Milk thistle is an herb that is a member of the aster family, which also includes daisies and artichokes. It is often used as a general tonic for the liver and it may also help improve symptoms of several liver diseases. The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. It holds about 13 percent of the body's blood supply and it has over 500 functions, according to the British Liver Trust website. Any disease that compromises liver function may become serious and several conditions may be life threatening.
Liver Functions
The liver is a storage depot for glucose produced through carbohydrate digestion. The liver converts glucose into glycogen and stores it. When energy is needed, it converts glycogen back into glucose and releases it into the blood. The liver also removes waste and toxic compounds from the blood and excretes them into the bowel. It contains vital immune cells and makes proteins needed for blood clotting and tissue repair. It stores iron and some vitamins, and also makes bile, essential for fat digestion. Damage or disease involving the liver may compromise these essential functions.
Liver Disease
Liver disease usually starts with inflammation, according to the American Liver Foundation. The problem may be infection or injury; liver damage may occur if it continues and the liver fails to heal. As liver tissue dies, scar tissue forms in a process called fibrosis. When fibrosis is extensive, it interferes with liver function and may lead to cirrhosis, which is irreversible. The hepatitis virus or conditions such as cancer may cause liver damage. If the liver loses its ability to function, liver failure results. This can happen gradually or it may happen quickly, depending on the cause.
Milk Thistle and the Liver
Milk thistle is a Mediterranean herb that has been used for thousands of years as a traditional remedy for many conditions, including liver disorders. The active ingredient is a compound called silymarin, which is extracted from the seeds. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle may promote growth of liver cells and also protect these cells from damage caused by oxidation.
Clinical Trials
The University of Maryland Medical Center website notes that several clinical trials have been carried out to determine if milk thistle may be beneficial in liver disease. Findings of one study suggest it may help symptoms of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C. In another study, patients with cirrhosis survived longer if they were given milk thistle than patients given a placebo. In a third study, liver function tests improved in patients with liver disease who consumed milk thistle. The National Cancer Institute is currently investigating whether milk thistle may help chemotherapy patients who suffer liver damage.
Side Effects and Precautions
Milk thistle is well tolerated at moderate doses, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It may cause mild gastric upset and some people experience an allergic reaction, especially if they already suffer from pollen allergy. People with diabetes should exercise caution in taking milk thistle because it may lower blood sugar. A doctor should always be consulted before beginning a regimen that includes milk thistle to determine if this is appropriate.
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