A relative of the daisy, milk thistle is native to Mediterranean regions, where it may be considered a weed. Extract made from the seeds of milk thistle is used in traditional medicine and has been the subject of laboratory and animal studies. While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, it should not be a substitute for regular medical care. Consult a health care professional before beginning a milk thistle regimen.
Alzheimer's Disease
Milk thistle may be able to improve your memory, judgment and reasoning if these functions have been impaired by the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Silibinin is a flavonoid found in milk thistle. In a laboratory study conducted by Canadian researchers, silibinin prevented the formation of protein tangles known as amyloid plaque, a marker of Alzheimer's disease. The study was published December 24, 2010 in the online "Neurochemistry International."
Milk thistle may also prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's disease. Japanese scientists tested the herb on mice predisposed to the brain disease and found amyloid plaque formation was suppressed. Treated mice also exhibited less anxiety than untreated animals. The findings were published in the November 2010 issue of "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry."
Prostate Cancer
Silibinin has shown beneficial effects in prostate cancer studies. Researchers from the University of Colorado in Denver reviewed trials involving laboratory cultures and mice and concluded that components in milk thistle are non-toxic and have shown a promising ability to prevent and control the growth of cancer cells. Scientifically controlled clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of milk thistle in humans. The analysis was published in the February 2004 issue of "Current Cancer Drug Targets."
Mushroom Poisoning
In folk medicine, milk thistle has been an antidote for those who accidentally ingest deadly Amanita mushrooms. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that research on animals shows milk thistle extract can completely reverse the toxic effects of mushroom poisoning when administered within a few minutes and can significantly reduce liver damage and the risk of death If given within 24 hours.
Liver Disease
Milk thistle supplements, also called silymarin, are widely thought to protect liver cells from damage by alcohol, viral hepatitis, and the pain reliever acetaminophen. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the results of human clinical trials have so far been mixed. Some studies were poorly designed, excluded comparisons of milk thistle to other treatments, had too few participants or used inconsistent doses. Silymarin could change the way some medications are broken down by the liver. Consult your physician for more information about possible drug interactions.
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