Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) Health Guide

Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, is a plant that has been used for over 2,000 years in a variety of traditional remedies.

It was taken in Chinese medicine to treat problems associated with the liver and gallbladder.

Research validates its use for liver conditions today, as extracts from the plant are known to stimulate liver cell regrowth and to protect liver cells from toxins.

Silymarin – the primary active constituent in milk thistle extract – has been shown to improve liver health in patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism.

This herbal extract is now commonly used in detox cleanses and even as a hangover supplement to prevent damage to the liver.

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?

Milk thistle is a member of the Asteraceae family.

This plant family includes avocadoes, daisies and ragweed. People who are allergic to these plants should not take Milk Thistle.

The plant has reddish to purple flowers and shiny paleish green leaves with white veins. The bracts surrounding the flower are triangular in shape with spine edge appendages with a yellow spine. The achenes, hard fruit, are black in a long white pappus with a yellow basal ring.

It is native to Southern Europe to Asia, but is found now through out the world. This supplement has traditionally been used for the last 2,000 years to treat liver and gallbladder problems. It was also used as a spring tonic when greens were scarce. The leaves can be eaten raw or boiled as a spinach substitute.

The active ingredient, silymarin is found in the hard fruit of the plant. High quality supplements will generally advertise a standardized extract of between 70-80%, though some will contain as much as 95% silymarin.

To figure out the content of standardized extracts of 70 to 80%, you multiply the percentage by the milligrams found in each capsule to determine the dosage of active compounds.

What is Milk Thistle Used for?

Milk Thistle is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat and to detox and soothe the liver and increase bile flow. Studies have shown in vitro (in the lab) and in animals that it has hepatoprotective properties that defend the liver from toxins. It has also been shown to lower LDL bad cholesterol levels.

It also helps to lower the blood sugar for Type II diabetes. This includes the sugar deposition on the eyes which can prevent eye damage. Milk Thistle extract also helps improve insulin resistance, which is a factor in metabolic syndrome, affecting nearly 30% of the adult population.

A 2010 study published March 30th in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that eight major compounds in milk thistle extract have the potential to treat Hepatitis C.

These compounds are 7 flavonoligans and one flavonoid, taxifolin which inhibits HCV RNA dependent RNA polymerase. Clinical studies have shown that in cases of acute hepatitis, recovery time is halved when patients are treated with silymarin.

Benefits of Milk Thistle Supplements

Silymarin is an antioxidant the protects against free radicals that cause cell damage.

It also boosts other antioxidants such as glutathione which detoxifies the liver by 30% and superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that helps break down harmful oxygen molecules in cells that damage tissues.

It is also used in alcohol related diseases to help repair and regenerate liver cells and block fibrosis – which leads to cirrhosis. The survival rate over a five-year period increased nearly threefold in cases of those with alcoholic hepatic cirrhosis treated with silymarin.

Studies have shown regular use of milk thistle causes a reduction in the cholesterol level in the bile. The silymarin component increases bile solubility which helps prevent and treat gall stones.

Studies in laboratories have shown silibinin, an active component of silymarin is an effective anti-cancer treatment in cancer cells found in breast, cervical and prostate cancer. It has helped reduce cancer cell growth and improved the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.

This supplement was given to 50 children on chemotherapy in a study at Columbia University Medical Centre in New York. After one month, researchers found lower levels of two liver enzymes and less inflammation.

Milk thistle is a Demulcent that softens and moisturizes the skin and can reduce inflammation in Acne. It is beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. It is also used to protect the skin against cancer. A study on Silibinin benefit against UVA Radiation was published in Photochemisty and Photobiology September/October 2012 issue. Levidaerm® cream which contains silymarin helps ease radiotherapy-induced toxic skin.

Milk Thistle is also a gentle and mild laxative that increases bile secretion and flow in the intestinal tract. Dandelion root, an astringent, and milk thistle are combined to lubricate and soften the stools to balance individuals that alternate between diarrhea and constipation.

Milk Thistle Side Effects

This supplement may cause diarrhea and in rare instances nausea, bloating, gas, impotence, insomnia, lethargy and upset stomach. It should be avoided if pregnant or breast feeding. Those allergic to ragweed should avoid this supplement as well as those with estrogen sensitive conditions such as fibroid tumors, endometriosis or breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

Do not take milk thistle extract take with antipsychotics, Fexofenadine (Allegra), Phenytoin (Dilantin), anaesthesia drugs, anticoagulants, anxiolytics and statins.

Milk thistle may also interact with anti-anxiety herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatories, anticancer herbs, antioxidants, antiretrovirals, antivirals, calcium and cholesterol-lowering herbs. Fertility herbs, glucuronidated herbs, herbs that affect the blood, that promote milk production, that affect the liver should be avoided.

Herbs used for the skin, heart, stomach, or intestines, hormonal herbs, impotence herbs, iron, N-acetyl cysteine, p-glycoprotein modulators, and vitamin E should also not be taken with this supplement.

Milk Thistle is an important supplement for the liver and gallbladder and as long as the contraindications are noted it is considered a safe supplement for improved liver function.

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