Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is an herb that is used as a culinary ingredient, a medicine and a garden plant. Cultivation of milk thistle dates back 2,000 years to the Greco Roman period, and its popularity continues to this day. Milk thistle is most commonly used as a remedy for liver disorders. Its effectiveness has been documented by scientific research, according to the Mayo Clinic, though continued study is needed to confirm these initially promising results.
Milk thistle is easily obtainable in health food stores in tablets, capsules, extracts and tinctures and is also commonly dispensed from bins as a bulk herb.
Though the Mayo Clinic notes that milk thistle has a positive record as a safe herbal supplement, some side effects have been noted.
Allergies
As with any herbal supplement, there is the chance that some people may experience allergic sensitivities to milk thistle. Allergies to similar plants may provide advance warning of milk thistle allergy. People who are allergic to plants in the aster family, as well as daisies, artichokes and the common thistle, should refrain from taking milk thistle, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Drug Interactions
The University of Maryland warns that there is a possibility of negative reactions caused by the interaction of milk thistle with other drugs. Specifically, it is advised that patients who take antipsychotic medications, the seizure medicine Dilantin (also known as Phenytoin) or Halathane, which is administered during anesthesia, should not take milk thistle.
Additionally, milk thistle should not be taken with drugs that are broken down by the same liver enzymes. These include allergy medications, high cholesterol drugs, anti-anxiety prescriptions, blood thinners and some cancer drugs.
Gastrointestinal Reactions
Mayo Clinic notes that stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting have occurred in patients who did not tolerate milk thistle well.
Blood Sugar
The Mayo Clinic warns that taking milk thistle may result in lower sugar levels in the blood. Diabetes patients, as well as those with hypoglycemia, should consult their doctor before taking milk thistle to ensure that serum glucose levels are properly monitored.
Skin Rash
The University of Maryland reports that skin rashes have occurred in people who have had physical contact with the milk thistle plant. The Mayo Clinic also notes the appearance of rashes in some milk thistle supplement users, most probably due to an allergic reaction.
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