Carduus marianus – Milk Thistle is one of the ‘Carduus’ thistles – ‘Carduus marianus’, also known as ‘Silybum marianus’. It has been used to benefit health for at least 2000 years. The Roman Pliny wrote of the beneficial effects of Milk Thistle on the Liver. And it was highly regarded by Dioscorides, Galen, Gerard and Culpepper.
In the last few decades, much research has been carried out in Europe on Milk Thistle . In some parts – Germany, for example, it has become one of the most used herbs.
The Liver
The main reason for the popularity of Milk Thistle is that it supposedly protects the Liver, and improves its function. In addition, there are no contra-indications known for Milk Thistle.
Milk Thistle has been shown in laboratory experiments to protect the Liver against attack by carbon tetrachloride – a strong poison found in some household cleaners; and against Death Cap mushroom – which can be fatal if eaten. Such results highlight its protective abilities.
The most active parts of Milk Thistle appear to be a group of agents known collectively as ‘Silymarin’. Certainly, research has shown that Silymarin appears to have two particular effects on the Liver:
1. It supposedly protects the Liver from damage due to toxins or disease, and
2. It has been shown to boost regeneration of Liver tissue where there has been damage.
This might explain why Milk Thistle has been popular to take alongside medical drugs. For example, some sources recommend taking this herb where chemotherapy is being used. Also, Milk Thistle appears to promote repair of damaged Liver tissue following alcohol abuse. Anecdotal evidence (reports from users who are not in a scientific study) certainly supports this. Milk Thistle is also recommended to assist recovery after hepatitis, which can cause damage to the Liver.
