Milk thistle is a popular herb traditionally used to treat liver and gallbladder issues. Milk thistle contains a flavonoid compound known as silymarin that can have restorative effects on the liver and improve general liver health. Silymarins are also powerful antioxidants that may help to fight cancer. Milk thistle is generally safe, but may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking advantage of the potential dietary benefits of milk thistle.
Better Liver Function
Many of the dietary benefits of milk thistle center around its ability to improve liver function. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes the many positive effects that milk thistle can have on liver health. Milk thistle can strengthen the walls of liver cells to prevent liver cells from absorbing certain toxins. Milk thistle also can also help liver cells to regenerate to improve liver function.
Lower Cholesterol
Your liver plays a very important role in how you process and make cholesterol. Some studies suggest that the improved liver function elicited by milk thistle can actually help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Studies in laboratory animals show that milk thistle supplements can reduce blood cholesterol levels. The Susan G. Komen Foundation points out, however, that more research needs to be performed to confirm that these effects also apply to humans. Many prescription medications for high cholesterol work through the liver. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that people who use common cholesterol-lowering drugs should not use milk thistle without consulting a physician.
Improved Blood Sugar
In addition to controlling cholesterol, milk thistle may have effects on the liver and gallbladder to help keep insulin and blood sugar levels under control. The effects of milk thistle on blood sugar are most noteworthy in patients with type 2 diabetes. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center describes clinical studies of milk thistle and silymarins which shows an improvement in the glycemic profile of people with type 2 diabetes.
Cancer
Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant that may help to prevent the formation of some cancers. The Susan G. Komen foundation highlights promising research showing that milk thistle can prevent the growth of, or even kill, some types of cancer cells. The most promising uses of milk thistle in cancer are related to the toxicity caused by common cancer drugs. Scientists are now investigating whether milk thistle extracts can prevent liver damage caused by cancer chemotherapy drugs. Some research suggests that milk thistle may increase the efficacy of some anticancer drugs. If you have cancer, or, if you are at high risk for developing cancer, talk to your physician or oncologist to learn more about whether or not you should consider using milk thistle in combination with your cancer therapy.
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