Evaluation of Dandelion for Diuretic Activity and Variation in Potassium Content

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) was evaluated for diuretic activity. Extracts and purified fractions isolated from autumn-collected roots were examined using saline - loaded mice. No significant increases in urine volume and sodium excretion were produced by any extracts. Dandelion leaves and roots collected from different locations in Ireland were also examined over a period of eight months (October-May) for total ash and major mineral contents. No significant variation or major trends in any of the parameters were found. Average leaf ash was 14.50% w/w and root ash 7.50% w/w; leaf ash was always.twice the value of root ash when obtained from the same plants. Mean leaf K+ content was 4.51% w/w and for roots 2.45% w/w. The K+ content of both leaves and roots always represented one third of the total ash. Mean Na+ contents for leaves were 0.49% w/w and roots 0.33% w/w; while values for Ca2+ were 0.88% w/w for leaves and 0.33% w/w for roots. The high K+ content of dandelion is considered to be the agent responsible for any diuretic activity.