Americans spent almost $5 billion on herbal dietary supplements in 2008, reports the American Botanical Council in a 2009 issue of "HerbalGram." Ten million of those dollars were spent on milk thistle. The popular herb has been taken historically to heal the liver, the largest solid organ in your body. Active compounds in milk thistle may protect your liver from damage caused by toxins or viruses.
The Liver
The liver is situated in the right-upper quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. As related by the British Liver Trust, the reddish-brown gland performs over 500 important functions. In addition to making proteins and enzymes for chemical reactions, it removes toxins from the blood. The food you eat is digested by bile made in the liver, and converted into energy. Energy that isn't used quickly is stored in this vital organ for use during fasting states, like sleeping. The liver also plays a critical role in immune defense.
Liver Cysts
Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop at birth or over time with unknown cause. An ultrasound or computerized tomography scan is used to diagnose these abnormal growths, since they typically do not cause symptoms. If cysts become large, you may experience bloating and right-upper abdominal pain. Potential complications include liver cancer and liver failure. Cysts may be drained or surgically removed if they become too large or cause a blockage, states the American Liver Foundation.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is traditionally used as an herbal supplement to treat liver conditions. This native Mediterranean plant is named for the white fluid inside its spiky leaves. The seeds, which contain the active compound silymarin, are used to make capsules, powders, extracts and tinctures. Silymarin is thought to decrease inflammation, and to protect the liver from toxins. Other uses include treatment of gallbladder disease, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Milk Thistle and the Liver
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, animal studies show that milk thistle may improve liver function and survival rates in chronic liver disease, but well-designed human studies are lacking. The herb may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells when toxins, like certain drugs, cause damage. A Cochrane abstract of a 2007 review conducted by A. Rambaldi concludes that low-quality human studies suggest beneficial effects of milk thistle on the liver, but high-quality clinical trials are needed. Most research on milk thistle studies its effects on liver conditions other than cysts, so at this time, it cannot be said with certainty that the herb helps deal with liver cysts.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you decide to take herbal supplements, like milk thistle. Although this herb is generally recognized as safe, herbs can interact with medications and dietary supplements. In some cases, they can trigger allergic reactions. Potential side effects of milk thistle include stomach upset and diarrhea. The University of Maryland warns against taking milk thistle if you have a history of breast, uterine or prostate cancer. Herbal supplements cannot take the place of medications to treat disease.
References
- "HerbalGram"; Herbal Supplement Sales Experience Slight Increase in 2008; C. Cavaliere, et al.; Spring 2009
- British Liver Trust; The Liver; 2011
- American Liver Foundation; Liver Cysts; March 2011
- National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Milk Thistle; July 2010
- University of Maryland Medial Center; Milk Thistle; 2011
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Milk Thistle for Alcoholic and/or Hepatitis B or C Virus Liver Diseases; A. Rambaldi; 2007
