Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances by Donald G. Barceloux

Author:Donald G. Barceloux
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2012-02-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 80

MILK THISTLE

[Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner]

HISTORY

For over 2,000 years, milk thistle has been a treatment for hepatobiliary disease. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79), described this plant as “excellent for carrying off the bile.” During the 16th century, milk thistle was a treatment for liver diseases. The English herbalist/physician, Nicolas Culpepper (1616–1654) recommended milk thistle for jaundice, and the Swiss physician, Albrecht von Haller (1708–1777) used milk thistle as a treatment for liver diseases. European colonists introduced milk thistle into the United States and South America. Medical herbalists (eclectics) used milk thistle for liver congestion, menstrual disorders, renal dysfunction, and varicose veins.1

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Common Name: Milk Thistle, Blessed Milk-Thistle, Blessed Milkthistle, Spotted Thistle, Variegated Thistle

Scientific Name: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner

Botanical Family: Asteraceae (sunflowers, tournesols)

Physical Description: This annual or biennial plant reaches 3–10 ft (∼1–3 m) in height with large, alternating leaves that contain spines on the edges. The veins on the leaves extrude a white, milky sap when ruptured. Single, large purple flowers with sharp spines appear at the end of each stem from June to August.

Distribution and Ecology: Milk thistle is indigenous to southern Europe, southern Russia, North Africa, and Asia Minor. This plant has naturalized to dry, rocky soils in North and South America, Australia, China, and Central Europe.

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