Over 74,000 new cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed in 2011 in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. This cancer can be scary, but treatments exist that can help treat and cure lymphomas. Some individuals use herbal supplements like milk thistle along with their treatment regimen. Before using milk thistle for your lymphoma, talk with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to consume.
Lymphoma
When white blood cells called lymphocytes start developing and multiplying abnormally, this can lead to the blood cancer known as lymphoma. The two main types of lymphoma are: Hodgkin lymphoma, or HL, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL. Within each of these types of cancer are multiple subtypes of lymphomas. Common symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue and itching. Treatment depends on the subtype of lymphoma you have and the extent of disease, but can include chemotherapy, radiation, biologic therapy or stem-cell transplant.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat liver and gallbladder problems. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although milk thistle has been shown to improve liver function in those with cirrhosis or hepatitis, study results are mixed and more research needs to be done. This supplement might have anti-cancer properties, but this is still being studied. The typical dosage of milk thistle is 280 to 450 mg daily, divided up throughout the day, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can also take 100 to 200 mg of a silymarin-phosphatidylcholine combination, which is more easily absorbed than traditional milk thistle. Do not use this herb without your doctor's approval.
Effects of Milk Thistle on Lymphoma
The use of milk thistle for cancer has only been studied in laboratory experiments and some animal studies. It may have antioxidant properties and interfere with the cell cycle, helping to kill cancer cells, says Drugs.com. It may also have anti-angiogenesis properties in solid tumors, which means it helps cut off blood supply to the cancer, starving the tumor and killing cancer cells. These findings are promising, but there is not enough clinical information to definitively recommend it to help treat cancer.
Considerations
Milk thistle is not a cure for lymphoma and should not be used in place of the treatment your doctor has prescribed. Before using milk thistle, talk with your oncologist to learn whether it is safe for you to take. This supplement can interact with a variety of medications, including some cancer drugs. Tell your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking.
References
- Lymphoma Research Foundation; About Lymphoma; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Milk Thistle; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; March 2009
- Drugs.com; Complete Milk Thistle Information; September 2011
- National Cancer Institute: Hodgkin Lymphoma Home Page
- National Cancer Institute: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Home Page
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