Scolymus hispanicus (Scolymus hispanicus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Scolymus hispanicus work to support the liver?

Scolymus hispanicus primarily supports liver health through its high inulin content and antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and caffeic acid. Inulin acts as a prebiotic, fostering beneficial gut bacteria that can reduce the toxic load on the liver. Additionally, the flavonoids and tannins found in the root provide hepatoprotective effects by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in hepatic tissues. While these mechanisms are biologically plausible, specific clinical trials confirming this pathway are limited (Evidence Level C).

Does Scolymus hispanicus interact with any medications?

Currently, there are no well-documented, specific drug interactions associated with Scolymus hispanicus root. Because the root is primarily consumed as a food source, it poses a low risk for acute pharmacological interactions. However, due to its potential effects on liver metabolism and digestion, patients taking hepatoprotective medications or drugs metabolized by the liver should consult a healthcare provider. As with any herbal supplement, monitoring is advised when combining it with prescription drugs.

What is the recommended dosage for Scolymus hispanicus root?

The standard adult dosage for Scolymus hispanicus is 5 to 10 grams of dried root prepared as a decoction daily. Alternatively, the root can be consumed freely as a food vegetable, similar to parsnips or carrots, to provide nutritive support. Because clinical dosage guidelines are based on traditional use (Evidence Level C) rather than rigorous trials, individuals should start with lower culinary amounts to assess tolerance before utilizing therapeutic doses.

Is Scolymus hispanicus safe to take during pregnancy?

Scolymus hispanicus is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in amounts common in food. The root is a traditional Mediterranean vegetable rich in inulin and nutrients. However, due to a lack of specific clinical safety data regarding concentrated medicinal extracts, pregnant women are advised to stick to food-quantity dosages. Women with a history of pregnancy complications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this herb therapeutically.

What are the side effects and contraindications for Scolymus hispanicus?

Side effects are generally mild and may include gastrointestinal upset, such as bloating or gas, typically caused by the high inulin content. The primary contraindication is an allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies. Individuals with this sensitivity may experience allergic reactions ranging from skin rashes to respiratory distress. Those with known plant allergies should avoid consuming this herb.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 17 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Scolymus hispanicus, known as golden thistle, is a wild edible plant from the Mediterranean with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antidiabetic properties [PMID:38107090, PMID:34335826].

Contexte

Scolymus hispanicus L., also referred to as golden thistle, Spanish oyster thistle, or tagarnina, is a member of the Asteraceae family native to Mediterranean countries [PMID:37375965, PMID:38107090]. It is collected from the wild for human consumption, particularly the midribs of young plants in Andalusian culinary culture [PMID:37375965].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional medicine, the plant is recommended for diseases of the liver and intestines [PMID:34335826]. It is also used for traditional medicinal purposes in some cultures [PMID:38107090].

Composés actifs

The plant contains phenolic compounds, specifically caffeoylquinic acids such as 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) [PMID:37375965]. Other identified compounds include flavonoids, phenolic acids (such as gallic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids), alpha-tocopherol, and the triterpenoid taraxasteryl acetate [PMID:28152614, PMID:9434612].

Mécanisme d'action

In CaCo-2 cells, hydromethanolic extracts induce cell cycle arrest by reducing the G1 phase and increasing the S phase, leading to reduced cell viability [PMID:35235421]. The plant's polyphenol content is associated with the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which protects against oxidative DNA damage [PMID:15800394].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DColon Cancer (CaCo-2 cell line)

Hydromethanolic extract (4 mg/mL) significantly reduced cell viability by 78.3% after 72 hours [PMID:35235421].

Preuve DHepatic Steatosis and Metabolic Syndrome (Rat model)

Aqueous extract (100 mg/kg) ameliorated hepatic steatosis and metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats on a hyperfatty diet [PMID:34335826].

Preuve DType 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Rat model)

Aqueous-methanol extract (100 mg/kg daily for 28 days) significantly amended fasting blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [PMID:23052826].

Preuve DGlucose Absorption and Inflammation (In vitro)

Crude extract lowered glucose efflux by 39.4%-42.6% and ameliorated inflammatory markers in CaCo-2 and RAW 264.7 cell lines [PMID:38107090].

Preuve DIntestinal Spasms (Isolated rat ileum)

Ethanolic extract and taraxasteryl acetate exhibited antispasmodic and spasmogenic effects, suggesting possible lithuretic activity [PMID:9434612, PMID:17252378].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is limited to in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (rats); there are no human clinical trials provided. Strength of evidence is low (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35235421 (2022) — Effects of Golden Thistle (Scolymus hispanicus L.) on Cytotoxic Activity: Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptotic Properties on the CaCo-2 Cell Line. · Journal of medicinal food
2.PMID: 38107090 (2023) — Golden thistle (Scolymus hispanicus L.) hydromethanolic extracts ameliorated glucose absorption and inflammatory markers in vitro. · Food science & nutrition
3.PMID: 34335826 (2021) — Scolymus hispanicus (Golden Thistle) Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Metabolic Syndrome by Reducing Lipid Accumulation, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Rats under Hyperfatty Diet. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
4.PMID: 37375965 (2023) — Determination of Caffeoylquinic Acids Content by UHPLC in Scolymus hispanicus Extracts Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 37111846

Scolymus hispanicus

Sources et citations

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