A September, 2007 study from Japan found that an extract of dandelion could increase the number of sex hormone receptors found on the surface of cells. The study, which was carried out on mice, found an up-regulation of estrogen, progesterone and FSH receptors, which presumably increase the activity of whatever amounts of these hormones are present in the blood. As an added benefit, the extract made the mice more responsive to gonadotrophin. When this hormone was injected to mice, those that were dandelioned-up responded by producing more sex hormones.

The extract increased both alpha and beta estrogen receptors. The alpha receptors are more common in the uterus and breasts, and are more associated with reproductive tissues. The beta receptors are found in a variety of tissues, including blood vessels.

The study involved feeding the mice an extract orally, which indicates that the dandelion extract is not broken down by digestion. The first applications may be related to menopause (when hormone levels fall) and other conditions involving hormone disturbances.

No word on what effect the extract has on testosterone or other male hormone receptors.

Traditionally, dandelion root has been used as diuretic, and the young leaves as a nutritious salad green. As the leaves mature, they become bitter. Dandelion root is available in a tincture or in tea form at most health food stores. Not sure how concentrated this extract was, or whether ordinary doses of dandelion would have a noticeable effect.

External Links

• Dandelion T-1 extract up-regulates reproductive hormone receptor expression in mice.