Bitter Thistle
Centaurea benedicta
Centaurea benedicta, a flowering plant native to certain regions of Europe and Asia, is not traditionally used in any known medical practices. Scientific studies have identified its seeds as rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, specific fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols. While research has developed methods for identifying these compounds in related dietary supplements with varying success, the evidence from broader scientific investigations into Centaurea benedicta's potential medicinal uses is limited. Notably, a study found that an HPβCD complex of cnicin derived from C. urvillei (which may be closely related) showed significant antischistosomal activity in mice, reducing worm load and egg numbers. Additionally, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from C. urvillei demonstrated the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity among tested Centaurea species. To date, no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for Centaurea benedicta.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Cn/HPβCD showed high in vivo antischistosomal effectiveness, reducing worm load and egg numbers in infected mice.
- The seeds of Centaurea benedicta contain high levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and specific fatty acids, along with notable amounts of bioactive components like sterols and tocopherols.
- The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of C. urvillei showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity among tested Centaurea species.
- The study developed a method for identifying and quantifying multiple compounds in Centaurea benedicta and related dietary supplements, with varying success rates among the samples analyzed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bitter Thistle?
Bitter Thistle (Centaurea benedicta) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bitter Thistle?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bitter Thistle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cn/HPβCD showed high in vivo antischistosomal effectiveness, reducing worm load and egg numbers in infected mice.
How strong is the evidence for Bitter Thistle?
The strongest finding for Bitter Thistle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bitter Thistle safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bitter Thistle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bitter Thistle interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bitter Thistle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bitter Thistle?
Bitter Thistle is also known as: Кникус, Centaurée bénie, Chardon béni, Cnicus béni, Cnicaut béni.
Is Bitter Thistle a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Investigation of antihyperglycemic potentials of seven Centaurea L. species through in vitro studies and characterization of possible bioactive phenolics by LC–MS/MS and molecular docking approach literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cnicin from blessed thistle (Centaurea benedicta) and its inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins against Schistosoma mansoni. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Simultaneous determination and characterization of flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactone, and other phenolics from Centaurea benedicta and dietary supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS and LC-DAD-QToF. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Centaurea benedicta-A Potential Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Components. literature abstract metadata