Annual Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus
Sonchus oleraceus, commonly known as annual sowthistle, is a plant used across various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied for conditions including dyspepsia, fever, abdominal complaints, colic, and abscesses, as well as for its diuretic, sedative, and galactagogue properties. Scientific evidence is currently limited and varied. Some in vitro studies suggest that aqueous extracts may inhibit certain cancer cell lines, and specific flavonoids like luteoloside have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- fever · warts
- Traditions
- TCM · traditional · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
- warts
- cathartic
- galactagogue
- refrigerant
- sedative
- abdominal complaints
- abscess
- antiopiate
- ascites
- boils
- carbuncle
- colic
- diuretic
- dyspepsia
What the science says
- The study created a dataset of hyperspectral imaging data from annual sowthistle and little mallow under various abiotic stress conditions for machine learning.
- The study optimized extraction conditions for flavonoids from Sonchus oleraceus and found luteoloside to have anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.
- The aqueous extract of Sonchus oleraceus showed significant cell growth inhibition in three cancer cell lines compared to doxorubicin.
- A compound from Penicillium chrysogenum showed potent herbicidal activity against S. oleraceus and P. hysterophorus in vitro.
- The study found that co-fermenting Sonchus oleraceus with Lactobacillus paracasei (LAB 815) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC 8(3)) enhanced its functional activities and taste quality.
Frequently asked questions
What is Annual Sow Thistle?
Annual Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Annual Sow Thistle traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Annual Sow Thistle for: fever, warts, cathartic, galactagogue, refrigerant, sedative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Annual Sow Thistle?
Annual Sow Thistle appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional, Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Annual Sow Thistle?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Annual Sow Thistle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study created a dataset of hyperspectral imaging data from annual sowthistle and little mallow under various abiotic stress conditions for machine learning.
How strong is the evidence for Annual Sow Thistle?
The strongest finding for Annual Sow Thistle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Annual Sow Thistle safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Annual Sow Thistle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Annual Sow Thistle interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Annual Sow Thistle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Annual Sow Thistle?
Annual Sow Thistle is also known as: осот огородный, Achicoria silvestre.
Is Annual Sow 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Penicillium chrysogenum originated chloro-diydropyridyl-oxopropanimidic acid derivative as a potent EPSP synthase-targeted bioherbicide against invasive weed species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Jiangshui-derived lactic acid bacteria with high hypoglycemic potential: functional properties and fermentation performance of Sonchus oleraceus Jiangshui. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Optimization of Extraction Process for Flavonoids from Sonchus oleraceus L. and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Luteoloside. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cytotoxic screening for three extracts of two plants using MTT assay and flow cytometric techniques. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Handheld hyperspectral imaging dataset of annual sowthistle and little mallow under abiotic stress for machine learning. literature abstract metadata