Milk thistle, also known as holy thistle or blessed thistle, is a commonly used medicinal herb. Its main medicinal component is a powerful antioxidant called silymarin and it's often used to treat liver conditions. Before you begin to use milk thistle, consult your health care provider.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances in foods that scavenge the free radicals in your body and protect your cells from being damaged by them, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine or USNLM. These free radicals are created as your body breaks down food or when you are exposed to things in your environment. Some of the common sources of free radical production are radiation or tobacco smoke. Free radicals not only damage your cells, but they can cause cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
Milk Thistle Uses
Milk thistle's antioxidants are commonly used to treat such conditions as hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallbladder problems, high cholesterol, insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics and cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, adds that it is used to treat food poisoning.
Research
Recent research studies described on PubMed.gov have shown promise for milk thistle in treating several serious conditions. The scientists involved attribute the results to the antioxidants in the plant. The first study, conducted by M. Adhikari at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences in Delhi, India, was published in "Journal of Biosciences" in May 2010. This study used a purified extract of silymarin from milk thistle to see how it protected the cells from radiation damage. The results were quite promising.
The second study was conducted by H. Malekinejad at the Urmia University Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in Urmia, Iran and published in "Phytotherapy Research" in June 2010. This study looked at silymarin's ability to help relieve pain. The results support the use of milk thistle to enhance the ability of morphine to reduce pain.
The NCCAM describes several current studies being done to determine the effects of silymarin in treating liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, and other liver conditions. The National Cancer Institute is currently studying silymarin as a treatment for liver damage caused by chemotherapy. The National Institute of Nursing Research is also currently studying milk thistle as a therapy for hepatitis in patients with HIV and without HIV.
Possible Side Effects
Some people may be allergic to milk thistle, according to the USNLM. Watch for rashes, hives or problems breathing while taking it. The USNLM warns pregnant or breast-feeding women to avoid the use of milk thistle until more is known about its safety for the unborn or nursing child. The UMMC says that some people may get an upset stomach or diarrhea when taking milk thistle.
Potential Interactions
Milk thistle should not be taken with antacids or acid reflux medications, blood thinners, over the counter pain relievers such as naproxen or ibuprofen, some cancer drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, allergy medications, cholesterol lowering medications, seizure medications or antipsychotic drugs, says the UMMC. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider about any potentially harmful interactions that may occur with your other supplements or medications if you take milk thistle.
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