Why Take Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle, an herbal remedy used for more than 2,000 years, acquires its name from the milk-like fluid that oozes from the leaves of the plant when they are crushed. Milk thistle supplements, made from the fruit, leaves and seeds of the plant, come in the form of dried herbs, liquid extracts or tinctures. This herb contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Liver Protection

Milk thistle protects the liver from toxins and pollutants. The herbal supplement can guard against free radical damage and stimulate the growth of new liver cells. Milk thistle may help protect the liver from damage caused by drugs or medications. This herb is also used in the treatment of viral hepatitis to increase and improve liver function. However, due to inconclusive human scientific research, the Mayo Clinic does not recommend milk thistle as a sole course of treatment for viral hepatitis, which can be a life-threatening disease. Others uses of milk thistle include treating alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. A study published in the 2010 edition of "Phytotherapy Research" reported that silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, reduces free-radical damage and acts as a toxin-blocking agent, reducing liver damage caused by medications, radiation and alcohol.

Cancer Prevention

The silymarin in milk thistle may also have anti-cancer benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that silymarin may help stop cancer cells from spreading and dividing and reduce the amount of blood flow to tumors. The antioxidant effects of milk thistle may help protect against skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation damage. Additional human clinical research is needed, however.

Additional Uses

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of milk thistle may help protect the kidneys, gallbladder and immune system from free-radical damage and inflammation.

In addition, milk thistle traditionally was used as an antidote for mushroom poisoning. Using milk thistle as an antidote for mushroom or other food poisoning within 24 hours of ingesting the food may help protect from liver damage.

Considerations

Milk thistle is generally considered safe. In large doses, however, silymarin may produce side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea. People with allergies to artichokes, daisies, kiwi or the aster family of plants may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle, which can result in a skin rash. Milk thistle may interfere with certain medications and may lower blood glucose levels. People taking medication for diabetes or hypoglycemia should not take milk thistle.