Plant Comparison
Lemon Verbena vs Milk Thistle
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Lemon Verbena and Milk Thistle: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, cancer (anticancer research), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lemon Verbena | Milk Thistle | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon Verbena |
| Bloating | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon Verbena |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 7/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon Verbena |
| Inflammation (general) | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon Verbena |
| Skin irritation | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon Verbena |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Gives the lemon aroma and contributes to the calming and antimicrobial effects.
The principal polyphenol of the extract and a major antioxidant constituent.
Pharmacological Actions
Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena) essential oil and extracts inhibit growth and migration of breast cancer and melanoma cells and reduce tumour size in vivo (preclinical).
Antioxidant - supports muscle recovery and reduces exercise-induced muscle soreness and oxidative stress; a placebo-controlled RCT of a lemon verbena extract found less loss of muscle strength and less soreness after exhaustive exercise
Anxiolytic / calming (anxiety) - also supported by a clinical trial of the closely related Aloysia polystachya
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes - lowers fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; Hepatoprotective / liver support (protects liver cells, antioxidant and antifibrotic)
Digestive support / mild dyspepsia (traditional)
Hepatoprotective / liver support (protects liver cells, antioxidant and antifibrotic); May improve liver enzymes and hepatic fat in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); Supports liver recovery and 'detox' (traditional framing of the hepatoprotective action)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anxiolytic / calming (anxiety) - also supported by a clinical trial of the closely related Aloysia polystachya
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) essential oil and extracts show antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against breast cancer and melanoma cells in vitro and reduce tumour growth in mouse models (targeting HB-EGF/EGFR and ERK signalling) (preclinical).
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Sedative / sleep support (insomnia)
Antioxidant - supports muscle recovery and reduces exercise-induced muscle soreness and oxidative stress; a placebo-controlled RCT of a lemon verbena extract found less loss of muscle strength and less soreness after exhaustive exercise
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes - lowers fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
inferred from anticancer action
Supports liver recovery and 'detox' (traditional framing of the hepatoprotective action)
Digestive support / mild dyspepsia (traditional)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Hepatoprotective / liver support (protects liver cells, antioxidant and antifibrotic); May improve liver enzymes and hepatic fat in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
inferred from antidiabetic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Very well tolerated, even at high doses; the main effects are mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools). As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Has a low potential for drug interactions (little effect on liver CYP enzymes), but use caution with medicines that have a narrow therapeutic window. Human pregnancy data are limited, so use cautiously.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Deciduous, aromatic shrub with slender, brittle branches and whorls of narrow, lance-shaped, rough-textured leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed. Small, pale lilac to white flowers are borne in loose terminal and axillary spikes in late summer.[1]
Robust biennial (occasionally annual) thistle (Asteraceae), 30-150 cm tall. Leaves are glossy dark green with distinctive white marbled veining (the 'milk' of legend), spiny-margined and deeply lobed. Large, solitary, purple-pink thistle-type flower heads are surrounded by spiny bracts, followed by shiny, mottled brown-black seeds - the part used.[12]
Habitat
Native to South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru) and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide, typically in sunny, well-drained garden sites.[1]
Native to the Mediterranean region, now naturalised worldwide on disturbed, sunny ground - roadsides, waste places and dry pastures - and widely cultivated commercially for its seed.[12]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked through the growing season, with the essential oil content and aroma at their best just before flowering; leaves are used fresh or dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the lemon-scented volatile oil.[1]
Seed heads are harvested once fully dry (late summer), and the seeds (fruit) are threshed out.[12]
Traditional Uses
Lemon verbena leaf is a traditional South American and Mediterranean remedy for digestive complaints (indigestion, flatulence), as a calming, mildly sedative tea for anxiety and sleep, and is widely drunk as a fragrant culinary herbal tea.[1]
Milk thistle has a very long European folk-medicine tradition, documented since antiquity, as a liver tonic, and its seed extract, standardised to the flavonolignan complex silymarin, is one of the most extensively studied herbal hepatoprotectants. Modern research supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and liver-protective activity, with growing interest in metabolic/blood-sugar effects.[12, 13]
Preparations
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph on Verbenae citriodorae folium gives, for adolescents, adults and elderly - for mild symptoms of mental stress, 5 g of the comminuted leaf in 100 mL of boiling water as a decoction three times daily; to aid sleep, 1-2 g in 200 mL as an infusion half an hour before bedtime; and for mild digestive complaints, 2-3 g in 200 mL as an infusion 1-3 times daily, or 1 g in 200 mL up to 5 times daily. Not recommended in children. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Bahramsoltani, R., Rostamiasrabadi, P., Shahpiri, Z., Marques, A.M., Rahimi, R. and Farzaei, M.H (2018) 'Aloysia citrodora Palau (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021 - Rashid, H.M., Mahmod, A.I., Afifi, F.U. and Talib, W.H (2022) 'Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study', Plants, 11(6). doi:10.3390/plants11060785 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060785 - Abuhamdah, S. and Abuhamdah, R. and Howes, M.J.R. and Al-Olimat, S. and Ennaceur, A. and Chazot, P.L (2015) 'Pharmacological and neuroprotective profile of an essential oil derived from leaves of Aloysia citrodora Palau', The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 67(9), pp. 1306-1315. doi:10.1111/jphp.12424 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12424 - Sprea, R.M. and Fernandes, L.H.M. and Pires, T.C.S.P. and Calhelha, R.C. and Rodrigues, P.J. and Amaral, J.S (2023) 'Volatile Compounds and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citrodora Palau: Comparison of Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation', Molecules, 28(11), pp. 4528. doi:10.3390/molecules28114528 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114528 - El-Ouady, F. and Eddouks, M (2021) 'Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Lippia citriodora in Rats', Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 21(4), pp. 711-719. doi:10.2174/1871530320666200610153532 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871530320666200610153532 - Cadenillas, L.F., Hernandez, C., Bailly, S., Billerach, G., Durrieu, V. and Bailly, J.D (2023) 'Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5123. doi:10.3390/molecules28135123 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135123 - Tammar, S., Salem, N., Aidi Wannes, W., Limam, H., Bourgou, S., Fares, N. and others (2021) 'Chemometric Profiling and Bioactivity of Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) Methanolic Extract from Four Localities in Tunisia', Foods, 10(12). doi:10.3390/foods10122912 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10122912 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Aloysia citrodora Paláu (syn. Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér.) Kuntze; Verbena triphylla L'Hér.; Lippia citriodora Kunth), folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-aloysia-citrodora-palau-syn-aloysia-triphylla-lher-kuntze-verbena-triphylla-lher-lippia-citriodora-kunth-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-aloysia-citrodora-palau-syn-aloysia-triphylla-lher-kuntze-verbena-triphylla-lher-lippia-citriodora-kunth-folium_en.pdf - Salama, Y. and Jaradat, N. and Hattori, K. and Heissig, B (2021) 'Aloysia Citrodora Essential Oil Inhibits Melanoma Cell Growth and Migration by Targeting HB-EGF-EGFR Signaling', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(15), pp. 8151. doi:10.3390/ijms22158151 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158151 - Spyridopoulou, K. and Aravidou, T. and Lampri, E. and Effraimidou, E. and Pappa, A. and Chlichlia, K (2021) 'Antitumor Potential of Lippia citriodora Essential Oil in Breast Tumor-Bearing Mice', Antioxidants, 10(6), pp. 875. doi:10.3390/antiox10060875 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10060875 - Buchwald-Werner, S., Naka, I., Wilhelm, M., Schutz, E., Schoen, C. and Reule, C (2018) 'Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial', Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0 - Hoseinifar, S.H., Shakouri, M., Doan, H.V., Shafiei, S., Yousefi, M., Raeisi, M. and others (2020) 'Dietary supplementation of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) improved immunity, immune-related genes expression and antioxidant enzymes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)', Fish and Shellfish Immunology, pp. 379--385. doi:10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.006 - Carmona, F., Coneglian, F.S., Batista, P.A., Aragon, D.C., Angelucci, M.A., Martinez, E.Z. and Pereira, A.M.S (2019) 'Aloysia polystachya powdered leaves are effective in treating anxiety symptoms: A phase-2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112060 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112060 - Afrasiabian, F., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., Rahmani, K., Azadi, N.A., Alemohammad, Z.B., Bidaki, R., Karimi, M., Emtiazy, M. and Hashempur, M.H (2018) 'Aloysia citriodora Palau (lemon verbena) for insomnia patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of efficacy and safety', Phytotherapy Research, 33(2), pp. 350--359. doi:10.1002/ptr.6228 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6228 - Perez-Pinero, S., Munoz-Carrillo, J.C., Echepare-Taberna, J., Munoz-Camara, M., Herrera-Fernandez, C., Garcia-Guillen, A.I. and others (2024) 'Dietary Supplementation with an Extract of Aloysia citrodora (Lemon verbena) Improves Sleep Quality in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study', Nutrients, 16(10). doi:10.3390/nu16101523 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101523 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
- Abenavoli, L., Izzo, A.A., Milic, N., Cicala, C., Santini, A. and Capasso, R (2018) 'Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases', Phytotherapy Research, 32(11), pp. 2202-2213. doi:10.1002/ptr.6171 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6171 - Bahmani, M., Shirzad, H., Rafieian, S. and Rafieian-Kopaei, M (2015) 'Silybum marianum: Beyond Hepatoprotection', Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 20(4), pp. 292-301. doi:10.1177/2156587215571116 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587215571116 - Wang, X., Zhang, Z. and Wu, S (2020) 'Health Benefits of Silybum marianum: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 68(42), pp. 11644-11664. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04791 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04791 - Marmouzi, I., Bouyahya, A., Ezzat, S.M., El Jemli, M. and Kharbach, M (2020) 'The food plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.: Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and clinical evidence', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 265, pp. 113303. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113303 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113303 - Greenlee, H., Abascal, K., Yarnell, E. and Ladas, E (2007) 'Clinical applications of Silybum marianum in oncology', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 6(2), pp. 158-165. doi:10.1177/1534735407301727 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735407301727 - Shaker, E., Mahmoud, H. and Mnaa, S (2009) 'Silymarin, the antioxidant component and Silybum marianum extracts prevent liver damage', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(3), pp. 803-806. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2009.12.011 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2009.12.011 - Flora, K., Hahn, M., Rosen, H. and Benner, K (1998) 'Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease', American Journal of Gastroenterology, 93(2), pp. 139-143. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00139.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00139.x - Csupor, D., Csorba, A. and Hohmann, J (2016) 'Recent advances in the analysis of flavonolignans of Silybum marianum', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 130, pp. 301-317. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2016.05.034 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2016.05.034 - Ball, K.R. and Kowdley, K.V (2005) 'A review of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) as a treatment for alcoholic liver disease', Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 39(6), pp. 520-528. doi:10.1097/01.mcg.0000165668.79530.a0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mcg.0000165668.79530.a0 - Tajmohammadi, A., Razavi, B.M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and its main constituent, silymarin, as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: A review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(10), pp. 1933-1949. doi:10.1002/ptr.6153 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6153 - Ghahfarrokhi, S.H., Heidari-Soureshjani, S., Sherwin, C.M.T. and Azadegan-Dehkordi, Z (2024) 'Efficacy and Mechanisms of Silybum marianum, Silymarin, and Silibinin on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Systematic Review', Current Rheumatology Reviews, 20(4), pp. 414-425. doi:10.2174/0115733971266397231122080247 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733971266397231122080247 - Soleimani, V., Delghandi, P.S., Moallem, S.A. and Karimi, G (2019) 'Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.6361 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6361 - Fallah, M., Davoodvandi, A., Nikmanzar, S., Aghili, S., Mirazimi, S.M.A., Aschner, M., Rashidian, A., Hamblin, M.R., Chamanara, M., Naghsh, N. and Mirzaei, H (2021) 'Silymarin (milk thistle extract) as a therapeutic agent in gastrointestinal cancer', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112024 - Voroneanu, L., Nistor, I., Dumea, R., Apetrii, M. and Covic, A (2016) 'Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials', Journal of Diabetes Research. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5147468 - Zhou, J., Chen, Y., Yu, J., Li, T., Lu, Z., Chen, Y., Zhang, X. and Ye, F (2021) 'The efficacy of novel metabolic targeted agents and natural plant drugs for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment: A PRISMA-compliant network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Medicine (Baltimore), 100(12). doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000024884 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000024884 - Fuhr, U., Beckmann-Knopp, S., Jetter, A., Lueck, H. and Mengs, U (2007) 'The effect of silymarin on oral nifedipine pharmacokinetics', Planta Medica, 73(14), pp. 1429-1435. doi:10.1055/s-2007-990256 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-990256 - Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Mohammadi, H., Symonds, M. and Miraghajani, M (2018) 'The effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 41, pp. 311-319. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.010 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.010
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.