Milk Thistle Uses, Background & Medicinal Properties

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for more than 2000 years to treat a variety of conditions, especially those related to the liver and gallbladder.

The first use was noted in Ancient Greece for the treatment of poisonous snake bites. [2] Today milk thistle is thought to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is used to support liver health, prevent and treat gallstones, and provide anti-inflammatory support for those with arthritis and rheumatism.

It is thought to soothe and relieve pain in the digestive system and is a mild laxative. When combined with antihistamines it may also to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

These are only a few of the traditional uses of Milk Thistle and research continues to examine the clinical efficacy of many traditional claims.

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 Uses and Background

Silybum marianum is a plant with spiked leaves and white veins (which contribute to its common name – Milk Thistle).

When the plant is mature it has large, bright purple flowers. Milk Thistle is from the Asteraceae family, which includes other plants such as daises and thistles.

The extract of Milk Thistle is taken from the seeds of the plant and is primarily comprised of a compound known as silymarin (the terms silymarin and Milk Thistle are often used interchangeably when discussing the extract of the plant).

Silymarin is made up of several flavonolignans, including silydianin, silychristine and sylibin. Silymarin is thought to be the biologically active ingredient found in this plant and its constituent sylibin is considered the most potent of its parts.[2]

Silymarin is usually the basis of milk thistle extract, tinctures and powders. The plant itself is edible: the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a spinach substitute. It has historically been used as spring tonic when greens were scarce.

Milk Thistle and Health

The uses for milk thistle are varied. It has been traditionally used to treat liver disorders and has been observed to protect and repair the liver from damage done by chemicals and pollutants. This includes alcohol conditions such as cirrhosis.

The relationship between liver health and silymarin is quite complex, but review studies have indicated that silymarin may play a role in the treatment of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. [6] The same review also noted that Milk Thistle may be used to complement conventional treatment of cirrhosis-related diabetes mellitus (Type-II Diabetes). [6]

A study published in Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology in September 2011 showed this supplement had anti-apoptotic (prevents cell death) and anti-inflammatory effects in treatment of experimental steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease).

This disease’s indicators are inflammation of the liver and fat accumulation in the liver. It is usually seen in alcoholics, diabetics and in obesity and is related to metabolic syndrome.

Milk Thistle and Diabetes

Studies have also shown silymarin supplement helps reduce resting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and trigylcerides in individuals with Type-II diabetes (characterized by insulin resistance) compared to the placebo group. [3]

High LDL and triglycerides levels increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. These symptoms may also be a sign of metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, too much waist fat, low HDL (good cholesterol), and high triglycerides.

Too much blood sugar also destroys the blood vessels in the back of the eye. The damaged blood vessels prevent the retina from receiving the necessary nutrients to sustain vision. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy and if untreated can lead to blindness.

Other Medicinal Uses of Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle can also be combined with other complementary herbs to treat Dyspepsia (heartburn). Iberogast from Medical Futures, Inc includes, peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, clown’s mustard plant, celandine, angelica and lemon balm.

Studies indicate that when used daily for four weeks it helped to reduce the severity of acid reflux, cramping, nausea stomach pain, and vomiting. This supplement is also combined with dandelion root, an astringent, to balance the diarrhea to constipation cycle of IBS.

Phyto-Female is a menopausal treatment of hot flashes and night sweats. It combines milk thistle powder with black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, American gingseng and Chasteberry. Its recommended dose is twice daily for 3 months. This combination of botanicals has been observed to reduce hot flashes, night sweats and improve sleep quality.[5]

Contraindications

This supplement has a laxative effect. Less common side effects include bloating, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, loss of appetite and nausea. Those allergic to ragweed or the members of the Asteracea Compositae plant family should avoid this supplement. This includes avocadoes, daisies, marigolds and sunflowers.

Milk Thistle should be avoided if pregnant or breast feeding. Adjustments to diabetic medication may be needed because it lowers blood sugar. People with estrogen sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine or ovarian cancer or endometriosis or uterine fibroids should avoid this supplement.

Don’t take this supplement with medications that break down or change in the liver. Also don’t take with Phenytoin (Dilantin) and Statins.

Be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before you begin to use Milk Thistle to ensure the supplement is right for you and to avoid possible drug interactions.

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