
Milk Thistle
Scientific: | Silybum marianum |
---|---|
Other: | Milk Thistle |
Synonym: | Carduus marianus |
Indications
Hepatobiliary
• various liver complaints
- jaundice
- viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV)
- drug-induced hepatitis
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Gastrointestinal
• poor appetite
- poor digestion
- dyspepsia
- hypochlorhydria
• peptic ulcers
• ulcerative colitis
Female reproductive
• agalactia (poor lactation)
Cancer
• chemotherapy - decreases hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity
Dermatologic
• acne rosacea
Other
• mercury poisoning
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• gout
Actions
• hepatoprotective
• nephroprotective
• cardioprotective
• hepatic
• bitter
• galactagogue
• antiulcerogenic
Constituents
• Flavolignans (e.g. silymarin)
• Phenoilc acids
• Sterols (e.g. beta-sitosterol)
Posology
• Tincture (1:5 in 60% EtOH): 2-5 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 2-6 ml tid
• Decoction (seeds): 1 tsp tid
• Standardized extract (70% silymarin): 600 mg/d
Note: Leaf preparations are devoid of flavolignans, which are found in the seeds.
Safety
Generally considered safe when used as indicated.
References
Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.
Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.
Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002
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