Dandelion Root: An Ally in the Fight Against Spike

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global search for effective methods of prevention and treatment for both acute illness and long-haul symptoms. As variants continue to emerge, and more and more people report persistent spike-related issues, there is a pressing need for alternative approaches to combat the effects of both acute illness and long-COVID.  

While we’ve detailed the therapeutic benefits of Nattokinase and other natural compounds included in TWC’s Spike Support Formula on this platform before, today's article will summarize two studies touting the potency of another natural solution in the fight against spike: common dandelion root extract. 

How Spike Infects Our Cells 

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, enters human cells using a structure called the spike protein. This protein interacts with a human protein called ACE2, which is found on the surface of cells in our body. The binding of these two proteins is a precondition for viral infection. In theory, therefore, any compound which is able to block this interaction could be a potential therapeutic. 

Dandelion Root Impairs Spike’s Binding Ability, Studies Show 

A study published in 2021 examined the ability of dandelion root extract to do just this: prevent the virus's spike protein from binding to the human ACE2 receptor in kidney and lung cells [1]. What makes this study interesting is that the researchers tested the extract in vitro on several different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those with higher infectivity due to increased affinity between the spike protein and ACE2. The results were encouraging: dandelion root extract efficiently inhibited the binding of the spike protein to ACE2 receptors in human cells.  

Importantly, the study also found that while dandelion root extract did not affect the normal function of ACE2 cells, it did temporarily reduce the amount of ACE2 protein present in lung cells. Since ACE2 plays an essential role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, reducing its levels could theoretically offer some protection against the virus. 

Other research has come to similar conclusions. A second study performed by the same research group in 2022 found that exposing the omicron variant to Dandelion Root Extract for 30 minutes “was sufficient to block infection by 80%” [2]. 

To the degree that spike protein lingers in the body for months after infection, contributing to symptoms of long-COVID, it seems plausible that Dandelion root may not only be an effective means of preventing acute illness, but could also mitigate the effects of long-haul symptoms. 

Bottom Line 

The common dandelion root extract has shown promise as a natural treatment against COVID-19 and its emerging variants. While more research is needed to fully understand its potential, the findings offer hope for a readily available, safe, and affordable alternative to help curb the spread of the virus and treat long-haul symptoms. 

Related Supplements  

The Wellness Company’s Spike Support Formula contains the following ingredients:   

• Nattokinase (degrades spike protein)  
• Selenium (supports immune and blood vessel function)  
• Dandelion root (acts as a detoxifying agent supporting better liver function)  
• Black sativa extract (may facilitate cellular repair)  

• Green tea extract (provides added defenses at the cellular level through scavenging for free radicals)  
• Irish sea moss (could help rebuild damaged tissue and muscle)   

References  

[1] Tran, H. T. T., Gigl, M., Le, N. P. K., Dawid, C., & Lamy, E. (2021). In vitro effect of Taraxacum officinale leaf aqueous extract on the interaction between ACE2 cell surface receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein D614 and four mutants. Pharmaceuticals, 14(10), 1055. 

[2] Tran, H. T., Gigl, M., Dawid, C., & Lamy, E. (2022). Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf extract efficiently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in vitro. bioRxiv, 2022-12.