Is Milk Thistle Safe to Take? Possible Dangers

Is milk thistle extract safe to use as a dietary supplement? Milk thistle is a natural product that is recognized by the FDA as Generally Regarded as Safe.

It is used to support liver health and as an anti-oxidant and immune system booster. However, there are certain situations in which the supplement should be avoided and it should not be combined with certain drugs or herbal products.

Side effects are generally mild and do not occur in a majority of cases. Using safe dosages of this supplement and following the advice of a licensed physician can help you avoid negative effects of milk thistle products.

Milk Thistle

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Longevity

How It Works:

• Supports liver health & detox
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Improves insulin sensitivity & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 140 - 800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Milk Thistle Used for?

Milk Thistle is considered safe as long as there are no contraindications that would make its use dangerous.

According to research, it can be safely taken up to six years if needed. It is used as a liver tonic and studies have shown it does protect this organ from chemicals that damage the liver.

It has also been useful in treating hay fever along with antihistamines. People have experienced fewer symptoms of allergies when taking them both together.

Several studies have been done on the benefits and safety of milk thistle extract for people who have Diabetes and high cholesterol. It was shown that when taken with the regular treatment protocols, it helped these conditions significantly.

It is also used to ease Menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. It has also been beneficial in the treatment of IBS and heart burn (Dyspepsia).

Taking Milk Thistle for Liver Health

The liver is an important organ for the blood and immune systems. It is necessary to eliminate toxins from the blood and plays a role in metabolism. Three pints of blood filter through the liver every minute.

The liver oxidizes unwanted molecules by stripping off extra electrons. Then, during the excretion process the molecule is paired with a carrier molecule that makes it soluble into the bile. Then the fecal stream carries it out of the body.

There are several mechanisms by which silymarin found in milk thistle extract helps to protect liver cells from dangerous toxins and supports the regeneration of these cells.

It is advised to eat vegetables that contain sulfur in the diet to help the liver excrete better in addition to taking the milk thistle supplement. These vegetable include garlic, onions and vegetables in the cruciferous family like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and mustard greens and to drink plenty of water to keep the liver flushed.

For more information see the article How The Liver Works and the use of Milk Thistle as a Protectant by Julene Tripp Weaver of the Herbal Corner.

Is Milk Thistle Safe?

While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe and has few known side effects, some individuals may be allergic to this product. It should be avoided if you are allergic to the Asteraceae Compositae plant family. Avocadoes, daisies and ragweed are in this family of plants.

Allergens can cause anaphylactic shock within seconds or minutes after exposure. Symptoms include the blood pressure dropping quickly and the airways becoming narrow. The tongue and throat may swell and block the ability to breathe properly.

Other symptoms of being allergic to milk thistle extract include rapid, weak pulse, skin rash or pale skin, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It may also cause dizziness and fainting.

This condition requires immediate attention at an emergency department to receive an injection of epinephrine. Even if people are treated with an epinephrine autoinjector, called an EpiPen they still need to be seen by the emergency room. This is to make sure the symptoms do not return.

If this condition is not treated straight away, it can lead to unconsciousness and death. If allergic triggers are not known, there are tests than can be done to help identify allergens.

Interactions and Contraindications

It is also not recommended to take this supplement with medications that are metabolized in the liver.

It should not be taken with the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin), medications that lower blood sugar like tolbutamide (Tolinase), medications that reduce fluid such as torsemide (Demadex), anticoagulants warfarin (Coumadin), Estrogen drugs, Glucuronidated drugs and Statins.

Supplements that contain milk thistle extract should be used with caution if pregnant or breastfeeding. If it is combined with other herbs, these might not be suitable to use during this time.

Women with estrogen sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids should also avoid this supplement.

Herbs that also lower the blood sugar should also be avoided.

Taking Milk Thistle Safely

Another issue of safety is the purity of the supplement. It is the hard fruit of the milk thistle plant Silybum marianum that has the active ingredient silymarin.

This fruit has been used for thousands of years for liver and gallbladder ailments. The plant was used as a spring tonic and as a source of fresh greens after the winter months. The leaves can be eaten raw or boiled and used as a spinach substitute. The roots can also be eaten.

Chain stores have recently been found to be selling supplements with fillers and contaminants. Also check that the supplement is made from the fruit of Silybum marianum and lists the active ingredient, silymarin. The hard fruit is not water soluble so it would need to be made into a powder if used as a hot beverage.

A tea can also be made by putting the 20 drops dosage into an 8 ounce cup of hot water. The Mayo Clinic website has a comprehensive list of recommended dosages for treatment with this supplement.

Some products advertised on Amazon and Ebay as Milk Thistle Tea are actually made from Dandelion Root, Taraxacum officinale which has similar properties. Dandelion root is often combined with Milk Thistle in tinctures, herbal teas and coffee blends.

Milk Thistle is considered safe as long as no allergy exists and it is used with caution to potential interactions.

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