Dandelion is considered the most powerful of
herbal diuretics, and its action is probably the result of sesquiterpene
lactones. The leaves are a rich source of potassium, which may make it
the only naturally occurring potassium-sparing diuretic, although its
diuretic action is likely different from that of pharmaceuticals. At
very high doses (much, much higher than even during the front-loading
period for Panitrol Relief), the leaves have been shown to possess
diuretic effects comparable to the prescription diuretic frusemide
(Lasix).
Anti-edemic effects are the result of many phytochemicals, among them beta-amyrin and caffeic acid.
Dandelion is also a rich source of vitamins and
minerals. The leaves have a very high content of vitamin A as well as
moderate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron,
silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese