Latin name: Silybum marianum
Family: Asteraceae or aster family
Folk Names: St. Mary’s Thistle, Mary’s Thistle, Holy Thistle
Image Credit: KingCounty.gov 
Image Credit: iNaturalist 
Image Credit: MN Dept of Agriculture 
Image Credit: Amkha Seed
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Seeds
One of the best kept herbal secrets and highly overlooked! Native to Europe but now grows along both coasts of North America and Canada. Generally considered a noxious weed.
It is indicated for congestion and inflammation of the liver, spleen and kidneys accompanied by hemorrhagic tendencies. There is a dull aching pain over the kidneys which passes up to the left scapula and additional pain in the right side of the liver. It is indicated for individuals with congested veins, pelvic congestion, prolapse organs and blood stasis leading to hemorrhage.
Organoleptics
TEXTURE – pokey appearance, yet fuzzy flowers softer to touch. White vein-like patterns with spiky leaves.
COLOR – leaves and spines green/white, reddish purple flowers
AROMA + FLAVOR – Bitter
CONSTITUENTS
- Silymarin (1.5-3%)
- Flavonoids (65-80%)
- Silybin A, B
- Isosilybin A, B
- Silychristin
- Isiosilychristin
- Silydianin
- Taxifolin
- Fatty Acids (20-35%)
- Polyphenolic compounds
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Antioxidant
- Hepatoprotective
- Hepatotrophorestorative
- Gastroprotectant
- Hypoglycemic/Antidiabetic
- Kidney protective – glomerular and tubular protection from toxicity
- Neuroprotective
- Cardioprotective
- Galactagogue (takes you to space! JK 🙂
- Apoptotic without cytotoxic effects
- Radioprotective
- Choleretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hypocholesterolemic
Clinical Indications:
- Liver disease
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Infectious Hepatitis
- Drug-Induced Hepatitis
- Inflamed bile ducts
- Increase glutathione levels
- Indigestion
- Jaundice
- Lack of Appetite
- Gallstones – delaying surgery by “quieting” the gallbladder
- “Stored Toxins” – burden of phase 1 liver detox pathways –(skin breakouts, rash, headaches)
- Mushroom poisoning (Amanita)
- Reducing estrogen dominance
- Fibroids
- Heavy bleeding
- Acne
- Diabetic Aid
- Lowered lipoperoxidative damage
- Lowered blood glucose levels (Initial effects took a month)
- Lowered glycosylated hemoglobin levels
- Lowered exogenous insulin requirements
- Decreased HbA1c levels
- Improved liver enzymes
- Improve cellular membranes to increase resistance to infectious influences
- Increases production of RNA and protein synthesis to regenerate cells
Folk: Breast milk deficiency, colic, hemorrhoids, intestinal disease, itching, malaria, phlebitis, psoriasis, spleen disease, stomach disease, uterine disease.
Energetics:
Meridian/Organ Affinity:
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Appears to be generally safe when used in amounts traditional to use in treatment. Prolonged, large doses may cause headaches and itching as the main side effects, lesser being nausea and diarrhea. Changes in digestion may be observed due to increased bile secretions. Currently, no western pharmaceutical counterpart. No side effects of drug interactions have been reported. No known restrictions for pregnancy and/or lactation.
Dosage
For daily use as a liver protectant, dosage is 175 mg a day of 30:1 seed extract. For therapeutic use and restorative effects, dosage is 600 mg/day standardized to 80% silymarin. Must be consumed with proper hydration.
LIQUID EXTRACT: 1:1, 4.5 to 8.5 ml per day OR 30 – 60 ml per week
GLYCETRACT – 1:1, 4.5 – 8.5 ml per day OR 30 – 60 ml per week
Combinations:
- Increased absorption of silymarin when consumed with phospholipid lecithin
- For gallbladder- silymarin, cynara, fringe tree, corydalis, chamomile and taraxacum rad.
- Burdock- Liver and hormonal clearance
