blessed thistle

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Digestive support: Helps improve digestion and relieve digestive discomfort. 
• Galactagogue: Stimulates breast milk production in nursing mothers. 
• Liver support: Supports liver health and detoxification processes. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: May help reduce inflammation in the body. 
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity: Exhibits some antimicrobial effects. 
• Diuretic effects: Increases urine production and promotes fluid elimination. 
• Antioxidant activity: Provides antioxidant protection against free radicals. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Vomiting when taken more than 5 gm 

Gastrointestinal irritation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Pregnancy 
• Liver disease 
• Allergies 
• Medication interactions 
• Hormonal disorders 
• Bleeding disorders  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Avoid usage during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Avoid usage during breastfeeding. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• Bitter principles: blessed thistle contains bitter compounds that stimulate digestive processes, including gastric acid secretion and bile production. 
• Galactagogue activity: It is traditionally used to support breast milk production in nursing mothers, although the exact mechanisms are not well-established. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: blessed thistle may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially attributed to sesquiterpene lactones and other bioactive compounds. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Hormonal effects: blessed thistle contains phytoestrogens that can interact with estrogen receptors in the body, but more research is needed to understand the full extent of its hormonal effects. 
• Liver support: It has been used to support liver health and promote detoxification processes, although the specific mechanisms are not well-defined. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The bioavailability of blessed thistle constituents after oral consumption needs to be well-established. The absorption of its compounds may vary depending on factors such as the specific constituents, formulation, and individual characteristics. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the constituents of blessed thistle may distribute throughout the body. They may reach various tissues and organs, where they can exert their physiological effects. 

Metabolism 

The metabolism of blessed thistle constituents within the body needs to be well-documented. How the compounds are metabolized or transformed in the body is still being determined. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The elimination of half-life and clearance of blessed thistle constituents have yet to be extensively studied. It is uncertain how long the compounds persist in the body before being metabolized or excreted. The specific routes of elimination need to be better defined. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) can be administered in various forms depending on the desired use and individual preference. It can be taken orally as tea or herbal extract. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: blessed thistle 

Why do we use blessed thistle? 

The blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is used for various reasons due to its potential health benefits. The standard uses involve digestive support, galactagogue, liver support, anti-inflammatory effects, diuretic effects, and antioxidant activity.