Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is characterized in nature by its reddish-purple flowers and white "milk" fluid that is excreted from its leaves. The plant originated in the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated all over the world because of its increasing popularity. Besides its eye-catching appearance, milk thistle has become so popular because of its powerful therapeutic properties that have been used for centuries. Evidence-based studies have shown that milk thistle contains powerful substances that promote liver health, prevent cancer and toxic substances.
Liver Disease Treatment
Milk thistle has been used medicinally as a natural remedy to promote liver health since the 1600's. Today, it continues to be used in the United States as an alternative medicine taken by individuals suffering from liver disorders. Silymarin is a naturally occurring extract found in milk thistle, and researchers believe it is responsible for the herb's healing properties, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Clinical studies claim that the herb may support liver health as it prevents cellular damage and supports new growth of cells in the liver. Milk thistle has also been suggested to prevent oxidation of the liver, a chemical reaction that causes cellular damage and destruction, and decreases inflammation. Researched trials funded by the NCCAM discovered that milk thistle therapy was associated with significantly less symptoms of liver disease in patients diagnosed with hepatitis C. The herb is generally safe and well-tolerated in patients with liver disease and has shown very few side effects in the NCCAM studies.
Cancer Prevention
Promising research supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests that milk thistle may be beneficial in treating individuals diagnosed with cancer. Milk thistle's active compounds, silymarin and silybin have been the most studied ingredients, and are considered to be responsible for the herb's anti-cancer properties. Silymarin and silybin have been noted to protect the liver against toxins that promote damage by prohibiting them from entering the cells. Laboratory studies involving milk thistle and cancer cells of the tongue, skin, and parts of the intestine have yielded promising results, according to the NCI. Research suggests that milk thistle is beneficial for cancer patients because it makes chemotherapy more effective and less toxic by reducing side effects. Other findings report that the herb inhibits the spread and growth of cancerous cells and tumors.
Poison Prevention
Silymarin promotes cell reparation in the liver, and prevents damage from toxic substances such as poisons, according to research from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Milk thistle contains naturally occurring antioxidants and flavonoids that researchers believe to ward off substances that promote cellular damage. Milk thistle has been traditionally used as an antidote for poisoning by toxic mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). Evidenced-based studies by the UMMC found that the herb has unique properties that counteract the toxic effects from the mushroom. More notably, when milk thistle is administered within 24 hours of ingesting the toxic mushroom, it significantly decreases the occurrence of liver damage and death.
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