Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years in Europe to return the liver to a state of health, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle, particularly the flavonoids silymarin and silibinin may protect the liver from toxins and may even be beneficial in fighting off cancer cells.
Considerations
Milk thistle supplements are made from the ripe seed, which is actually the fruit of the plant. It has been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, most notably liver and gall bladder problems, according the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
In Europe milk thistle was thought to reduce the effects of toxins such as poisonous mushrooms and alcohol on the liver.
Liver Ailments
Milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for a variety of liver disease including alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Silymarin may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells, according to the UMMC. So far scientific studies show mixed results as to the effectiveness of milk thistle for liver disorders.
Cancer Treatment
Proponents claim that milk thistle slows the growth of certain types of cancer, according to the ACS.
Early reports from laboratory experiments show that silymarin and silibinin in milk thistle reduce the growth of human breast, cervical and prostate cancer cells, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One study found silibinin significantly reduced the growth of cancerous cells in the liver (hepatoma). The findings were published in October, 2007 in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology".
Dyspepsia
An herbal preparation containing milk thistle may be effective in decreasing symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a term used to describe a number of digestive problems such as nausea, gas and bloating, according to Baptist Health Systems.
A four week long German study involving 60 patients found milk thistle along with other herbs including licorice root and lemon balm leaves improved the symptoms of dyspepsia better than a placebo. The findings of the study were published in July, 2001 in the journal "Z Gastroenterol." However, milk thistle has not been studied as a stand-alone treatment for indigestion.
Dosage
Milk thistle supplements are available as a capsule, tablet, powder and liquid extract. Powdered milk thistle can be made into a tea. A typical daily dose ranges from 140 to 400 milligrams of silymarin, that is usually divided into two or three doses, according to the ACS.
Side Effects & Precautions
Milk thistle appears to be safe when taken at the recommended dosage. Side effects are usually mild and may include nausea and diarrhea.
Milk thistle should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle.
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