Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Milk thistle, St Mary's thistle

Family: Asteraceae (Aster)

Distribution: Mediterranean

Comments: For many centuries extracts of milk thistle have been recognized as "liver tonics." Milk thistle has been reported to have protective effects on the liver and to greatly improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), toxin-induced liver damage including the prevention of severe liver damage from Amanita phalloides ('death cap' mushroom poisoning), and gallbladder disorders.