Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid. When the body produces too much uric acid or is unable to excrete enough, it can begin to accumulate within the joints. Over time, the excess uric acid can form into urate crystals, which irritate and subsequently inflame joint tissue. This often leads to fairly intense bouts of pain. Most treatments rely on reducing the inflammation causing the pain or limiting the amount of uric acid in the body contributing to the crystals. As of 2011, milk thistle doesn't appear to promote either effect. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other dietary supplement to treat gout.
Evidence
Scientific evidence is lacking for the use of milk thistle to treat gout or any of its associated symptoms as of 2011. Milk thistle has neither anti-inflammatory nor uric acid-lowering effects on the body, so it's not likely that the herb improves this condition. Any benefit of its use in the treatment of gout is anecdotal at best.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that milk thistle helps absorb uric acid, thereby decreasing its level in the body and preventing the formation of urate crystals. While this sounds beneficial, no evidence exists to support such a claim as of 2011. Milk thistle isn't known to improve uric acid levels so it can't prevent or treat gout.
Recommendation
Rather than taking an untested herb to treat gout, talk to your doctor to determine the best approach to treatment. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors limit the production of uric acid while probenecid helps the kidneys excrete excess uric acid from the body. Both activities can prevent complications of gout. You may also find benefit in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Along with these medications, your doctor might suggest changing your diet to one low in purines, which are found in organ meats, mushrooms and asparagus, among other foods. During digestion, purines are broken down into uric acid, potentially increasing uric acid levels in the body.
Warning
While milk thistle is generally considered safe, its use sometimes can lead to side effects. Gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach and diarrhea, are the most common. Taking too much, however, can lead to toxicity, warns the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In this situation, you might begin to experience nausea, vomiting, weakness and sweating. Like many other supplements, milk thistle also can adversely interact with prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, statins, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. It has also been known to alter the efficacy of cancer drugs, so talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle for any reason.
Member Comments