Silybum marianum, which is Latin for milk thistle, is native to the Mediterranean area, and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Because milk thistle spreads quickly, it now populates most of the world and is sometimes considered a weed. Milk thistle's beneficial qualities have been used to treat a variety of physical conditions including liver disease and cancer.
Chemical Features
Silymarin is the chemical component found in milk thistle that is thought to produce positive medicinal results. This chemical is found in the seeds of the milk thistle. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that silymarin is an antioxidant, and works to combat the effects of harmful free radicals. Silymarin is an anti-inflammatory.
Liver Health
Uses for milk thistle center on the plant's effects on the liver. Historically, milk thistle is thought to improve the general functioning of the liver, and to protect it from toxins from poisons or alcohol. It has also been used to treat cirrhosis, which is a chronic scarring of the liver, and chronic hepatitis.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding studies to promote a better understanding of how milk thistle helps liver disease, specifically hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Cancer Treatment
The National Cancer Institute is studying the effects of milk thistle on cancer prevention, as of 2010. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that prostate, cervical and breast cancer tumors may be reduced using milk thistle. Initial studies show that the herb may block the blood supply that feeds the tumors and prevent the cancer cells from reproducing. It may also shorten the life of cancer cells. However, these studies are laboratory based, and further study in humans is needed to draw solid conclusions.
Other Uses
In studies conducted with animals, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that milk thistle has shown promising effects in the area of lowering blood cholesterol levels. When animals ingested the highly dangerous deathcap mushroom, the toxic effects were completely reversed if milk thistle extract was administered within 10 minutes. Menopausal symptoms and indigestion may be addressed by milk thistle.
Considerations
While these and other beneficial effects of milk thistle show potential, studies are still required to prove effectiveness. When treating diseases with milk thistle it's important to seek the guidance of your health care professional and never to substitute alternative medicine for the treatment she prescribes without her approval. In addition, be aware that milk thistle may interact with other medications you may be taking.
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