Native to the Mediterranean region, milk thistle has been an herbal remedy for various illnesses for at least 2,000 years. This herb contains a group of active ingredients responsible for its most healthful effects. In recent years, milk thistle has been advocated for cancer treatment. Before you decide to take milk thistle or any other herbal supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Anti-Cancer Property
According to numerous laboratory studies, milk thistle exerts its anti-cancer effects by interfering with cell division and reducing the lifespan of cancer cells in vitro. It also attacks blood vessels that supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients necessary for survival and growth. More studies are needed to determine whether milk thistle confers cancer benefits in humans as well.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth
Researchers at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute report milk thistle may be useful for cancer therapy, because it plays an active role in tumor regression and inhibition of tumor growth. Their findings indicate the anticancer activity of milk thistle is attributable to silymarin and its main biological ingredient, silybin, which is found in the herb. None of these claims about milk thistle, however, have garnered U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization, so exercise caution when considering its use.
Therapeutic Dosage
For adults, daily oral administration of a standard milk thistle extract at doses up to 200 mg two to three times a day is safe and potent, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. There is new evidence suggesting that silybin-phosphatidylcholine, a milk thistle supplement, is well-absorbed by humans. The recommended dose for this supplement is 100 to 200 mg twice a day.
Precautions
In testing, milk thistle shows little toxicity, even at high doses. Also, no serious side effects occur from taking very high doses of milk thistle supplements, except for occasional gastrointestinal disturbances. It is probably safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women; however, people with already impaired renal function should consult a doctor before using milk thistle or any other supplements. While there are no drug interactions, milk thistle can block a bacterial enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, which plays a role in the activation of certain medications.
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