Milk thistle is a spiny-stemmed Mediterranean native that grows world-wide in sunny, dry regions. Milk thistle, considered a weed in many parts of the world, has a distinctive flower that presents as a rounded tuft of hot reddish-lavender capping a spiny seed pod. Milk thistle has been used for medicinal purposes for more than two millennia, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, primarily as a treatment to protect and heal the liver. It should only be used in consultation with a health care provider, however.
Properties & Preparations
Milk thistle's active ingredient is silymarin, a group of flavonoids believed to repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxins. Silymarin also may protect new cells from destruction by these same substances, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Silymarin also is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Milk thistle treatments usually are made from the plant's seeds in concentrations of between 70 to 80 percent silymarin. Preparations include capsules of the dried plant, liquid extracts and tinctures and silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex, which is believed to be more readily absorbed than regular milk thistle, according to the medical center.
Treatment Claims
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle may both protect the liver and improve liver function. Milk thistle treatments may benefit those with cirrhosis of the liver, chronic hepatitis and gallbladder disorders. Milk thistle treatment purports to lower cholesterol, reduce insulin dependence and decrease growth of cancer cells in certain types of cancer, according to the center.
Study Results
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that although small studies have found a beneficial effect on liver function, cirrhosis sufferers and those with chronic hepatitis, findings have not been definitive. The small number of study participants and variances in dosages and treatment duration weaken the evidence for effectiveness. According to the alternative medicine center: "To date, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its (milk thistle's) claimed uses." This national center has funded studies to investigate milk thistle's effects on chronic hepatitis C. Other research co-funded by the complementary and alternative medicine center and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease plans to study the effects of milk thistle on this type of hepatitis and nonalcoholic liver disease. The national center states that milk thistle also will be studied as a cancer preventative and a treatment for AIDS patients.
Side-Effects/Precautions
Although milk thistle is considered safe, the Maryland medical center states that side effects may occur, including upset stomach and diarrhea. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to milk thistle, according to the national alternative medicine center. Those who are also allergic to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies are more at risk. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid milk thistle, according to the Maryland medical center. It should not be used in those who have had hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate and uterine cancer.
Contraindications
Milk thistle may interact with certain medications, according to the medical center. These include anti-psychotics, phenytoin (Dilantin), halothane, allergy medications, medications for high cholesterol, anti-anxiety medications, blood thinners and certain cancer drugs. Liver disease is a serious medical condition that can be fatal, the medical center. Talk to your health care provider before taking milk thistle or other herbal medications.
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