Milk thistle is an herbal plant whose fruit and seeds are used medicinally to treat many human illnesses, specifically liver and gall bladder problems. Silymarin, a flavonoid antioxidant isolated from milk thistle, offers exceptionally high protection against liver cancer in experimental carcinogenesis. However, human studies on the anti-cancer effects of milk thistle report mixed results. Consult a physician before using milk thistle supplements.
Optimum Dose
The optimum dose of milk thistle for the prevention of liver cancer is not clear. It is generally agreed that milk thistle should be taken in divided doses, at least three times a day. Check with your doctor to determine the right dose for you. According to an article published by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, consumption of a standardized milk thistle extract at 200 mg per day in divided doses is considered safe and potent.
Daily Dosage
The beneficial effects of silymarin -- the main biological component of milk thistle -- shown in some studies suggest that it may exert beneficial effects on liver carcinogenesis. The University of Michigan recommends that people with liver cancer should get at least 420 mg of silymarin per day to reap the herb's positive health benefits. In an observational study, University of Michigan researchers saw that long-term treatment with milk thistle extract is particularly beneficial for liver cancer patients.
Recommended Dosage
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of liver problems. Liver disease may be life-threatening. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the recommended dose of milk thistle for adults is 280 mg to 450 mg per day. Continue this regimen until improvement of signs and symptoms of liver cancer. Following alleviation of clinical signs, treatment with milk thistle may be continued for a period of a month or longer, or may be discontinued.
Safety Issues
At the recommended dosage, milk thistle is considered safe. It has no significant side effects, except for occasional stomach upset and diarrhea. The safety of milk thistle during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take milk thistle supplements. Consult your doctor before taking milk thistle supplements, especially if you are at risk for hormonally related cancers, including breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
