Blessed Thistle

Generic name: Cnicus Benedictus
Brand names: Cardin, Carduus Benedictus, Holy Thistle, Spotted Thistle, St. Benedict's Thistle

Usage of Blessed Thistle

Animal data

Limited studies suggest cytotoxicDuke 2002, Erel 2011, Vanhaelen-Fastrè 1972, Vanhaelen-Fastré 1978 and antimicrobial activityBroekaert 1993, Bruno 2003, Duke 2002, Panagouleas 2003 of extracts of the plant and of the chemical constituent cnicin. Cnicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in rat paw edema tests, with similar efficacy to indomethacin.Duke 2002, Erel 2011 Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activity has also been demonstrated by an ethanol extract of the plant.Paun 2015

Clinical data

Use of blessed thistle is largely based on the ability of the bitter principle cnicin to stimulate secretion of gastric juices and saliva, and potentially bile; however, research reveals no clinical data regarding use of this plant for any indication.

Blessed Thistle side effects

Allergy and hypersensitivity to blessed thistle have been reported.Ulbricht 2008 Use caution in people sensitive to other asteraceous plants. Blessed thistle extract was found to be strongly sensitizing in a study of 12 species in the Asteraceae family.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002, Ulbricht 2008

At high doses (5 to 6 g), blessed thistle is a known emetic.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002, Ulbricht 2008 Avoid use in persons with gastric ulcers, as stimulation of gastric acid secretion has been reported.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002, Ulbricht 2008

Before taking Blessed Thistle

Avoid use. Blessed thistle has been traditionally used as an emmenagogue and should not be used in pregnancy. Although traditionally used to promote lactation, information regarding safety and efficacy in lactation is lacking.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002, Khan 2009, Ulbricht 2008 Blessed thistle was identified as one of the 4 most common herbs used by certified or licensed midwives for increasing lactation based on state-wide surveys in California, Texas, and North Carolina.Dennehy 2010

How to use Blessed Thistle

No clinical studies exist to provide dosing recommendations for blessed thistle. Doses of 4 to 6 g daily have been traditionally used. The leaves (1.5 to 2 teaspoons per cup of water) and dried flowering shoots (1.5 to 3 g 3 times/day) have also been used.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002

Warnings

Clinical information is limited. The oral, median lethal dose of cnicin in mice was 1.6 to 3.2 mmol/kg.Khan 2009

What other drugs will affect Blessed Thistle

None well documented.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.