Milk thistle is used for many conditions including liver disease, gallbladder disease, heartburn, diabetes, cancer and depression. Since milk thistle is an herb, its safety, preparation and use is not fully regulated. Milk thistle, like all herbs, can cause side effects and potentially interact with other medications, so it is always best to consult a physician to determine whether it is safe based on your personal medical history.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The substance in milk thistle that is used for medicinal purposes is silymarin, which is extracted from the seeds. However the leaves and flowers are also consumed as well. The seeds are often used to make capsules, extracts, powders, and tinctures. While much more research is needed, advocates suggest that silymarin may help to destroy free radicals, fight inflammation and promote the growth of liver cells, which means it may help in the treatment of hepatitis C, cirrhosis and with cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-related liver damage. Studies in humans have been limited, so the health benefits of milk thistle are still unclear.
Safety
Milk thistle is considered generally safe, but it should not be given to children and those with a serous underlying medical condition who need to seek proper medical care. However, under medical supervision it may be best to take a silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex, because the body can absorb and use the silymarin more easily than when taken alone. Phosphatidylcholine appears to help the silymarin to attach to cell membranes. A general dosing guide is to take 100 to 200 mg of silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex two times per day.
Side Effects
When taken as prescribed, milk thistle is usually well tolerated for up to six years. It should be avoided by anyone who is allergic to the plant. While rare, side effects can include loss of appetite, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, joint pain, and impotence. The safety of milk thistle in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding has not been fully studied. Since milk thistle can interact with other herbal, over-the-counter or prescription medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this herb.
Warnings
Since the leaves and flowers contain chemicals with similar actions to the female hormone estrogen, only the seeds should be used by women with breast, uterine and ovarian cancer; endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in some patients, so diabetics and those with blood sugar issues should test their blood sugar before and after taking milk thistle. Milk thistle should not be taken if you have hemochromatosis as it can make this condition worse.
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