The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day.
BACKGROUND
Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber (Asteraceae) has been extensively employed as a diuretic in traditional folk medicine and in modern phytotherapy in Europe, Asia, and the Americas without prior clinical trial substantiation.


OBJECTIVE
In this pilot study, a high-quality fresh leaf hydroethanolic extract of the medicinal plant T. officinale (dandelion) was ingested by volunteers to investigate whether an increased urinary frequency and volume would result.


METHODS
Volume of urinary output and fluid intake were recorded by subjects. Baseline values for urinary frequency and excretion ratio (urination volume:fluid intake) were established 2 days prior to dandelion dosing (8 mL TID) and monitored throughout a 1-day dosing period and 24 hours postdosing.


RESULTS
For the entire population (n = 17) there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the frequency of urination in the 5-hour period after the first dose. There was also a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the excretion ratio in the 5-hour period after the second dose of extract. The third dose failed to change any of the measured parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these first human data, T. officinale ethanolic extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans. Further studies are needed to establish the value of this herb for induction of diuresis in human subjects.
Clare
Bevin A
BA
Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, Laurel, MD 20723, USA.
Conroy
Richard S
RS
Spelman
Kevin
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004231:Diuresis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D031205:Taraxacum; D014554:Urination / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D004232:Diuretics; D010936:Plant Extracts
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