Silybum marianum is commonly referred to as milk thistle. The plant has a long history of medicinal use dating back more than 2000 years.
Milk thistle or Mary Thistle has been used in traditional medicine practices throughout Europe, China and India.
Traditional uses of S. Marianum include treating liver disease, gallbladder disorders, depression, lactation disorders and a number of other ailments.
People currently use milk thistle as an adjunct therapy for a variety of ailments, including seasonal allergies, type II diabetes, heartburn, menopause symptoms and skin damage.
Scientific research is being conducted on the therapeutic uses of milk thistle and its derivatives. Milk thistle and its constituents are being studied for medicinal effects that may be relevant in the treatment of a number of ailments, including heart disease, liver disorders, obesity and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Longevity- Supports liver health & detox
- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
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Silybum Marianum Overview
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- Milk Thistle
- Silybum Marianum
- Silymarin
- Benefits & Uses
- User Reviews
- Use for Diabetes
- Use for Hangovers
- Use for Psoriasis
- Use for Liver Health
- Use for Weight Loss
- Milk Thistle Tea
- Milk Thistle Extract
- Dosage Guide
- How to Take
- Reported Side Effects
- Safe Usage
- Best Supplements
- Combo with Dandelion Extract
- Milk Thistle Tincture
Silybum marianum seeds contain concentrated amounts of a unique group of flavonoids and flavonolignans collectively called silymarin.
Silymarin is thought to be the most therapeutically active ingredient of milk thistle. Although concentrated in the seeds, silymarin is also contained throughout the milk thistle plant.
Milk thistle plants have not only been used medicinally, but also as common foods. Eating milk thistle can provide concentrated sources of protein, healthy fats, fiber and numerous phytonutrients.
The plant itself produces spiny, bright pink/purple flowers, which are enticing to butterflies and certain birds. Milk thistle is indigenous to southern Europe but is now found worldwide.
Silybum Marianum Uses
Silybum marianum extract supplementation is used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies). It has been observed to be especially effective as an adjunct therapy combined with conventional antihistamine pharmaceuticals.
Milk thistle may provide several benefits for patients with diabetes mellitus type II. It has been observed to decrease LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, blood glucose levels and triglycerides in patients with type II diabetes.
Milk thistle may help regulate glucose levels through the action of silymarin. Certain silymarin constituents act as agonists to PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated reactor gamma), which modulates both glucose metabolism and the storage of fatty acids. PPARG activation improves insulin sensitivity, much like thiazolidinediones.
By affecting certain genes, PPARG acts to increase the storage of fatty acids in adipocytes (fat cells). With fewer fatty acids in the circulatory system, the body must metabolize glucose for fuel, which decreases glucose concentrations in the blood supply.
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Silybum Marianum Research
Milk thistle constituents are attracting the attention of some cancer researchers. Studies are still preliminary and milk thistle is not used as a therapy in the treatment of cancer. However, milk thistle constituents have been observed to induce effects that may prove useful in future cancer treatments.
Aside from its observed anti-diabetic effects, milk thistle’s activation of PPARG is hypothesized to play a role in inhibiting the onset and progression of some cancers, including lung, prostate, breast, cervical, colon and gastric cancers.
Also, S. Marianum acts to suppress STAT3 and VEGF. As a consequence, apoptosis is encouraged in tumor cells, cell cycle arrest is promoted and NK (natural killer) T cell synthesis is increased. Also, components of milk thistle inhibit angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) in tumor cells, cutting off their supply of nutrients, hormones and repair proteins.
Milk thistle has been observed to exhibit anticancer actions against colon and prostate cancer cells. However, it is not known if this will occur in the human body.
Silybum Marianum Health Benefits
Silybum marianum is used to treat dyspepsia (heartburn), and is especially effective when used in combination with other plant extracts, such as lemon balm, angelica, peppermint and chamomile. It has been observed to relieve acid reflux, nausea and/or vomiting.
Milk thistle is also used in combination with herbs, including red clover, dong quai, black cohosh and ginseng, to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. This combination of herbs has been observed to reduce hot flashes, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, night sweats and cramping.
Silybum marianum may help repair skin damage that results from radiation treatment. Research on a certain brand of milk thistle extract, Thisilyn, was found to remedy skin damage after radiation in women with breast cancer. This particular supplement contains roughly 80 percent pure silymarin compounds.
Milk Thistle and Liver Disease
Milk thistle is observed to protect against alcohol-induced liver damage. As indicated by the thousands of years of traditional use, Silybum marianum has displayed significant actions against gallbladder and liver ailments.
Milk thistle exhibits antihepatotoxic properties, which protect the liver from some of the damage caused by alcohol, drugs and other toxic substances. Synthesis of repair proteins is stimulated in the liver and bile production is increased. People often use Silybum marianum to treat a number of liver disorders, including jaundice, viral hepatitis and chronic liver disease.
Milk Thistle as Food
Milk thistle is a versatile foodstuff. The roots can be boiled, roasted, pan fried or eaten raw. Spring shoots can be taken down to the roots and then steamed and buttered. The spiny flower heads can be prepared and consumed like artichokes. The rimmed leaves make a palatable substitute for spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Milk thistle stems can be peeled and then stewed in a variety of recipes.
- Powerful liver protective agent
- 80% Silymarin standardization; strongest sold online
- Increase insulin sensitivity & lower total cholesterol
Ongoing Research
Although Silybum marianum is commonly consumed as a supplement, it is also being investigated for its clinically relevant therapeutic properties. Research is ongoing and current evidence is insufficient to endorse many of the therapeutic claims associated with milk thistle.
Many milk thistle studies have generated contradictory evidence. Research is still underway to determine if milk thistle supplementation is effective for preventing and/or treating:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD);
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C;
- Alcohol related and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease;
- Poisoning from Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides), snakebites, insect stings and other toxic substances;
- Damage caused by chemotherapy;
- Diabetic kidney disease and hemodialysis (kidney failure);
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids);
Silybum marianum Side Effects
Milk thistle is generally well tolerated by humans and is not commonly associated with any severe side effects. However, milk thistle may interact with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. On account of its therapeutic profile, milk thistle may interact with medications that target liver enzymes, glucose levels and autoimmune diseases.
Be sure to discuss Silybum marianum supplementation with your doctor before beginning, especially if you use any other medications or have an existing medical condition.
- Deep, Gagan et al. “Angiopreventive Efficacy of Pure Flavonolignans from Milk Thistle Extract against Prostate Cancer: Targeting VEGF-VEGFR Signaling.” Ed. Surinder K. Batra. PLoS ONE 7.4 (2012): e34630. PMC. Web. 10 Aug. 2015.
- Post-White J1, Ladas EJ, Kelly KM. Advances in the use of milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Jun; 6(2):104-9.
- Brantley, Scott J. et al. “Two Flavonolignans from Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) Inhibit CYP2C9-Mediated Warfarin Metabolism at Clinically Achievable Concentrations.” The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 332.3 (2010): 1081–1087. PMC. Web. 8 Aug. 2015.
- Rosso N1, Marin V, Giordani A, Persiani S, Sala F, Cavicchioli L, Rovati LC, Tiribelli C. The pros and the cons for the use of Silybin-rich oral formulations in treatment of liver damage (NAFLD in particular). Curr Med Chem. 2015 Jul 29.
- Abenavoli L Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and beneficial effects of dietary supplements. World J Hepatol. 2015 Jun 28;7(12):1723-4.
- Bosch-Barrera J1, Menendez JA2. Silibinin and STAT3: A natural way of targeting transcription factors for cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev. 2015 Jun;41(6):540-6.
- Kazazis CE1, Evangelopoulos AA2, Kollas A3, Vallianou NG3. The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. Rev Diabet Stud. 2014 Summer;11(2):167-74.
- Bosch-Barrera J1, Menendez JA2. Silibinin and STAT3: A natural way of targeting transcription factors for cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev. 2015 Jun;41(6):540-6.
- Huang C1, Huang R, Chang W, Jiang T, Huang K, Cao J, Sun X, Qiu Z. The expression and clinical significance of pSTAT3, VEGF and VEGF-C in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Neoplasma. 2012;59(1):52-61.
- Ebrahimpour Koujan S1, Gargari BP2, Mobasseri M3, Valizadeh H4, Asghari-Jafarabadi M5. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2015 Feb 15;22(2):290-6.
