Milk Thistle and Liver Health Research – Alcohol and More

Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years by physicians and practitioners of traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

The first recorded use of milk thistle took place in Ancient Greece when the plant was used to treat a poisonous snake bite. [2]

In recent centuries, it has been primarily used to treat diseases of the gallbladder and liver, as well as varicose veins, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders and dyspepsia.

Current research has focused on the clinical use of the supplement to treat liver disorders, such non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Although the relationship between milk thistle and the liver is quite complex, some studies have indicated extracts of the plant may be used to help treat some liver diseases.

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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Characteristics of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, (Silybum marianum) is a member of the Asteraceae family, which encompasses plants such as daises and thistles.

The plant has spiked leaves with white veins, a characteristic which led to its common name Milk Thistle. Mature plants may be identified by their large purple flowers.

Silybum marianum is native to Europe but was introduced to North America by European colonists; the plant can now be found in the eastern United States, California, South America, and other regions of the Americas, in addition to its native habitats.[2]

Milk thistle contains a flavonoid compound known as silymarin, which is particularly concentrated in the plant’s seeds. Silymarin is composed of a mixture of several flavonolignans, including silydianin, silychristin, silibinin, and sylibin.

Silymarin is thought to be the compound of milk thistle that confers the plant’s therapeutic effects for the liver and improved overally health.

The terms silymarin and milk thistle are often used interchangeably to refer to the supplement. Of the compounds that make up silymarin, sylibin is thought to be the most pharmaceutically active. [2]

Silymarin was traditionally extracted from the seeds of milk thistle, but it can now be found as a standardized mixture of silydianin, silychristin, sylibin and isosylibin.[6]

Milk Thistle for Liver Treatment

This herb has been used for centuries to treat diseases of the liver, however it is only recently that researchers have begun investigating how milk thistle supports liver function. Studies are examining whether it has equal effect in all liver diseases, and whether or not it will be useful in clinical application.

Silymarin has been reported to exhibit antioxidative, anti-lipid-peroxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects.[6] These characteristics of silymarin are likely why it has been argued to have clinical applications in the treatment of a variety of liver diseases, including toxic hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis.[6]

There is disagreement within the medical community about the clinical efficacy of silymarin. Reviews of the literature have noted that there is evidence that silymarin may contribute to the treatment of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. [6]

It has been observed to increase the release of superoxide dismutase – a strong, naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body – in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. [6] Silymarin may also improve the, “clinical courses of both acute and chronic viral, drug-and toxin-induced and alcoholic hepatitis.” [2]

Milk Thistle and Alcohol

In modern times, Milk Thistle has been promoted as a hangover remedy and to protect the liver when consuming alcohol. It is also used in several liver cleanse or detox protocols.

While there is no evidence that this supplement can reduce the symptoms associated with a hangover, it is believed to reduce the signs of damage caused by alcohol on the liver. The liver metabolizes alcohol by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) which converts it into acetaldehyde – a highly toxic and reactive compound that can cause tissue damage in high amounts.

Drinking alcohol can also cause the formation of highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules. Anti-oxidants like milk thistle extract may be able to prevent some of the oxidative damage associated with this process. The liver needs high quantities of anti-oxidants available in order to prevent damage caused by metabolizing alcohol (ethanol).

For this reason, milk thistle is sometimes used by individuals drinking alcohol or using other drugs that can interfere with liver health, including steroids. However, the use of milk thistle extract for liver support should not be seen as a license to drink more or take recreational drugs that may cause harm to the liver.

The best way to keep your liver healthy is to not tax it by taking these potentially dangerous substances.

Other Uses of Milk Thistle

Studies have indicated that silymarin can complement conventional treatments for type II diabetes (diabetes mellitus type 2). Type II diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin, which can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels.

In a study involving patients with type II diabetes, those who took silymarin supplement in conjunction with conventional treatment were observed to have lower resting blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels than the placebo group.[3]

Milk thistle is also thought to be useful in the treatment of dyspepsia or heartburn. When milk thistle was combined with a specific set of herbs that included peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, clown’s mustart plant, celandine, angelica and melon balm, acid reflux, epigastric pain (pain in the abdomen immediately below the ribs) and nausea were all reduced.[4]

Similarly, a combination of herbs that included milk thistle was found to ease night sweats, reduce hot flashes and improve sleep in menopausal women.[5]

Potential Milk Thistle Side Effects

This supplement is generally well tolerated, but should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because there is insufficient evidence to understand the supplement’s effect on the baby. It should not be taken if allergic to ragweed or members of the Asteracea plant family.

Additional side effects may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, loss of appetite and nausea.

It should also be avoided by individuals who have breast, uterine or ovarian cancer or endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Milk thistle can lower blood sugar and should be used with caution by those with diabetes.

As with all supplements, it is important to speak with your doctor before you take milk thistle for liver support.

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