Suggested Dosing
Infusion: 2 g/150 mL water PO qD
Tea
1 cup (1.5-3 g/150 mL water) PO TID
4-6 g/d div TID PO (recommended by the German Commission E monograph)
Other Information
Tincture (1 g/5 mL): 10 mL PO qD
Fluidextract (1 g/mL): 2 mL PO qD OR 1.5-3 mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) PO TID
Suggested Uses
Indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, poor appetite, flatulent dyspepsia, bronchial catarrh
Topical use: injured skin, gangrenous & indolent ulcers
Efficacy
Viral infections; antimicrobial effects in laboratory studies
Induced abortion: unclear safe and effective dosage
Increase breast milk flow: not recommended-see cautions
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (0)
Minor (14)
- aluminum hydroxide
blessed thistle decreases effects of aluminum hydroxide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- calcium carbonate
blessed thistle decreases effects of calcium carbonate by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- cimetidine
blessed thistle decreases effects of cimetidine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- dexlansoprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of dexlansoprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- esomeprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of esomeprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- famotidine
blessed thistle decreases effects of famotidine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- ibuprofen/famotidine
blessed thistle decreases effects of ibuprofen/famotidine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- lansoprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of lansoprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- nizatidine
blessed thistle decreases effects of nizatidine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- omeprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of omeprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- pantoprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of pantoprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- rabeprazole
blessed thistle decreases effects of rabeprazole by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- sodium bicarbonate
blessed thistle decreases effects of sodium bicarbonate by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- sodium citrate/citric acid
blessed thistle decreases effects of sodium citrate/citric acid by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
GI irritation
Vomiting (>5 g dose)
Warnings
Contraindications
Allergy to blesssed thistle
Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcer
Pregnancy
Cautions
Do not confuse with milk thistle or other thistle products
Using to increase breast milk flow is discouraged since effect on nursing infant unknown
<18 years: not recommended
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: not recommended
Lactation: not recommended
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of Action
Active constituent: sesquiterpene lactones including cnicin
Stimulates secretion of saliva and gastric juices; antibacterial activity
