Blessed thistle (Boyang Dong, Purdue College of Pharmacy

Boyang Dong (Pharmacy Student) Spring 2022

Scientific Name: Cnicus benedictus L., Carduus benedictus Steud., Carbenia benedicta Adans Common Names: Holy thistle, St.-Benedict's-thistle, our Lady's thistle, bitter thistle, spotted thistle, cursed thistle, blessed cardus

Common use:

Background/History:

Native to the Mediterranean, Blessed thistle was a medieval panacea and was known everywhere in Europe by the Latin name Carduus benedictus. "Blessed" is thought to derived from the thistle's reputation as an aid in many diseases, especially as a plague cure.

diarrhea cough swelling indigestion infections wounds other conditions with no scientific People use it for many other conditions, but there is no scientific Mechanism of Action: evidence to support these uses.

The bitterness of cnicin within blessed thistle stimulates the activity of the digestive system and increases the flow of saliva as well as the secretion of gastric juice, which therefore improves the appetite and digestion of people. Moreover, some pharmacological evidence suggests that blessed thistle may have antiinflammatory properties. tea or liquid extract capsules topicals

Dosage Forms:

Typical Dosing:

1/2 teaspoon of dried herb with 250ml of boiling water to make a tea and drink three cups daily No detail found for topical dosing Two capsules 3three times daily

Citations: Health topics A-Z. PeaceHealth. Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed thistle. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Published July 19, 2021. Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed thistle: Medlineplus supplements. MedlinePlus. 23 Accessed February 26, 2022. Blessed Thistle. Blog.metmuseum.org. Accessed February 26, 2022.

Effectiveness: Safety/Warnings:

I could not find any information on reliable sources.

Adverse/side effects:

allergic reactions (high doses) stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting (women in breastfeeding) elevated liver enzymes

Interactions:

No known interactions with foods, herbs, and supplements.

Blessed thistle can increase the stomach acid, so it might decrease the effects of antacids, H2blockers, and/or proton pump inhibitors.

Personal Opinion:

Blessed thistle seems to be used by people in many ways, especially for breastfeeding women. However, in my opinion, I would not recommend people to use it because there is lack of scientific evidence on its effectiveness as well as its safety for use! ~ B. Dong Do not use during pregnancy Avoid use blessed thistle during breastfeeding due to lack of reliable information Do not take blessed thistle if you have

intestinal problems, such as infections, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions

because it might irritate the stomach and intestines. Blessed thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others).

Summary of One Study:

Blessed Thistle

A double-blind randomized study showed no differences between the control group (the group with lemon verbena tea) and the experiment group (the group with blessed thistle herb in their tea) in terms of infant digestive, respiratory, dermatological, and other adverse events as well as growth of the breastfed infants. 24