The University of Maryland Medical Center reports milk thistle has been used for its medicinal qualities for over 2,000 years. Throughout this time, the main purpose of milk thistle was to treat liver and gallbladder ailments. Another use of milk thistle may include lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious cardiovascular condition, which must be treated under the supervision of a licensed physician. Prescription medications are typically used in conjunction with dietary alterations to lower blood pressure; however, herbs such as milk thistle may directly or indirectly alleviate this condition.
Milk Thistle Active Constituents
The active constituents of milk thistle include a group of flavonoids known as silymarin. These compounds include silicristin, silidianin and silibinin, which are outlined by the University of Maryland Medical Center as possibly being effective for treating liver damage due to excessive toxic substances. These ingredients are also known to enhance the body's antioxidant count and reduce inflammation.
Milk Thistle Effects on Blood Pressure
The majority of studies regarding milk thistle focus on its ability to treat liver and gallbladder conditions, thus information regarding its effects on blood pressure is unavailable. Traditional uses of milk thistle include lowering cholesterol levels, however, further research is required to determine its true effectiveness. High cholesterol levels are typically joined by high blood pressure, thus by lowering cholesterol levels, this herb may have an effect on blood pressure. Milk thistle is also suggested to lower blood sugar levels, which may help keep blood pressure levels in check. Studies must still be performed, but milk thistle may lower blood pressure indirectly.
Dosing
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 280 to 450 mg of milk thistle per day. To ensure the maximum effectiveness of milk thistle, it is recommended to consume an extract with 70 to 80 percent silymarin.
Safety Considerations
Never begin a supplementation program with milk thistle without discussing the safety and dosage with your physician. While milk thistle is considered safe for healthy adults, if you're currently taking medications for high blood pressure or any other condition milk thistle may cause adverse side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports those with hormone-related cancers should never consume milk thistle.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Milk Thistle; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Evidence; April 2011
- Aetna InteliHealth; Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum); July 2005
- Drugs.com; Milk Thistle; December 2010
- The University of Utah; Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
