Milk thistle is a flowering member of the daisy family of plants. For centuries, the seeds of the plant have been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, most notably liver and gallbladder disorders. Although human trials show that this herb may hold promise as a therapeutic agent, clinical efficacy has not been established. In addition, chemical components of milk thistle may produce toxic side effects. Consult your health care practitioner before self-treating any condition with milk thistle.
Description
Like other thistles, milk thistle sports sharp thorns on the stem, leaves and flower head, which are intended to discourage animals from eating the plant. The specific species believed to possess medicinal benefits is Silybum marianum, also known as blessed milk thistle, St. Mary's thistle and Marian thistle. This species has a native habitat ranging from Europe, North Africa and regions throughout the Mediterranean. However, it has become naturalized to the point of being considered an invasive weed in North America, New Zealand and Australia.
Pharmacological Effects
The active compound in milk thistle is silymarin, which actually represents a group of plant polyphenols that includes silibinin A and B. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or AHRQ, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is clinical evidence that these compounds protect the liver by promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, blocking the passage of toxins into cell membranes and increasing protein metabolism.
Adverse Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle is generally well tolerated in most people for up to six years. However, the clinic staff notes that some people experience headache and stomach upset and, in rare cases, impotence and joint pain. The AHRQ expands the list of possible side effects to include insomnia and rhinoconjunctivitis. Certain individuals with a known allergy to plants in the aster or daisy family may exhibit symptoms of eczema, contact dermatitis and even anaphylactic shock.
Drug Interactions
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that milk thistle may interact with a variety of medications, including anti-cancer agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and blood-thinning drugs. If you take any medications, do not use milk thistle without checking with your doctor.
Other Considerations
The Mayo Clinic cautions that milk thistle compounds may lower blood sugar levels, indicating that you should not use this herb without professional supervision if you have diabetes. In addition, milk thistle may promote estrogenic effects and should be avoided if you have a hormone-driven cancer or are pregnant or nursing. Milk thistle may also increase liver enzyme levels in some people.
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