The study of hydroxycinnamic acids in the raw material of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.

Abstract

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It originates from the Mediterranean, and is found in the Caucasus, Central Asia, North America, Africa, Southern Australia, and Ukraine. As a unique medicinal plant, milk thistle has been used since ancient times all over the world to treat liver diseases and normalize digestion, stimulate lactation, and treat inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and lungs. The powerful hepatoprotective activity of milk thistle fruits is especially known. Also, the plant's fruits are widely used as antioxidant and choleretic drugs.