The Effect of Dandelion Leaves and Roots on Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Dandelion leaves and roots have been used extensively over the years for its medicinal and health benefits. However, a systematic review of data indicates a paucity of knowledge on its use as an anti-diabetic herb. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the anti-diabetic effect of dandelion leaf and root powder in type 2 diabetic patients. Calculated sample size of sixty (60) Type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from the diabetes center of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana for the clinical study and randomized into three groups. In total the first group of participants received 45 g of dandelion leaf powder, second group received 45 g of dandelion root powder and third group (controls) received no treatment. The intervention groups consumed 5 g of dandelion each day for 9 days. Participants took 5 g of the treatment each day and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were monitored before and during the treatment periods and recorded into data capturing sheets. The results showed that 86.7% of the study participants were between the ages of 40 and 70 years, 53.33% and 10% were overweight and obese respectively. About 61% of these participants were females. Average caloric intakes of participants in all three groups increased over the study period but was not significant (p > 0.05). Consumption of 5 g of dandelion leaf and root powder for nine (9) days significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels from 10.7 mmol/L to 7.5 mmol/L (p < 0.05) and 10.5 mmol/L to 8.6 mmol/L (p < 0.05) respectively of type two diabetic patients. For the control the average FBS rose from 10.8 mmol/L to 10.9 mmol/L, however this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was no difference in FBG between those who consumed the roots and those who consumed the leaves. Frequency of urination was not affected significantly by the consumption of dandelion leaves or roots. Inculcating traditional medicinal plants like dandelion into the management/treatment of diabetes may help improve the health and well-being of type 2 diabetic patients. Long term effect of dandelion consumption should be investigated.