Cnicus benedictus, better known as blessed thistle, is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region, which has spread to other parts of the world and has very characteristic yellow flowers and spiny leaves. For centuries it has been used as a medicinal herb, in the form of an extract or tea, especially to improve digestion, but researchers at the Center for Pharmacology at the University Hospital Cologne and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne have found an innovative use for it. cnicina, a compound of blessed thistle.
These scientists have carried out studies with animal models and human cells, which have shown that cnicin significantly accelerates the growth of axons (nerve fibers). The research has been led by Dr. Philipp Gobrecht and Professor Dr. Dietmar Fischer and its results have been published in Phytomedicine.
Medications to repair the damaged nervous system
“The limited regenerative capacity of injured axons makes functional recovery after nerve injury difficult,” explained the researchers, who point out that the regeneration pathways of injured nerves in humans and animals are equally extensive and involve a prolonged healing process. and frequently irreversible, since the axons fail to reach their destination in time. Therefore, an accelerated regenerative growth rate can make a big difference, ensuring that fibers reach their original destination in time before irreparable functional deficits can occur.
Daily administration of cnicin to mice or rats significantly improved paralysis and neuropathy
The researchers demonstrated axonal regeneration in animal models and human cells obtained from retinas donated by patients. Daily administration of cnicin to mice or rats significantly improved paralysis and neuropathy. Compared to other compounds, cnicin has a crucial advantage: it can be administered orally. No injection required. “These results highlight the potential of cnicin as a promising drug to treat axonal injuries and improve recovery,” the authors of the work explained in their article.
“Correct dosing is very important, since cnicin is only effective within a specific therapeutic window. Doses that are too low or high are ineffective. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct more clinical studies in humans,” Fischer explained. Researchers at the University of Cologne are planning relevant studies. The Pharmacology Center continues to research and develop medications to repair the damaged nervous system.
Medicinal uses of blessed thistle
A series of medicinal properties are attributed to blessed thistle, among which are:
- Digestive: it has traditionally been used to improve digestion because it is considered to stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices, helping to relieve indigestion and other stomach problems.
- Diuretic: it can help promote the production and elimination of urine, something very useful in case of fluid retention.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: Extracts of this plant have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it can help in the treatment of infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: used to treat inflammation, especially those related to the gastrointestinal tract.
- Galactogen: blessed thistle has been used as a natural galactogen, that is, it can help stimulate milk production in lactating women.
- Treatment of liver diseases: it is believed to help in the regeneration of the liver and is used in the treatment of pathologies such as hepatitis.
- Promotes wound healing: applied topically it can help in wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using blessed thistle, especially in the form of supplements or extracts, due to the potency of its active compounds and the possibility of interactions with other medications, or because it has contraindications for people with certain health problems, for example.
