Abstract
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion herb, is a popular medicinal
and therapeutic herb used for many years and is mostly raised in Europe, Asia, North
and South America. It contains several nutrients and bioactive substances, especially
the leaves and roots of this herb, which are a rich source of fiber, lecithin, choline, and
micronutrients such as minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, etc., iron) and
vitamins (A, C, K, and B-complex). The root has been commonly used for digestive
and liver problems due to its stimulatory effects on the production of bile and
detoxification functions. The leaves of dandelion have stimulatory functions on the
digestive system and possess diuretic effects. Furthermore, several studies have shown
that dandelion leaves can enhance the growth and productivity of poultry. Various
functions on the intestinal mucosa have been reported, including the effects on the
architecture of villi, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and cellular infiltration. This herb
also has various beneficial functions, such as immunomodulatory effects, stimulation
of the digestive system and insulin activation, enhancing the metabolism of androgens,
and acting as a probiotic, antiangiogenic, antineoplastic and demulcent. Moreover, the
dandelion herb can treat indigestions and hepatitis B infection. Due to the lack of studies on the effects of dandelion, further research has to be conducted to exploit the
medicinal properties of this herb for its beneficial health impact on humans, pet and
livestock animals (e.g., poultry) nutrition.