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Milk thistle and moldavian dragonhead are sources of fatty oils with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid. These fatty acids, together with other biologically active substances have positive effects on regeneration processes in skin, help improve natural functions and provide an effective protection against negative external effects. As a consequence of naturally high polarity of both oils, the oils can be used in cosmetic products in high concentrations, without negative effects on their useful properties, such as absorption, spreading or feeling of stickiness. Milk thistle and Moldavian dragonhead oils are especially ideal for the creation of formulas designated for ageing, sensitive or irritated skin. Find out more about mentioned oils. MORE INFORMATION HERE. (article was published in the magazine Household and Personal Care TODAY No.3/2009)  

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaert.) is the yearling plant from family Asteraceaewhich occurs in moderate belt of northern hemisphere from the Middle East trough the Balkan Peninsula up to Western Europe. This plant has been used for its healing effects since time immemorial. It was described for the first time in the 4th century B.C. by Theophrast under the name “Pternix” and later, in the 1st century A.D. also by Dioscoride in the manuscript Materia medica as well as by Plinius in the manuscript Historia naturalis, while both of the authors call this plant species already by the same name as “Sillybum”. During the centuries, milk thistle used to be described in all significant herbal books of healing plants as a plant the fruits of which promote healing of some diseases of the liver and spleen. Currently, milk thistle is grown artificially in field production and it is classified as the medicinal herb described in pharmacopoeias of various countries for its healing characteristics, especially as regards liver and digestive tract diseases. This biological activity is attributed to substances from the category of flavonolignanes, contained especially in the fruit of milk thistle (achenocarp). However, we now know that the fruit also contains other biologically valuable substances, which are no longer commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. This especially means the fatty oil, with content fluctuating around 20-25 percent. More information may be found on our webpage dedicated to Milk thistle here.

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Substances contained in the fruit of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) may in most cases help eliminate these unfavourable influences. In particular the substances of flavonolignan nature that are isolated in human medicine as a high concentrate called silymarin are able to take significant part in regeneration and protective processes in liver. They increase cholepoiesis (choleretic effect), support its secretion (cholagogic effect), and mainly they are able to protect liver against toxic effects of various organic substances causing so-called oxidative stress, or even against heavy metals. As all substances from the group of flavonoids, flavonolignans act as strong antioxidants everywhere in the organism and thus participate in its protection against free radicals and other substances, long-term effects of which may lead in particular to serious and permanent damage of the organism. In addition to flavonolignans and other substances of flavonoid nature, fruits of Milk Thistle contain also vegetable oil with high content of linolic acid. This multiply saturated fatty acid ranks among socalled essential fatty acids, which mammals get from feed. This acid belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids that are very important for many metabolic processes in mammals‘ body. Essential fatty acids participate in development of cell membranes, and they are basic substances for biosynthesis of important mediators, such as prostaglandins, prostacyclins and leucotrienes that control and influence inflammatory processes in the organism as well as its other functions. Deficiency of essential fatty acids in animal feed may cause development of serious metabolic disorders. In terms of legislation, there is an important approach of the European Commission to flavolignan effects in the area of veterinary medicine that is included in the following directive: Committee for veterinary medicinal products EMEA/MRL/665/99.