Silybum marianum, also known as cardus marianus, blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary’s thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, and milk thistle. This species is an annual or biennial plant of the family Asteraceae. The plant originates from southern Europe and Asia but now found throughout the world. Milk thistle is mostly known for its liver healing and protecting abilities resulting from alcohol and other types of poisoning.