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

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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