The thistle is native mainly in the Mediterranean basin and is grown in the rest of Europe and South America. The first references to the plant were made by Theophrastus in the 4th century. BC which is referred to as "Pternix". Then Dioscourides constitutes the "Great Safflower" or "Silyvon" for wound healing. A reference by Pliny the Elder, while in the Middle Ages numerous herbalists recommend the plant for several years. The English herbalist Nicholas Culperer propose it as an excellent remedy for gall and spleen, and in the early 20th century a school therapists, herbalists, so-called "Selective" use thistle extract for "Hepatic congestion". Finally, since 1960 the use of the plant spread widely, starting from Germany, where both using and began research study.
 
The thistle is one of the most important plants to enhance liver function. The basic ingredient is silymarin, which has antioxidant properties, able to protect the body from oxidative damage, and can help improve the liver.