Synonyms: Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Marian Thistle, Mary Thistle, Silybum, St. Mary's Thistle, Variegated Thistle
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
Genus species: Silybum marianum, Carduus marianum, Carduus marianus
Type: Annual or biennial herb
Part Used: Seed (Fruit)
Homeopathy: Tincture or trituration of the seeds
Location: Argentina, Asia Minor, central Europe, China, Hungary, North Africa, North America, northern Germany, Romania, South America, southern Australia, southern Europe, southern Russia
Actions: Alexeteric, alterative, anticirrhotic, antidepressant, antihyperlipemic, anti-inflammatory (inhibits lipoxygenase in the liver decreasing the production of inflammatory and allergenic leukotrienes), antioxidant, antiperoxidative activity, antiviral, cholagogue, demulcent, depurative, detoxifier, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hepatic, kidney protectant, liver alterative (helps activate the liver's regenerative capacity), liver protectant (antihepatotoxic), powerful antioxidant, prophylaxis and treatment of liver damage caused by metabolic toxins (e.g. alcohol, tissue poisons), purgative, stimulant, stimulates growth of new liver cells, stimulates the synthesis of protein in the liver (ribosomal RNA), sudorific, tonic
Indications: Adrenal disorders, AIDS, alcoholism, allergies, asthma, cancer, chronic degenerative liver conditions (cirrhosis, fatty liver, latent hepatopathies), diabetes mellitus, dropsy, dyspepsia, fever, heavy metal poisoning, hepatitis, jaundice, leukorrhea, liver disorders, mushroom poisoning (Amanita), psoriasis
Homeopathic Indications: Bronchitis, cecitis, dropsy, fever, gallstones, hemoptysis, hemorrhages, hemorrhoids, influenza, jaundice, liver disorders, metrorrhagia, neuralgia, nosebleed, phthisis, pleurisy, rheumatism, sciatica, spleen disorders, varicose veins
Chemicals & Nutrients: Chromium, Fats, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Tin, Vitamin B2, Zinc
Preparation & Dosages: daily dose, 12-15 g, equivalent to 200-400 mg silymarin
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 60% alcohol, dose; 20-40 drops up to 5x/day
Seeds: 12-15 g per day
Tincture: 1:3 in 70% alcohol, dose; 0.5-1 teaspoon up to 4x/day
Contraindications: Decompensated liver cirrhosis, pregnancy.
Safety: Safe when used appropriately.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Mild laxative effect, diarrhea.
Warning: Can depress normal liver function, especially if liver is not in distress. Accumulates nitrates.
Note: To effect a cure, drug must be taken over an extended period of time.