Cholesterol on the Brain

Dandelion and Parasites;
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) exhibits potential anti-parasitic properties, particularly in the context of schistosomiasis. Studies in mouse models have shown that dandelion root extract (TOR) alone can significantly reduce worm burden, ova count, and the size of hepatic granulomas associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection.
This effect is attributed to the extract's ability to cause visible damage to the worm's tegument, including peeling, rupture of tubercles, and loss of spines, which impairs the parasite's ability to attach to blood vessel walls and absorb nutrients, ultimately leading to its death.
The anti-parasitic effect is linked to the root's high content of flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, and sesquiterpene lactones, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties.
Furthermore, dandelion root acts as a potent adjunct to the standard anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ). Combined therapy with PZQ and TOR has been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone, resulting in a greater reduction in worm burden and ova count, improved immunomodulatory effects (such as increased CD3+ and CD4+ cell counts and interferon-gamma levels), enhanced antioxidant activity (SOD and CAT enzymes), and reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO).
This combination also significantly decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and inhibited hepatic DNA damage, indicating a reduction in liver fibrosis.
The root's tannins may also aid in the expulsion of parasites from the intestines, while its inulin content acts as a prebiotic, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
While these findings are promising, the research is primarily based on animal studies, and further investigation is required to determine the optimal clinical dose for humans and to fully understand the molecular mechanisms behind dandelion root's anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory effects.