Scotch Thistle
OTHER NAME(S): Acanthe Sauvage, Alcachofa Borriquera, Ansarina, Chardon aux Ânes, Chardon d'Écosse, Chardon à Feuilles d'Acanthe, Herbe aux Ânes, Onopordon Fausse-Acanthe, Toba, Woolly Thistle, Onopordum acanthium, Onoporde Acanthe, Cardo Borriquero
Overview
Scotch thistle is a plant. It is used as medicine.
People use Scotch thistle for cancer, ulcers, fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Be careful not to confuse Scotch thistle with similar sounding natural medicines such as milk thistle or Scotch broom.
Some chemicals in scotch thistle might kill bacteria or reduce swelling (inflammation).
Some chemicals in scotch thistle might kill bacteria or reduce swelling (inflammation).
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Stimulating the heart.
- Cancer.
- Fever.
- Ulcers.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Scotch thistle for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Scotch thistle is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Scotch thistle is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Scotch thistle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Scotch thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking Scotch thistle.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Scotch Thistle overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Scotch thistle depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Scotch thistle. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Móricz ÁM, Krüzselyi D, Alberti Á, et al. Layer chromatography-bioassays directed screening and identification of antibacterial compounds from Scotch thistle. J Chromatogr A. 2017;1524:266-272.
- Lajter I, Pan SP, Nikles S, et al. Inhibition of COX-2 and NF-?B1 gene expression, NO production, 5-LOX, and COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes by extracts and constituents of Onopordum acanthium. Planta Med. 2015;81(14):1270-6.