Silybum - online puzzles

Silybum ( milk thistle ) is a genus of two species of thistles in the daisy family. The plants are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. One species has been introduced elsewhere, including in North America. The name " milk thistle " derives from a feature of the leaves, which are prominently banded with splashes of white. Historically, these milky bands were said to be Mother Mary's milk, and this is the origin of another common name, St. Mary's thistle. The most widespread species is Silybum marianum.

Claims have been made since ancient times that the active flavanoid-lignan (flavanolignan) group of constituents, called silymarin, contained only in the seed shell has liver -protective and regenerative properties, as well as antioxidant effects. Chemical, pharmacological, and safety research started in Germany in the 1950s. In 2007, a Cochrane review of the research literature found that in clinical trials using high-quality methods, there was no significant medical improvement from milk thistle for patients with alcoholic or Hepatitis B or C liver disease.