Picrorhiza Root vs Onopordum acanthium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Picrorhiza Root

Picrorhiza kurrooa

Liver Support

Onopordum acanthium

Liver Support

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Picrorhiza Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Onopordum acanthium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Himalayan herb used in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine as one of the most potent liver protectives known. More effective than silymarin in some studies.

Majestic silvery thistle; national symbol of Scotland; used in European folk medicine for cancer and fever.

Active Compounds

kutkin, picroside I, picroside II, androsin

onopordine, acanthoidin, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins

Traditional Uses

Liver protection in Ayurveda, Digestive bitter, Immune stimulation, Liver disease treatment

cancer historically, fever, liver, digestive disorders

Modern Uses

Hepatoprotective, Immune stimulant, Choleretic, Anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

400-600mg standardized extract daily (picroside I+II)

3-5g dried leaf or 2-3ml tincture daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Autoimmune diseases, IBD

asteraceae allergy, pregnancy

Side Effects

GI upset, Diarrhea, Immune stimulation

contact dermatitis from spines, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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