Genetic Changes In Common Dandelion (<i>Taraxacum officinale</i>) Induced by High Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Soil

Background: Heavy metal contamination poses a significant environmental threat in developing regions such as the Syunik Province of Armenia, where agricultural lands coexist with metal mining operations. Heavy metals are genotoxic, therefore, the study of genetic changes in wild and cultivated edible plants here is essential for evaluating the safety of traditional plant-based foods (“zhengyal,” honey, herbal teas, etc.). Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is notable for its use in traditional diets and the accumulation of micronutrients. Thus, it’s prospective for both environmental monitoring and functional food development. Context and purpose of this study: The relation between heavy metal contamination of environment and DNA polymorphisms of T. officinale from Syunik, Armenia was studied. Results: Significant genetic variation was observed among the samples, with the highest polymorphism (95.46%) in Artsvanik Village and the lowest (73.24%) in Ttujur District. Increased soil concentrations of Fe and Mn were correlated with greater DNA polymorphism, suggesting a higher mutation rate in contaminated areas. These results point to a direct relationship between heavy metal exposure and genome instability in dandelion plants. Conclusions: Significant genetic changes were observed in samples from all surveyed locations in Syunik. T. officinale is able to accumulate heavy metals and may be used in ecotoxicological and remediation research as bio-indicator. Also, it could be recommended for further research as potential source for bioactive supplements and functional foods elaboration with diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory properties. Keywords: Taraxacum officinale, food safety, heavy metals, soil contamination, PCR, polymorphism