Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) takes its name from the Virgin Mary. The story goes that while feeding her son Jesus on a trip between Egypt and Palestine, Mary spilled a few drops of her breast milk on a thistle bush. It is from these drops that the white veins of the leaves of the plant come from.

In its fruit, milk thistle contains silymarin, its active ingredient, known for its protective effects on the liver. It promotes its cellular metabolism while preventing it and protecting it from damage caused by natural or synthetic toxins.

The Commission¹and the WHO recognize the use of silymarin to treat hepatic poisoning (use of extract standardized to 70% or 80% of silymarin) and its effectiveness against liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, in addition to ‘classic medical treatment. In daily use, it slows down the development of cirrhosis.

Some people may have a reaction to milk thistle if they are allergic to plants such as daisies, stars, chamomile, etc.

For liver disorders, it is recommended to take standardized extract of milk thistle (70% to 80% silymarin) at a rate of 140 mg to 210 mg, 3 times a day.

The 24 members of Commission E constituted an exceptional interdisciplinary panel which included recognized experts in medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacy and phytotherapy. From 1978 to 1994, these specialists evaluated 360 plants based on extensive documentation including, among other things, chemical analyzes, experimental, pharmacological and toxicological studies as well as clinical and epidemiological research. The first draft of a monograph was reviewed by all members of Commission E, but also by scientific associations, academic experts and other specialists. Herbal medicine from A to Z, health through plants, p 31. Protect yourself, practical guide, natural health products, everything you need to know to use them better, p36. Treatise on phytotherapy, doctor Jean-Michel Morel, Grancher edition.