Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. According to the Mayo Clinic, a flavanoid complex called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds and commonly used to treat numerous diseases or ailments, like diabetes and liver disorders. However, there are potential side effects when consuming the supplement form of milk thistle.
Uses
Milk thistle is marketed as a supplement that can improve the following conditions: liver ailments, gall bladder ailments, diabetes, hepatitis B and C, spleen disorders, swelling in the lungs, malaria, cancer and other conditions. Unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence to support most of these claims. For example, according to the National Cancer Institute, there are no published clinical studies supporting the claim that milk thistle can treat cancer.
Warning
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the dietary herbal supplement of milk thistle as a treatment for any medical condition. Consequently, there are no governmental recommendations for healthy levels of consumption. Consult a medical physician before taking milk thistle or any other supplement.
Gastrointestinal Problems
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there have been reports of the following gastrointestinal side effects: heartburn, abdominal bloating, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal fullness, abdominal pains, dyspepsia, anorexia and abnormal bowel habits.
Hormonal Problems
Extracts from milk thistle can potentially act like estrogen once in the body. Individuals with estrogen sensitivities, or conditions that might worsen with increased estrogen levels, should not take milk thistle. Some of the medical conditions that can worsen with increased estrogen levels include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Allergic Reactions
Individuals with allergies to the following items should avoid consuming milk thistle: ragweed, marigolds, daisies, artichokes, kiwi and some of milk thistle's constituents like silibinin, silychistin, silydianin, silymonin and siliandrin. Common symptoms of allergic reactions are skin rashes, redness of skin, difficulties breathing, swelling and vomiting.
Considerations
Currently there is no scientific evidence that milk thistle is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle also has the following possible side effects: appetite loss, joint pain, impotence, lowering of blood sugar levels which can affect those with diabetes, sweating, fatigue, and feeling weak.
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