Acknowledgements

clinical trials supporting its use [58], which prevents this genus from attracting the possibility of

Depending on the bioassay selected, diverse extraction conditions should be tested to study the influence of solvents, temperatures, and other parameters that might change outcomes in the extraction process employed. Authors often use non-standardized procedures derived from self-experience combined with bibliographic references, further complicating comparisons between investigations. Even though there are vast amounts of literature on Taraxacum biochemical composition and antimicrobial activity, few isolated compounds can be directly related to this activity because studies do not always identify the accurate active fraction and its associated components. In bioassays, the extract generally used is a mixture of compounds; therefore, there is a strong possibility that the activity may be due to the synergy of the compounds present in the extract and not related to a specific compound. The identification, extraction, and isolation of these active compounds are major areas of research that can be initially pursued to formulate a promising source of Taraxacum antibiotics. The next step is to test these extracts on in vitro and in vivo systems to establish pharmacodynamics and interactions, facilitating the commercial attractiveness of Taraxacum to the pharmaceutical industry. The bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, and action mechanisms in Taraxacum bioactives have not yet been addressed. Considering that primarily in vitro and, to a much lesser extent, in vivo studies have been conducted using Taraxacum extracts, direct application is the only route that has been considered. If a bioactive compound is going to be suggested as a potential therapeutic agent, other application routes must be tested. Oral ingestion, injection, or inhalation have different characteristics that need to be considered, such as flavor, compound volatility, stability in stomach pH, and possible organ irritation, among others. Therefore, clinical trials are fundamental to evaluating the suitability of Taraxacum extract use in pharmacological approaches.

Only a minor fraction of the Taraxacum species has been tested against microorganisms that cause human, animal, and plant diseases. Considering that species can differ in composition due to environmental and genetic characteristics, the evaluated antimicrobial properties could also differ, which means that there is a considerable potential in establishing this genus as a commercial antimicrobial compound. Currently, this genus is considered to have a mild antimicrobial activity compared to other plants, but its worldwide presence and simple cultivation

Generally, studies do not provide sufficient details concerning the sample manipulation, extraction procedure, or bioassay used, which are necessary for standardization and further statistical comparison. Therefore, despite the published data, it is not possible to conclude which solvent or which conditions provide the optimal results for antimicrobial activity; however, it is possible to

Isolation and purification of Taraxacum compounds needs to be further explored. Although synergy is an important characteristic of plant mixtures responsible for its antimicrobial activity and even though bioactive synthesis is difficult and expensive on a large scale, knowing the

set a range of operational parameters that can be used to maximize extract potential.

provide an advantage that needs to be assessed more accurately.

economic development in the pharmacological industry.

7. Conclusion

298 Herbal Medicine

This work has been supported by Innova Chile CORFO Code FCR-CSB 09CEII-6991 and a doctoral fellowship awarded by the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Chile.
