Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, is a plant that's native to Europe. It has been used for thousands of years for treatments of the gallbladder, liver and bile ducts. Silymarin, the antioxidant form of milk thistle, is the compound used for medicinal purposes. It's an extract of the seeds of the milk thistle. Other names for the plant are the holy thistle, wild artichoke, Mary thistle and Our Lady's thistle.
Side Effects
According to the Masonic Cancer Center, side effects of milk thistle include stomach upset, nausea, a laxative effect and heartburn. A high dose--more than 1,500mg in a day--may result in mild allergic reactions.
No FDA Approval
Milk thistle has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical condition, including as a cancer treatment. It is solely available as a supplement in the United States and therefore doesn't need FDA approval to be sold because it's considered a food and not a drug.
Precautions
Certain people should use precaution when considering taking milk thistle supplements. Women who are breast-feeding and/or pregnant should not use it, as the effect of milk thistle on breast-feeding women has not been studied. Those with some cancers or a history of cancer--specifically breast, prostate and uterine cancer (the hormonal cancers)--should not take milk thistle, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Milk thistle may act like estrogen in the body and therefore may affect hormone-related cancers. Always talk to a doctor or health care provider before taking any supplement.
Interactions
Interactions occur when herbal supplements and other drugs combine to form an agent with side effects or an unsafe properties. Do not start a milk thistle supplement if you're on any antipsychotic medication. Do not take milk thistle if you take Halothane and Dilantin. Always inform your doctor of all medications, vitamins, herbals and supplements you're taking before you begin any new medication, or if you are going under anesthesia.
Drug Interferences
Interference refers to when the herbal supplement interferes with the way another medication works, but without a harmful effect. Some drugs may be interfered with while using milk thistle. These drugs include allergy drugs, some cancer drugs, anti-coagulant medication, antiplatelet drugs, high cholesterol medication and anti-anxiety drugs.
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