A Mediterranean herb perhaps best known as an ingredient in Benedictine liqueur, blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) has long been used in some parts of the world to promote healthy digestion. Now, researchers have uncovered a new and unexpected potential use for the herb: regenerating damaged nerve fibers.
The key is the compound cnicin, a component of the bitter plant, which was shown in a new study to regenerate nerve fibers in both animal models and human cells. The study, titled “Cnicin Promotes Functional Nerve Regeneration,” was recently published in the journal Phytomedicine.
