Milk Thistle
Botanical name(s):
Silybum marianum
Other name(s):
milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, silibinin, silicristin, silidianin, silmar,
silybin, silybum, silymarin,
General description
Milk thistle is an annual or biennial plant. It has reddish-purple flowers. It grows
to 3 feet tall. It’s often considered a weed. It comes from Europe. It grows in dry,
rocky soils. Milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum) have been used for hundreds of
years to treat liver and gallbladder disease.
Milk thistle contains a group of bioflavonoids. These are called silymarin. They’re
made from the seeds of the thistle. The most active of the group is silybin. These
may protect the liver from damage. It works by stopping toxins from attaching to the
liver cells. It also stops free radicals. It’s been used to treat toxic mushroom poisoning,
cirrhosis, and hepatitis.
Medically valid uses
Within the last 30 years, silybin has been used to protect the liver. It treats liver
issues. These include:
Milk thistle has been studied to check if it protects liver cells from inflammation.
The results are mixed.
A large study looked at the use of milk thistle for hepatitis C. It found that people
had fewer symptoms and better quality of life. But there was no change in the level
of virus activity or liver inflammation.
A few early studies suggest that taking 200 mg of silymarin 3 times per day for 4
months with conventional treatment may have health benefits in people with type 2
diabetes. These include decreasing:
More research is needed to verify the validity of these health benefits from milk
thistle.
Unsubstantiated claims
There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.
Milk thistle may protect the kidneys and pancreas against the effects of chemotherapy.
It may also protect against breast cancer. Studies are ongoing.
Dosing format
Milk thistle supplements usually come in the form of capsules or tablets. Follow the
instructions on the package for the correct dose.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
Milk thistle can cause allergic reactions. Your risk may be higher if you’re allergic
to other plants in the same family, such as:
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Ragweed
-
Chrysanthemums
-
Marigolds
-
Daisies
Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia), talk to your healthcare provider before using it. You should also
talk to your healthcare provider if you take medicines or supplements that affect
blood sugar levels.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their healthcare providers
before taking any supplements.