Milk thistle
Silybum marianum, family Asteraceae. Part discussed: Seed (fruit).
Identity
- Common name
- Milk thistle
- Botanical name
- Silybum marianum
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part or material
- Seed (fruit)
- Classification
- Botanical
- Educational category
- Digestive Wellness
About
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Asteraceae, fruit (fructus), synonym Carduus marianus. Silymarin is the main extract constituent.
Forms and distinctions
Different preparations of the same material are described separately, because what is recorded for one form does not carry to another.
Fruit and extract forms only.
Safety considerations
Oral use appears well tolerated, most common side effects are digestive (bloating, nausea, gas); allergic reactions are possible, particularly in people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold or daisy; little is known about pregnancy or breastfeeding safety.
References
The authorities this entry draws on, named so you can weigh them yourself.
- EMA HMPC Silybi mariani fructus · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- NCCIH Milk Thistle · US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
This entry is educational. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a statement about any Pam Oh Herbs Collection or its contents. It carries no dosage and no claim of effect.