Milk thistle, also known as silybum marianum, carduus marianus and mary thistle, contains silymarin, silibinin and isosilybin B, components that may provide anti-cancer effects. While further scientific evidence is needed to confirm milk thistle's efficacy as an herbal healer, the plant has earned interest with scientists as as a treatment for prostate cancer. Check with your health care provider before use.
Prostate
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, "The prostate is not essential for life, but it's important for reproduction." A small, fluid-secreting organ that's part of the male reproductive system, this gland supplies nutrients to seminal fluid that both preserve, protect and energize sperm. The prostate may be small, but it can cause huge health problems for men. By the time a man reaches old age, odds are he will have some medical issue related to the prostate.
Identification
Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, milk thistle grows wild in Europe and is naturalized in Australia and California. The spiny perennial plant thrives in sunny conditions and grows to heights of four to 10 feet. Milk thistle produces milky-white sap, purple flowers and green leaves with distinctive white markings. Herbalists collect and dry milk thistle's brown seeds for medicinal use.
Benefits
The National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine claims that milk thistle may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the spread of breast, cervical and prostate cancers. (See Reference 3) The therapeutic qualities of silymarin and silibinin, key constituents of the herb, have been widely researched. According to LifeExtensionMagazine.org, both silymarin and silibinin show promise in preventing prostate cancer. A 2004 study conducted by the University of Colorado found that the two constituents help prevent prostate cancer cells from accessing the blood supply needed for their continued growth. In addition, the constituents may induce prostate cancer cells to return to a normal state. (See Reference 2)
Furthermore, scientists at the Research Triangle in North Carolina discovered that isosilybin B, a chemical extracted from milk thistle seeds, also has beneficial effects in the treatment of prostate cancer. LifeExtensionMagazine.org states, "This phytochemical, called isosilybin B, potently suppresses the growth and runaway proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. Moreover, this potent phytonutrient inhibits the secretion of a protein that may contribute to prostate cancer progression and metastasis." (See Reference 2)
Use
Milk thistle seeds come in capsule, powder, tea, tincture and extract form, the form most preferred for prostate cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center and Hepatitis C Support Project caution, however, against the use of milk thistle for prostate cancer. (See Reference 4 & 5) Nonetheless, much evidence exists to the contrary, including a 1998 study conducted by researchers at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, Washington. The study indicated that milk thistle may have anti-prostate cancer effects. The Institute, however, makes no dosage recommendations. (See Resource 2)
Side Effects
Milk thistle has few side effects. Pregnant and lactating women can use milk thistle safely, although women taking contraceptives should avoid the herb. Since it works as a mild laxative, milk thistle may cause diarrhea. According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, gastrointestinal problems and occasional allergic reactions may result from milk thistle use. Because it can reduce blood sugar levels, people who suffer from diabetes or hypoglycemia should use caution with milk thistle. Refrain from milk thistle use if you take anticoagulant, allergy, anti-anxiety or cancer drugs. Additionally, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, do not use milk thistle if you have a hormone-related cancer, such as breast, uterine or prostate cancer. (See Reference 4)
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