Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, is a cherished medicinal herb renowned for its potent hepatoprotective properties. Rich in silymarin, this thistle serves as a powerful antioxidant, supporting liver detoxification and cellular regeneration. It remains a cornerstone in traditional herbalism for treating various liver and gallbladder ailments.
- Scientific name: Silybum marianum
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Silybum marianum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and the genus Silybum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Silybum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions in Northern Europe. Its geographical range extends to the coastal areas of Denmark and the islands of Føroya. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout Great Britain and Ireland. The distribution also encompasses the northern territories of Norway. Collectively, these locations define the primary habitats where this medicinal plant occurs.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Silybum marianum has 93 reported phytochemicals identified across 277 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include silymarin, silybin, Silymarin, silydianin, silibinin.
- Total chemicals
- 93
- Scientific sources
- 277
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| silymarin | 53 | ★★★★★ |
| silybin | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| Silymarin | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| silydianin | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| silibinin | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| silychristin | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| taxifolin | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Silibinin | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| isosilybin | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| isosilybin A | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
Activities
Silybum marianum has 29 reported activities identified across 123 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Neuroprotective, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 29
- Scientific sources
- 123
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatoprotective | 28 | ★★★★★ |
| Antioxidant | 23 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Neuroprotective | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antifibrotic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Silybum marianum has 131 reported medicinal uses identified across 212 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include liver diseases, cancer, oxidative stress, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease.
- Total uses
- 131
- Scientific sources
- 212
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| liver diseases | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| cancer | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| osteoporosis | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| liver disease | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cirrhosis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| depression | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |