Botanical Profile
Note: Statements on milk thistle relate predominantly to the fruits and their silymarin complex.
Milk thistle is a distinctive thistle-like member of the Asteraceae. In phytochemical literature, it is particularly associated with the silymarin complex.
Silybum marianum is characterised by spiny leaves and purple flower heads. Pharmacognostic literature focuses primarily on the fruits, Silybi mariani fructus.
Phytochemistry
Phytochemically, milk thistle is characterised primarily by flavonolignans, which are frequently described collectively under the term silymarin.
Traditional Uses
The EMA lists the Assessment Report EMA/HMPC/294188/2013 for Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., fructus. ESCOP and pharmacognostic reference works likewise treat Silybi mariani fructus as a distinct plant and drug context.
Current Research
Modern research investigates silymarin and individual flavonolignans in connection with antioxidant, hepatological and cell-biological research fields.
Sources
- Assessment report on Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., fructus.
- ESCOP Monographs – Silybi mariani fructus.
- Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases. PubMed-indexed review.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.