Milk Thistle and Dandelion Complex – Liver Benefits & Side Effects

Milk thistle and dandelion are sometimes used in combination to support liver and gallbladder health.

Individually, each herb has a long history of medicinal use. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has had diverse use as both medicine and food.

In fact, the first recorded use of milk thistle dates back to Ancient Greece when the plant was used to treat a poisonous snake bite.

Chinese and Indian traditional healers used milk thistle primarily as a liver tonic, but also as a mood stabilizer, a galactogogue (a compound to help promote milk production in nursing mothers) and a poison remedy.

Likewise, dandelion plants (Taraxacum officinale) have been used for centuries as multi-purpose medicinal agents. Dandelion was primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant traits. Both historic herbs have attracted contemporary scientific attention.

Researchers have observed that both milk thistle and dandelions possess potentially therapeutic properties; however, insufficient clinical data exists to understand what, if any, unique combined effects they exhibit.

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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Milk Thistle and Dandelion

Milk thistle has been observed to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a widely used supplement but further research is necessary before milk thistle is incorporated into Western medical practice or approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain diseases.

Milk thistle is often used for a number of purposes with varying effect. It is often used as an adjunct (additional) therapy for some cancers, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, poor fat metabolism, heartburn, vasculitis, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and heart disease. There are no standardized parameters for supplementation dosage.

Combining Milk Thistle and Dandelion is believed to produce better results according to some natural health practitioners. There are hundreds of different species of dandelions. Dandelions contain a significant amount of beneficial phytonutrients (plant nutrients), including vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, flavonoids, amino acids and fiber.

Like milk thistle, dandelions are being examined for their therapeutic effects. Traditional dandelion uses included treating inflammation/swelling, inadequate lactation, gastrointestinal distress, diabetes, diarrhea, fever, boils, breast pains and skin problems.

Dandelions have been observed to increase urination and to stimulate the appetite. Like milk thistle, dandelions are widely believed to support liver and gallbladder health.

Liver Function and Health

When the liver functions properly, it is able to detoxify approximately two quarts of blood per minute. In addition to blood filtration, the liver also helps to:

• Generate energy for metabolism;
• Store sugar, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for later use;
• Synthesize proteins and heal damage caused by toxic substances;
• Regulate production and excretion of cholesterol;
• Support metabolism;
• Maintain a proper balance of hormones

Routine supplementation with milk thistle and dandelion may help to support liver health, but more research is required before any firm determinations can be made concerning their combined use. Milk Thistle is believed to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and to promote the detoxification process.

Silymarin found in Milk Thistle Extract is an anti-oxidant that protects against glutathione depletion and promotes regrowth of liver cells. In studies, it has been found to protect the liver from damage caused by toxic chemicals such as galactosamine, carbon tetrachloride, amanita toxin, and praseodyminium nitrate.

There is less evidence in support of the effects of Dandelion extract. While it has traditionally been used to improve gastrointestinal conditions and inflammation, not enough research has been conducted to determine efficacy for liver health.

In one study taking Dandelion with Green Tea Extract was observed to increase the activity of the detoxifying enzyme UDP-glucoronosyl transferase by 244% compared to a control group. It also decreased the activity of the hepatic (liver) enzyme Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by 15%, but it is unclear what implications this might have for liver function.

Another study did report hepaprotective (liver protecting) effects when taking Cinarepa which contains Dandelion, however, more research is needed to determine what role Dandelion played in this result.

Safety and Side Effects

Both Milk Thistle and Dandelion plants are generally well tolerated. Neither plant is commonly associated with severe or lasting side effects.

Mild side effects may include headaches, stomach upset, bloating, mouth sores and/or allergic reactions.

In rare cases, dandelions may cause skin irritation upon contact and may increase heartburn in some individuals.

Milk thistle and dandelion may interact with several prescription and over-the-counter medications. Because they may affect liver enzymes, glucose synthesis, urine production and immune response, their use may alter the effects of prescription and herbal remedies.

Check with your doctor before using it with natural remedies or drugs that affect the liver and/or gallbladder disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, gallstones, excessive stomach acid, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, electrolyte imbalances, blood glucose levels, cholesterol production, birth control, hormone replacement, allergies and/or cancer.

Milk Thistle and Dandelion Dosage

Research has not yet determined an optimal dose for combined milk thistle and dandelion use. A healthy dose may depend on a number of variables, including diet, water intake, age, weight, health history and purpose of use. It is important to follow any manufacturer guidelines.

Some experts recommend starting with small doses and increase up to the manufacturer’s recommendation over the course of one to two weeks. At each dosage level, pay close attention to how you feel and note any changes to your appetite, thirst, mental clarity, temperature regulation, moods and other relevant variables.

Milk Thistle Dandelion Complexes are often supplemented to support liver function, but supplementation should be discussed with a doctor prior to use. Natural plant medicines are capable of producing strong therapeutic effects and should not be supplemented without medical advice.

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