 40.77 mg GAE/g and 22.68 mg RE/g, respectively. Moreover, the antioxidant activities determined based on DPPH-scavenging, ABTS+-scavenging and FRAP were reported as 88.55%, 445.39 µM TE/mg, and 30.64 mg TE/g, respectively. Additionally, a total of 11 major bioactive compounds were quantified using HPLC, including 6 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids. Under optimized conditions major bioactive compounds identified and quantified were chlorogenic acid, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin-7-O-glycoside, luteolin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, cichoric acid, isoetin, and caftaric acid. Conclusively, results of present study give a comprehensive insight into optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction method for recovery of maximum antioxidants and bioactive compounds from dandelion using a combination of BBD and RSM. Furthermore, this study may provide a reference in utilizing optimized extraction process for dandelion bioactive compounds in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Understanding what herbivores eat can provide important information about competitive interaction among sympatric species and the potential for selective feeding to shape plant communities. The flightless alpine grasshoppers Sigaus australis, S. nitidus and S. nivalis are sympatric and abundant in the mountains of South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand. We investigated whether their diets differ among locations, species and sexes, and whether the plants that they ate had changed over 50 years. Mandible morphology of the grasshopper species was compared to infer diet adaptation. Their diet was analysed using gut samples collected from 1969 to 1971 and 2021 to 2023. Despite differences in mandibles suggesting potential adaptation to food plants of different sizes and toughness, we found greater diet differences among locations than among grasshopper species or between sexes. All three Sigaus grasshoppers consume a wide range of plants. Considered as a guild, we found the diet of these grasshoppers was influenced by local environment and season, but that they did not feed at random. Shrubs and herbs including Gaultheria and Lobelia were favoured, but the abundant Chionochloa grasses were avoided. Despite narrow seasonality, fruits and flowers were also important dietary components. Invasive plants including Hieracium, Pilosella and Taraxacum that were rare or absent in the diet 50 years earlier had been eaten by 92% of the grasshoppers sampled in 2021-2023. By selectively feeding on soft groundcover and invasive plants, Sigaus grasshoppers may act as ecosystem architects in the alpine plant communities that continue to be dominated by snow tussock. © 2026 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by British Ecological Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Traditional herbal medicine has played a vital role in human societies, contributing to health through both therapeutic and nutritional functions. This study aims to document the medicinal plants in the multi-ethnic areas of Guizhou Province, China, and quantitatively evaluate the diversity of traditional knowledge and its cultural significance. METHODS: We conducted field investigations with 103 respondents from 7 ethnic groups (including Han and six ethnic minorities) within the region, utilizing key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participatory rural appraisal to systematically collect ethnobotanical knowledge. This included the types of medicinal plants, their parts used, traditional processing methods, indications, and application scenarios. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including National Cultural Significance Index (NCSI), Shannon-Wiener Index (H'), Simpson Index (D), and Sorenson Similarity Index (CS), were employed to evaluate herbal importance, diversity, evenness, and knowledge similarity among different villages and ethnic groups. RESULTS: A total of 200 medicinal materials (85 families, 169 genera) were recorded, with Fabaceae being the most represented family. They are mainly used to treat rheumatism and other common ailments, typically prepared as decoctions. Medicinal plant knowledge demonstrated high diversity and evenness across villages and ethnic groups (Shannon-Wiener indices ranging from 3.23 to 3.59, and Simpson indices from 0.0091 to 0.0186. The top three most frequently used species were Cynanchum auriculatum (HUF = 0.17), Lygodium japonicum (HUF = 0.16), and Pleuropterus multiflorus (HUF = 0.15). Taraxacum mongolicum holds the highest cultural significance (NCSI = 700). Intervillage and interethnic similarity showed low to moderate levels (Sorensen CS: 0.19 to 0.60 among villages; 0.31 to 0.62 among ethnic groups). Notably, only 45 species (22.5%) were shared across five or more villages, while 109 species (54.5%) were recorded in only one or two villages, reflecting a "limited similarity" pattern. The shared core resources mirror the fundamental role of the environment, while the ethnoculturally

The growing interest in sustainable sources of bioactive compounds has led to the exploration of underutilized edible plants such as Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). In this study, Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) was investigated as a pretreatment to enhance the extractability of antioxidant compounds from dandelion leaves and roots, processed and analyzed separately, considering their distinct biochemical composition and potential applications. DIC treatments were applied at various steam pressures (0.1-0.4 MPa), times (5-90 s), and cycles (5), and a response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Most favorable DIC pretreatment conditions (0.25 MPa, 20 s) resulted in a 265% increase in Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and a significant improvement in antioxidant activity (up to 44% in the DPPH assay). Multicycle DIC treatments enhanced compound availability in root tissues (0.4 MPa, 20 s, 5 cycles), resulting in an almost threefold increase in TPC. These results demonstrate the potential of DIC pretreatment as a green and efficient approach for improving phenolic extractability from wild edible plants such as dandelion, supporting their valorization as functional food ingredients. © 2026. The Author(s).

Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by excessive fat accumulation and associated comorbidities. This study evaluated LIPO-700, a standardized herbal formulation combining Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg., for its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms. Network pharmacology and KEGG enrichment analyses identified AMPK signaling, adipocytokine signaling, and regulation of lipolysis among the top enriched pathways associated with the predicted targets of LIPO-700. In vitro, LIPO-700 significantly reduced lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes (up to 19.11% at 100 μg/mL, p < 0.001) and free fatty acid-induced HepG2 hepatocytes (24.70%, p < 0.001), accompanied by increased phosphorylation of AMPK (3.49-fold, p < 0.001), restoration of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and suppression of lipogenic and gluconeogenic markers including Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c (SREBP-1c), Fatty Acid Synthase, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase. In vivo, oral administration of LIPO-700 to high-fat diet-induced obese mice reduced body weight, fat mass, and adipocyte size in a dose-dependent manner without hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Western blot and gene expression analyses of epididymal white adipose tissue showed increased AMPK phosphorylation, together with downregulation of leptin and SREBP-1c, and upregulation of Lipoprotein Lipase, ATGL, and HSL. These findings demonstrate that LIPO-700 exerts multi-target anti-obesity effects through coordinated regulation of lipid metabolism, supporting its potential as a safe herbal intervention for obesity management. © 2026 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Background/Objectives:Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental plant species. Through the ages, many parts of S. vulgaris, including fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches, have been used in folk medicine due to their beneficial biological activity. Lilac flowers are the basis of many supplements available on the market. Moreover, its petals and flowers are edible and are an aromatic ingredient in preserves and desserts. However, the data about the antioxidant properties of various parts of S. vulgaris is limited only to the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extracts-so far, the effect of S. vulgaris flower extract on the parameters of oxidative stress in biological materials, including plasma, has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract from S. vulgaris L. flowers against oxidative stress in human plasma, and its influence on the coagulation process in vitro. Methods: We measured the levels of three parameters of oxidative stress in human plasma treated with H2O2/Fe2+ (the donor of hydroxyl radicals): lipid peroxidation (based on the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), protein carbonylation, and thiol oxidation. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was used as a reference antioxidant. In addition, we studied the effect of the extract on three coagulation parameters of human plasma-activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). We also compared the biological properties of the extract from S. vulgaris flowers with the properties of a phenolic extract from Taraxacum officinalis (dandelion) flowers, as they have proven antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo models and can modulate hemostasis in vitro. Results: Our UHPLC-HRMS analyses of S. vulgaris extract led to a tentative identification of 50 compounds, mainly phenolics and secoiridoids. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that the extract from S. vulgaris flowers (at the concentrations of 1-50 µg/mL) significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H2O2/Fe2+. Moreover, the concentrations

Melissopalynological analysis is essential for determining the botanical origin of honey, corbicular pollen and bee bread, as well as detecting adulteration. However, it traditionally relies on labor-intensive and subjective manual pollen identification. As a proof-of-concept preceding full honey analysis, this study evaluates artificial intelligence methods for automated pollen grain recognition under controlled conditions. Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) were used as model taxa to validate the proposed approach before its application to real varietal honey samples. This study introduces a novel three-stage pipeline that decouples object detection from feature extraction, utilizing YOLOv12m for region-of-interest generation and, for the first time in melissopalynology, DINOv3 ConvNeXt-B for deep feature representation. Microscopic images acquired at 400× magnification yielded 2498 dandelion and 1941 hazel pollen grains. The detector achieved an [email protected] of 0.936 with an F1 score of 0.88, while the classifier reached 98.1% accuracy with good class separability (Silhouette coefficient: 0.407). The primary technical contribution is the systematic optimization of the detection-to-classification interface. Context-aware bounding box expansion (12%) and an optimized IoU-NMS threshold (0.65) significantly improve the stability of morphological feature extraction, as confirmed by ablation studies. Computational cost reporting further supports reproducible, deployment-oriented comparison. The results confirm the feasibility of this AI-based framework as an intermediate step toward automated melissopalynological analysis, with future work focusing on standardized microscopy protocols and expanded pollen databases for varietal honey authentication.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK), the rubber dandelion, is an emerging crop offering potential for sustainable natural rubber production independent of tropical climates. Successful domestication of TK requires a mechanistic understanding of its reproductive biology, yet floral anatomy, sporogenesis, and gametogenesis remain poorly characterized. We hypothesized that TK's reproductive development follows the general patterns of sexually reproducing diploid Taraxacum species and other Asteraceae, distinguishable from the irregular meiosis reported in apomictic taxa. Here, using light and scanning electron microscopy across multiple developmental stages, we describe the floral and inflorescence anatomy, as well as sporogenesis and gametogenesis in TK. Anther development in TK predominantly follows the simultaneous microsporogenesis pattern, typical of eudicots, producing regular tetrahedral tetrads. Notably, we also observed occasional successive-type events resulting in dyads and tetragonal tetrads, indicating a previously unreported developmental variation within the species, culminating in mature tricellular pollen. We detail key reproductive structures, including anther wall layers, ovary mesophyll differentiation, and the presence of a micropylar obturator. The meiotic behavior and gametophyte development observed in TK are consistent with those of diploid, sexually reproducing Taraxacum species and other members of the Asteraceae, in contrast to the irregular meiosis reported in Taraxacum apomictic taxa. These newly described morphoanatomical details on reproductive aspects will inform breeding strategies and advance our understanding of pollination, fertilization, and seed development in TK.

Waterlogging stress severely impairs plant growth and productivity. Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz (T. mongolicum) exhibits notable resilience to this stress, yet its systemic adaptation mechanisms remain unexplored. This study integrated physiological and transcriptomic analyses to investigate dandelion's response to waterlogging. Physiologically, waterlogging induced oxidative stress, evidenced by increased H2O2 and MDA, while activating antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX), non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, GSSG) and accumulating osmolytes (proline, soluble sugars). Growth was significantly inhibited but partially recovered under moderate stress. Transcriptome profiling of roots and leaves revealed dynamic, tissue-specific responses. Early signaling and secondary metabolism were highlighted in leaves, whereas roots prioritized metabolic reprogramming (e.g., starch/sucrose metabolism) and transport. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified four key modules (MEgreen, MEpink, MEorange, MEcoral) strongly correlated with waterlogging traits. Hub genes within these modules function in circadian regulation (LUX, RVE8), secondary metabolism (HST-2), signaling (APRR1/5), and protein homeostasis (HSP70/90), forming a coordinated molecular network. Heatmap analysis further uncovering tissue- and time-specific expression patterns. Co-expression network analysis demonstrates that circadian clock-related core genes primarily coordinate downstream stress responses-such as ROS homeostasis and osmotic balance-indirectly through signal transduction cascades, forming a hierarchical "core regulation-signal transduction-effector execution" framework that parallels the circadian control of antioxidant defense in animals. Our findings elucidate the integrated mechanisms underlying dandelion's waterlogging tolerance and provide valuable genetic resources for crop improvement.

Accurate characterization of stomatal morphology and surrounding epidermal traits is essential for understanding stomatal function. A comparative protocol is presented using two complementary techniques-epidermal peels and leaf clearing-to assess stomatal and epidermal cell size, shape, and density in two ecologically distinct dicot species, Fraxinus excelsior and Taraxacum officinale. The protocol includes detailed steps for sample preparation, imaging, and trait quantification using cost- and labor-effective manual measurements (tissue clearing and peeling), and AI-assisted image analysis with the potential to facilitate high throughput applications. Three segmentation tools-a YOLOv8-based stomatal detection model, a generalist deep learning tool for cell segmentation, and a pixel-based classifier-were evaluated for their accuracy and suitability across methods. Significant differences in stomatal and epidermal traits are consistently observed between peeling and clearing techniques in both manual and AI analyses. AI tools enabled reproducible quantification, with YOLOv8-based stomatal detection model (StoManager1) performing best for stomatal traits and a generalist deep learning tool for cell segmentation (Cellpose) for epidermal segmentation. AI-based trait detection was highly consistent in T. officinale but limited in F. excelsior, results still diverged from manual measurements, illustrating how species-specific anatomy and image quality impact method suitability. These findings suggest that while AI-assisted analysis provides a useful framework for stomatal and epidermal trait quantification, expert validation and pilot testing remain essential before broader or high-throughput application.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that Taraxacum(TM) possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, but the mechanism regarding how TM attenuates IBD requires further exploration. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of TM (0.15, 0.75, and 1.5 g/kg) on ulcerative colitis induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in mice. RESULTS: After 14 days of treatment following colitis induction, the herbal extract alleviated body weight loss and pathological abnormalities in the mice. In comparison to the DSS group, the 1.5 g/kg The TM therapy group had markedly elevated levels of colonic T-SOD, T-AOC, and GSH-Px (P < 0.05), alongside a substantial decrease in MDA content (P < 0.05) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-g, TNF-a) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TM markedly elevated the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate) in the cecal contents (P < 0.05). The 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg TM groups also elevated the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 (P < 0.05), whereas the DSS group showed reduced expression of these mucosal barrier proteins. Concerning gut microbiota, at the Phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was markedly elevated in the 1.5 g/kg TM groups (P < 0.05), Bacteroidetes exhibited a considerable reduction (P < 0.05); TM alleviated colitis concurrent with the restoration of beneficial Muribaculaceae and reduction of harmful Desulfovibrio. Notably, Desulfovibrio was inhibited more effectively than in 5-ASA, a change associated with intestinal homeostasis. CONCLUSION: TM alleviated colitis is correlated with enhancing antioxidant capacity, reducing inflammation, restoringbarrier integrity, and modulating the gut microbiota.

INTRODUCTION: Taraxacum kok-saghyz polysaccharide (TKP) possesses multiple biological activities and is a potential candidate for regulating lamb health. Using multi-omics analysis, this study investigated the immunomodulatory and growth-regulating effects of TKP produced from leaves (TKP-L) and roots (TKP-R) in lambs. METHODS: Implementing untargeted metabolomics strategies and 16S rRNA gene sequencing we analyzed the mediating role of gut microbiota in improving lamb growth performance, has fully investigated how the gut microbiota-metabolite axis regulates immunological response and intestinal health. RESULTS: The average daily gain (ADG) of lambs was considerably greater in the TKP-L group than in the control group, and the levels of Growth Hormone(GH), Insulin (INS), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R), Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), and TNF-α were all significantly higher (P < 0.05). In the meantime, TKP-L successfully raised the expression of intestinal mucosal mucin genes and boosted the intestinal mucosa's phase of growth. TKP-L increases the relative abundances of the microbial taxa Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Butyrivibrio and Paraprevotella, per multi-omics analysis. Metabolomics analysis indicated that TKP-L elevated the level of argininosuccinic acid by regulating the amino acid metabolism pathway. Correlation analysis showed that TKP-L altered rumen Prevotella to activate immune cell activity, also there was a significant positive relationship between the amount of argininosuccinic acid and the overall number of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001. CONCLUSION: TKP-L may significantly improve lambs' gut mucosal barrier function and growth performance. and may achieve positive regulation of lamb growth and immune function by modulating the structure of Prevotella and mediating argininosuccinic acid metabolism.

Dandelion is an herb known for various pharmacological properties. The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) produces natural rubber of a suitable quality in its root system and is thus an alternative to traditional rubber supply from the rubber tree. Efforts are being made to hybridize this plant species with the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to increase the root yield. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has a wide range of applications as it allows the simultaneous detection of a variety of metabolites, thereby becoming a powerful tool in metabolomics. In this study, we use NMR-based metabolomics to investigate the metabolic profile of the two dandelion species Taraxacum koksaghyz and Taraxacum officinale as an initial step toward identifying characteristic profiles as a basis for biomarker discovery and provide the first comprehensive aqueous 1H NMR metabolomic comparison across leaf and root organs of both species. The data set included 100 Taraxacum koksaghyz and 94 Taraxacum officinale leaf samples as well as 43 Taraxacum koksaghyz and 85 Taraxacum officinale root samples. In the 1D 1H NMR spectra, we identified and quantified 56 metabolites including nine compounds not previously reported in either Taraxacum species. Subsequently, we coupled the metabolite results with multivariate statistics, which reveal distinct metabolic fingerprints, highlighting variations within the dandelion species and plant organs. Organ type emerged as the primary determinant of metabolic variation, with species-specific differences most prominent in roots. This establishes baseline NMR profiles essential for rubber breeding biomarker discovery, underscoring NMR's utility in dandelion metabolomics and deepening understanding of their organ-specific metabolism.

This study examines 36 wild Asteraceae species that are traditionally used as food in Sicily and Bulgaria, highlighting their ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological relevance. Some taxa, such as Cichorium intybus, Silybum marianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, and Tussilago farfara, are integral to the Mediterranean and Balkan diets, enhancing nutrition through their fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This ethnobotanical survey revealed a clear geographic pattern in species usage: 13 species were found to be consumed solely in Bulgaria, 18 solely in Sicily, and five species in both regions. The distribution highlights the existence of shared culinary traditions that have been distinctly adapted to the unique ecological conditions present in each locale. The main metabolite classes identified include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and sesquiterpene lactones, all of which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Specific taxa within the investigated group were found to contain alkaloids that warrant toxicological attention. Some species within the studied group contain alkaloids that may pose toxicity risks. T. farfara is known to accumulate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver damage and potential genotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of thorough toxicological evaluations before recommending these plants for consumption. This study also demonstrates how common culinary processes, such as boiling and blanching, significantly impact the concentration, stability, and safety profile of these bioactive compounds. Overall, the research supports the promotion of wild Asteraceae species as valuable and sustainable nutritional and nutraceutical resources. This approach aligns with efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain traditional Mediterranean and Balkan food practices, integrating both ecological and cultural sustainability.

To assess the changes in the spring phenology in the future with particular emphasis on the elevation dependence of phenophase onset, a climate-driven phenological model was developed based on the spring indices methodology. Our study investigates both current and projected changes in the timing of flowering onset for common hazel (Corylus avellana), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). We compiled comprehensive climate data and phenological records from 46 phenological stations of the National Phenological Network of the Slovenian Environment Agency for the period 1971–2020. In addition, we used climate projection data for the 21st century under two climate scenarios to evaluate potential future shifts in the onset of the selected phenophases. Specifically, we examined whether the agreement between model predictions and observed records varies with elevation during the reference period (1981–2010) and whether this relationship changes across three future climate periods: 2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100. Model results indicate that spring phenophases are expected to occur earlier in Slovenia by the end of the 21st century, consistent with the projected increase in air temperatures. Moreover, the advancement in spring phenology will be more pronounced at higher elevations.

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is increasingly affected by chronic dietary exposure to pesticide-contaminated pollen. This study investigates the long-term effects of Malus domestica, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Taraxacum sp. pollen collected from orchard and alpine habitats alongside a commercial feed additive (Promotor-L Apis) on honey bee survival, physiology, and gut microbiota. Multiresidue analysis revealed distinct pesticide and heavy metal profiles across pollens, while compositional analyses showed variation in amino acids, flavonoids, and phenolamides. Despite high contamination, Malus pollen with elevated flavonoid content promoted the highest vitellogenin accumulation and did not totally inhibit survival. Phacelia pollen from organic vineyards, though low in pesticides, had high copper levels and showed high mortality. Taraxacum pollen from apple orchards, though moderately contaminated, supported high survival. Unexpectedly, alpine Taraxacum pollen with elevated histidine content caused the highest mortality and microbial disruption, despite no pesticide residues. Promotor-L improved survival but did not increase vitellogenin. Pollen-fed bees generally exhibited higher gut microbiota abundance, while pathogen levels (including Nosema ceranae and Serratia marcescens) were specifically elevated under Taraxacum-based diets. These findings highlight that the impact of pollen nutrition on bee health is multifactorial, governed not only by pesticide exposure but also by botanical origin, nutritional traits, and secondary metabolites.

The gut-mammary axis represents a promising therapeutic target for mastitis. Although plant-derived polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulatory properties, their capacity to modulate this axis-and specifically to ameliorate dysbiosis-induced mastitis-remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Taraxacum kok-saghyz leaf-derived polysaccharides (TKP-L) against mastitis in a murine model of gut dysbiosis, with dysbiosis induced by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from donor cows. Pregnant mice (n = 60) with antibiotic-depleted microbiota received FMT suspensions prepared from the feces of healthy dairy cows or cows with clinical mastitis (based on somatic cell count). Mice were randomly divided into five groups: Control (vehicle), M-FMT (mastitis-cow FMT, disease model), H-FMT (healthy-cow FMT), TKP-L (M-FMT + oral TKP-L, 500 mg/kg/day), and Ciprofloxacin (M-FMT + ciprofloxacin, positive Control). After FMT establishment, TKP-L or ciprofloxacin was administered for 14 days. We assessed histopathology, pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO), tight junction proteins (occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-3), and bacterial translocation using GFP-E. coli, and gut/milk microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing. Compared to the M-FMT group, TKP-L treatment significantly alleviated mammary inflammation and pathology, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins in both intestinal and mammary tissues, correlating with reduced bacterial translocation to the mammary gland. Microbiota analysis showed that TKP-L restored microbial homeostasis in the gut and milk, concurrently increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Limosilactobacillus. TKP-L alleviates gut dysbiosis-induced mastitis in mice by concurrently modulating the gut-mammary axis through microbial remodeling, enhancement of epithelial barriers, and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings highlight TKP-L as a promising gut microbiota-targeting candidate for mastitis intervention.

Drying of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz (TMHM) was an effective approach for preventing spoilage and extending shelf life. Ten drying methods were systematically evaluated, among which ultrasonic-assisted hot-air drying (Us-HA-D) was identified as the most suitable technique. The drying kinetics analysis indicated that the Weibull model could offer the best fit to the experimental data, while the drying curves revealed that Us-HA-D increased the drying rate by approximately 25-30% compared to the conventional hot-air drying, leading to a reduction in total drying time of up to 40.3%. The microstructural observations confirmed that ultrasonic pretreatment induced the formation of microchannels, which facilitated moisture migration and resulted in a 25.4% rise in the effective moisture diffusivity. Us-HA-D method also significantly improved color preservation, exhibiting the lower total color difference (ΔE), and optimally maintained bioactive components, with the retention of chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and the total phenolic content enhanced by 40.2%, 55.6%, and 40.3%, respectively. The process of Us-HA-D was optimized using the response surface methodology under the following conditions: ultrasound power of 535 W, ultrasound duration of 30 min, air temperature of 60°C, and air velocity of 3.8 m/s, achieving an optimal balance between the product quality and drying efficiency. The findings supported that Us-HA-D was a promising industrial-scale technology for producing high-quality dried TMHM with well-preserved phytochemical profile, color integrity, and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential for broad application in the drying of other food materials.

As a promising alternative source of natural rubber production, Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) demonstrates significant rubber biosynthesis capacity in its root system. To elucidate the transcriptional regulation of rubber biosynthesis, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification of transcription factors (TFs) and their temporal expression patterns during root development. Through genome-wide analysis, we identified 2095 transcription factors (TFs) distributed among 68 families in TKS; with the AP2/ERF-ERF family being the largest, comprising 169 members. RNA-seq profiling across developmental stages (10-80 DAP) revealed distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns. TF expression was initially elevated in young stems, while root-specific TFs, particularly from the WRKY family, peaked at 72 DAP. Sixteen root-enriched TF candidates were functionally validated for tissue specificity, with TkA01G586780 emerging as a key regulator showing elevated expression in mature taproots, transcriptional autoactivation capability in yeast, and activates promoter regions of three mevalonate pathway genes (ACAT3, HMGR6, MVK3) essential for rubber biosynthesis. This study provides the first systematic characterization of TKS transcription factors, revealing critical regulatory networks governing root development and rubber biosynthesis. Our findings establish valuable genomic resources for molecular breeding strategies to enhance rubber yield in this industrially significant alternative crop. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a widely recognised medicinal plant that is entirely edible and nutritionally rich. Traditionally consumed raw and cooked, it is used in cuisine and in food industry as a healthy ingredient, thanks to its high content of bioactive compounds. For centuries, dandelion has been valued in folk medicine for its choleretic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and hepatoprotective effects. While the biological activities of Taraxacum species have been extensively studied, the specific role of T. officinale in modulating neuroinflammation remains underexplored. This study investigated the chemical composition and neuroprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extracts from dandelion leaves (Dan L) and roots (Dan R), derived from three ecotypes: Land Spontaneous (LSE), Mountain Spontaneous (MSE), and Organically grown (OE). In particular, HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that the MSE ecotype contained the highest levels of key polyphenols, including chicoric, caftaric, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids. Notably, MSE extracts of both Dan L and Dan R mitigated the cytotoxic effects of H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HypoE22 hypothalamic cells without causing toxicity. Ex vivo, these extracts modulated neuroinflammatory markers in lipopolysaccharide-treated mouse specimens (prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus) by downregulating TNF-α and NOS-2 and upregulating BDNF expression. These findings suggest that dandelion, especially the mountain ecotype, offers significant antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits. Taraxacum officinale thus emerges not only as a traditional edible plant but also as a functional candidate and polyphenol source for nutraceutical applications targeting neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Plants belonging to the genus Taraxacum are considered a nutritious food, being consumed raw or cooked. Additionally, these plants have long been used in folk medicine due to their choleretic, diuretic, antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This genus, with its complex taxonomy, includes several species that are difficult to distinguish. Its traditional use must be related not only to T. officinale F.H. Wigg., the most studied species, but also to others. The aim of this work is to compare five different common South European species of Taraxacum (T. obovatum (Willd.) DC., T. marginellum H. Lindb., T. hispanicum H. Lindb., T. lambinonii Soest and T. lacistrum Sahlin), in order to find differences between antioxidant and cytotoxic activities among them. Dissimilarities between species in LC/MS patterns, in in vitro and intracellular antioxidant activity and also in the cytotoxicity assay were found. T. marginellum was the most efficient extract reducing intracellular ROS levels although in in vitro assays, T. obovatum was the best free radical scavenger. A relevant cytotoxic effect was found in T. lacistrum extract over HeLa and HepG2 cell lines.

CONTEXT: Taraxacum officinale Weber (Asteraceae), known as dandelion, is used for medicinal purposes due to its choleretic, diuretic, antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the protective activity of T. officinale fruit extract against sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced decreased cellular viability and increased lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rats in vitro. To explain the mechanism of the extract's antioxidant activity, its putative scavenger activities against NO, DPPH·, OH·, and H(2)O(2) were determined. METHODS: Slices of cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were treated with 50 μM SNP and T. officinale fruit ethanolic extract (1-20 µg/mL) to determine cellular viability by MTT reduction assay. Lipid peroxidation was measure in cortical, hippocampal and striatal slices incubates with SNP (5 µM) and T. officinale fruit extract (1-20 µg/mL). We also determined the scavenger activities of T. officinale fruit extract against NO·, DPPH·, OH·, and H(2)O(2), as well as its iron chelating capacity. RESULTS: The extract (1, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) protected against SNP-induced decreases in cellular viability and increases in lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rats. The extract had scavenger activity against DPPH· and NO· at low concentrations and was able to protect against H(2)O(2) and Fe(2+)-induced deoxyribose oxidation. CONCLUSION: T. officinale fruit extract has antioxidant activity and protects brain slices against SNP-induced cellular death. Possible mechanisms of action include its scavenger activities against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract.

Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity has been related to several cases of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic transplant. As APAP hepatotoxicity is related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and excessive oxidative stress, natural antioxidant compounds have been tested as an alternative therapy to diminish the hepatic dysfunction induced by APAP. Taraxacum officinale Weber (Family Asteraceae), commonly known as dandelion, is used for medicinal purposes because of its choleretic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of T. officinale leaf extract against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. T. officinale was able to decrease thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels induced by 200 mg/kg APAP (p.o.), as well as prevent the decrease in sulfhydryl levels caused by APAP treatment. Furthermore, histopathological alterations, as well as the increased levels of serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases caused by APAP, were prevented by T. officinale (0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL). In addition, T. officinale extract also demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro, as well as scavenger activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide radicals. Our results clearly demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of T. officinale against the toxicity induced by APAP. The possible mechanisms involved include its scavenger activities against ROS and reactive nitrogen species, which are attributed to the content of phenolic compounds in the extract.