Milk thistle is a traditional herbal remedy to treat disorders of the liver and gallbladder. The medicinal compounds in the plant are collectively referred to as silymarin. This substance is reputed to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is used to protect the liver from the toxic effects of medications, alcohol, hepatitis and mushroom poisoning. While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, there are some potential dangers to be aware of.
Common Side Effects
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the most commonly reported side effects from supplementing with milk thistle preparations are stomach upset, bloating and diarrhea.
Secondary Side Effects
To improve absorption of silymarin, milk thistle preparations are sometimes packaged as a silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. The addition of phosphatidylcholine, a form of purified lecithin, can also produce stomach upset. However, this substance has also been known to produce nausea and increased salivation in some people.
Pediatric Use
All of the studies completed on the effects of milk thistle compounds have involved adults, so it's not known how what effect his herb may have in children. Of course, this also means that there are no guidelines in place in terms of the appropriate dosage for a child.
Allergic Reactions
If you are allergic to other members of the same family of plants, such as chrysanthemum, daisy, marigold or ragweed, you may be at risk for experiencing an allergic reaction to milk thistle. In addition, some people develop contact dermatitis from handing the raw plant material.
Alcohol-Related Disease
You should not take the liquid extract of milk thistle if you are alcohol intolerant or have a history of cirrhosis of the liver because the extract contains alcohol.
Cancer Treatments
Although milk thistle is being studied for a potential anti-tumor effect in some forms of cancer, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises against taking milk thistle preparations if you have a history of or are being treated for a hormone-driven cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer.
Pregnancy
You should not take any herbal medicines, including milk thistle, while you are pregnant or nursing unless you are under the direction and supervision of a qualified health-care practitioner. The Mayo Clinic cautions that milk thistle may have estrogenic effects.
Possible Drug Interactions
Milk thistle is known to interfere with several medications, including a number of antipsychotic drugs, some anti-seizure medications and the anesthesia drug halothane. Milk thistle may also interact with cancer medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, anti-anxiety medications, some allergy medications and blood thinners, such as warfarin.
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