Milk thistle, also known as silybum marianum, is an herb whose properties have strong effects on the function of the liver. Used by herbalists for hundreds of years, milk thistle has been touted as a treatment for hepatitis, liver failure, cirrhosis, cancer, diabetes in people with cirrhosis, and high cholesterol. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Mayo Clinic, milk thistle can sometimes be an effective treatment for these diseases and more (see References below).
Hepatitis
The Mayo Clinic reports that oral doses of milk thistle improved liver blood test results for chronic hepatitis. However, in the case of acute viral hepatitis, there has not been enough research at this time to recommend milk thistle for the treatment for this potentially fatal disease.
Cancer
Anti-cancer properties have been noted as a result of early studies suggesting that active substances in milk thistle might be effective against the growth of cervical, prostate, breast and liver cancers. The substances in question, including the active ingredient in milk thistle, solitarian, appear to inhibit the division and proliferation of cancer cells, shorten their life span, and interfere with blood supply to tumors. Additional studies are needed however, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (see Reference 3).
Mushroom Poisoning
Used traditionally as an emergency antidote to Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning, milk thistle extract completely counteracts the toxic effects when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. When given to poison victims within 24 hours of ingestion, it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death and liver damage, according to the National Library of Medicine (see Reference 1).
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Milk thistle has been used traditionally for treatment of cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol overuse and other causes. It can help improve liver function, says the Mayo Clinic, and has greatly reduced the number of cirrhosis-related deaths. The National Library of Medicine reports that 16 prospective placebo-controlled trials were conducted for the efficacy of milk thistle on alcoholic liver disease. Significant improvement was seen in at least one aspect of each trial supporting the improved function of the liver (see Reference 1).
Liver Damage due to Toxicity
There may be possible benefits from the use of milk thistle in prevention of liver damage due to chemical toxicity or drug use, including prescription medicine use, says the Mayo clinic, but more studies are needed for conventional medicine to recommend its use in these conditions. Historically, herbalists have used milk thistle for this very purpose, and there is anecdotal evidence that it is effective in reducing liver enzymes and protecting the liver from poisonings, according to David Conway author of the book, "The Magic of Herbs," (E.P. Dutton 1976).
Other Considerations: Adverse Effects
Oral ingestion of milk thistle can cause several adverse effects which should be taken into consideration if using this herb. Gastrointestinal problems, headaches, arthralgia (aching of muscle and joints), skin irritations and rashes, impotence and occasional allergy leading to anaphylaxis have been documented, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (see Reference 3).
