A study by researchers from the University of Windsor and the University of Ottawa, published in Oncotarget, found that dandelion root extract (DRE) induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in over 95% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours in lab (in vitro) experiments. The extract was effective against both p53-positive and p53-negative colon cancer cell lines (HT‑29 and HCT116). In mouse models (in vivo), oral DRE significantly slowed tumor growth by over 90%. The mechanism involved activation of both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (caspase-8) apoptosis pathways, increased reactive oxygen species, and disruption of mitochondrial integrity. Key phytochemicals included α‑amyrin, β‑amyrin, lupeol, and taraxasterol. However, these results are preliminary, limited to lab and animal studies, and have not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials. Dandelion root is not an approved treatment for cancer, and medical consultation is essential before considering its use.
Referring to a 2016 study from researchers at the University of Windsor and the University of Ottawa, published in Oncotarget, which explored the effects of dandelion root extract (DRE) on colorectal cancer (oncotarget.com).
🧪 What the study found:
- In vitro (in lab dishes): DRE selectively induced programmed cell death in over 95% of colon cancer cells within 48 hours—regardless of their p53 status.
- In vivo (in living organisms): When taken orally, DRE reduced the growth of human colon tumor xenografts by more than 90% (oncotarget.com).
🧬 What’s in the extract?
They identified several bioactive compounds—like α‑amyrin, β‑amyrin, lupeol, and taraxasterol—but found the whole extract worked more effectively, suggesting a combination effect (oncotarget.com).
🧟♂️ Is the science enough?
- These results are promising, but limited to pre-clinical tests.
- Some early-stage phase I trials in Canada looked at safety in patients with limited options (worldteanews.com).
🧠 What Reddit users say:
“Many things shrink cancer cells in vitro… Most of these ‘X kills cancer’ things require concentrations that would be unhealthy to attempt to flood the body with… That’s why we get so many Cancer cure articles that never go anywhere.”
(reddit.com)
This echoes the caution that lab success doesn’t always translate into real-world results.
✅ Summary:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Lab success | Strong anti-cancer effects against colon cancer in preclinical studies |
| Active compounds | Multiple, with synergistic effect |
| Human trials? | Early-stage trials in Canada, but no large-scale results yet |
| Be cautious | Preclinical data is promising, but not conclusive for treatment |
💡 Bottom line:
Dandelion root extract shows real potential in the lab, but it’s not yet a proven cancer cure. For now, it’s best viewed as an emerging area of research, not a replacement for standard medical treatment. If you’re interested, keeping an eye on future clinical results is a good idea.