Milk thistle is used in traditional medicine to protect the liver and help with gallbladder issues. Studies have shown that these uses are not far from reality. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, is useful against liver disorders and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, milk thistle does interact with some medications, so do not take it unless you speak with your doctor first. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice because they are well informed about the interactions of herbs and drugs.
Uses
Milk thistle's primary usage focuses on protecting the liver. In alcoholic hepatitis, one study showed benefits, but the results of some studies were not conclusive because participants stopped drinking, which is more effective than continuing to drink and taking milk thistle, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. In the case of liver cirrhosis, it shows promise in many studies for increasing survival rates. Mixed results exist for acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Other uses for milk thistle include reversing liver toxic drug overdose, reversing mushroom poisoning and cancer treatment.
Drug Interactions
Milk thistle interacts with some prescription medications. Evidence exists that it may make birth control pills less effective. Consult your doctor before taking milk thistle and an anti-psychotic such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine. Other drug interactions to mention to your doctor are the antiseizure drug Dilantin and the anesthesia drug halothane. Certain drugs are processed by the same enzyme in the liver, and milk thistle can interfere with their actions. These drugs are allergy drugs such as fexofenadine, cholesterol drugs such as the statins, anti-anxiety drugs such as alprazolam, blood thinners such as warfarin and some cancer drugs. Avoid taking milk thistle with drugs of these types.
Dosages
Milk thistle's active ingredient is a chemical called silymarin. The dosage of milk thistle is 200 mg 2 to 3 times per day with at least 70 percent silymarin concentration, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. Silymarin is better absorbed when taken with phosphatidylcholinel; these two medications are often paired together. The recommended dosage in this case is 100 to 200 mg twice per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Safety
Milk thistle is generally regarded as safe. The only side effects noted are stomach upset, diarrhea and a rash when touching the actual plant. Rarely, a severe stomachache may occur. This supplement does not have any data for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so do not take this medication if you are in these populations. Likewise, if you have kidney disease, avoid use of milk thistle, or only use it under the express consent of your doctor. If you have prostate cancer, breast cancer or another hormone-related cancer in your history, you should avoid taking this supplement.
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