Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.inspiritoo.com/id14/sevilla-diariohd.html

Common name: 
St Mary’s thistle 
(Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Latin binomial:  
Silybum marianum, Carduus marianus
(Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Family:  
Compositae  
(Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Parts used: 
Fruit (seed) 
(Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Active constituents: 

• Flavones silybin
• Silydianin
• Silychristin
• Essential oils
• Bitter principles
• Muscilage 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 209).

Actions:

• Cholagogue
• Galactogogue
• Demulcent 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 209).

Indications

• This herb is very useful for promoting the milk secretion in breastfeeding mothers
• Can be used to increase the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder 

     (Hoffman, 1983, p. 209).

• Preventing gallstone formation
• Abnormal liver function- skin conditions
• Fatty liver
• Gallbladder problems 
• Dyseptic complaints

 (Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Contraindications: 
Know allergies 
(Bone, 2003, p. 326)

Cautions:
controversy whether it affects cyt P450 enzymes / evidence is contradictory Until results can be confirmed clinically, caution is advised with drugs metabolized by CYP2C e.g. warfarin users (Braun & Cohen).

Dosage:

• 4.5-8.5ml of 1:1 LE per day 30-60ml of 1:1 LE per week
• 4.5- 8.5 of 1:1 glycertract per day or 30-60 ml of 1:1 glycertract

(Bone, 2003, p. 326) 

References: 

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Braun, L. Cohen, M. (2010) Herbs and natural supplements; an evidence-based guide. Elsevier: NSW. 

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.