These bright yellow weeds, flourishing in every suburban lawn, may soon be known as more than just a springtime nuisance. A clinical study will examine the potential anti-cancer properties of dandelion root extract, hoping to mirror the promising results already seen in laboratory studies.

Dr. Siyaram Pandey, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor and lead investigator on this project, is recruiting 30 cancer patients to participate in the study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. The clinical test follows laboratory studies in which dandelion tea, containing the root extract of the flower, has shown great promise in the fight against cancer.

Les avantages de la décoction de pissenlit révélés

Dandelion tea has been prized for years by proponents of natural and alternative health remedies for a number of reasons. It is effective in promoting detoxification, increasing urination and replacing potassium lost in this elimination process.

Far more remarkable, dandelion is widely recognized as a immune system and body healing stimulator, while fighting heart disease and cancer, and reducing the effects of aging.

Les études scientifiques mettent en évidence la puissance du pissenlit

The clinical study, which will take place at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center, will involve patients with advanced blood-related cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. The study will look at similarities with results from laboratory trials where dandelion root extract decoction has been shown to be highly effective against cancer cells.

During laboratory testing, researchers studied the effects of dandelion tea on a number of leukemia cells. The team found that dandelion caused cancer cells to destroy themselves, as if by apoptosis.

The research team has formed a new company, Windsor Botanical Therapeutics, with the goal of signing a contract with a Health Canada drug manufacturer to create the dandelion extract that can be used clinically.

According to Dr. Pandey, the first phase of the clinical study is part of the "Dandelion Root Project," a trial designed to highlight the scientific evidence for the use of dandelion root extract and other natural health products as a safe and effective way to fight cancer.

Le Canada va-t-il servir d’exemple au reste du monde ?

This phase of clinical testing has already had the blessing of Health Canada, in 2012. The final goal of this first stage will be primarily to determine the correct dose needed to affect cancer cells.

The research began after Dr. Pandey was approached by an oncologist who noted that cancer patients who consumed dandelion tea improved. The results were promising enough to obtain financial support from philanthropists.

Only time will tell if this information will be released to the general public. There are many people - within the pharmaceutical industry - who want to keep the average citizen in the dark. It is up to each of us to spread the word. People need to know more about the healing power of dandelion and many other substances from the plant world.

Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/cancer-killing-dandelion-tea-gets-157k-research-grant-1.1248382

http://globalnews.ca/news/212574/can-dandelions-kill-cancer

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/30-patients-to-test-dandelion-s-cancer-killing-potential-1.2959815