Several varieties of mushrooms are toxic either when eaten or used medicinally. Herbalists have used milk thistle to treat conditions of the liver or gallbladder for over 2,000 years, but many holistic practitioners have used the herb to treat poisoning caused by amanita phalloides, or the death cap mushroom. Never take milk thistle or any other herbal supplement without consulting your physician.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle goes by a variety of names such as holy thistle, Mary thistle, lady's thistle, Marian thistle, St. Mary thistle, Silybum and Silybum marianum. Native to the Mediterranean region, milk thistle grows up to 10 feet in height and gets its name from the milky white substance that comes from the leaves when crushed. Herbalists have used milk thistle to treat alcohol induced liver disease, viral hepatitis, stomach and appetite complaints, death cap mushroom poisoning and cancer, according to Drugs.com.
Death Cap Mushrooms
Amanita phalloides, or the death cap mushroom, appear most commonly in summer and autumn and have a greenish color. It is one of the most toxic of the toadstools and the culprit in a majority of human deaths from mushroom poisoning. People can mistake death cap mushrooms for edible mushrooms, as there is a close resemblance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that death cap mushrooms are hepatotoxic, meaning they are toxic to the liver. The principal toxic constituent is α--amanitin, which causes damage to the kidneys and liver, often causing death. As of 2010, there is no antidote.
Milk Thistle for Mushroom Poisoning
Herbalists have traditionally used milk thistle as an emergency antidote to death cap mushroom poisoning. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that animal studies have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts toxic effects when given within 10 minutes of consumption. It can also significantly decrease the toxic effects on the liver if given within the first 24 hours. Researchers have not conducted human trials on the effects of milk thistle on mushroom poisoning. If you suspect mushroom poisoning has occurred, contact the National Poison Control Center and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Safety
Mushroom poisoning is a life-threatening emergency and you should always seek medical attention before attempting to treat at home. Milk thistle is well tolerated in most people, according to MayoClinic.com. Some people have reported minor side effects such as appetite loss, diarrhea, heartburn and joint pain. People with hormone based conditions such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis and prostate cancer should avoid milk thistle as it contains isoflavones, which act as estrogen in the body and may exacerbate conditions. Milk thistle may affect medications changed by the liver, increasing risk of side effects or adverse events.
Considerations
The FDA does not regulate the purity, safety or efficacy of herbal supplements and some herbs may contain traces of toxic metals. Always consult a physician before using milk thistle for any reason and get supplements from a certified herbalist or reputable holistic practitioner.
Member Comments