Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, is an herbal remedy primarily used for liver issues. People began calling this plant milk thistle because its leaves produce a milky white fluid when crushed. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a group of nutrients called flavonoids. Milk thistle is available in capsules, liquid extract and tinctures.
Toxin-Related Liver Damage
Research indicates that silymarin protects the liver from toxins, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). These toxins include alcohol and drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin may help the liver produce new cells to regenerate itself, and it keeps new liver cells from being destroyed by toxins. Milk thistle appears to improve liver function and increase survival in cirrhosis patients. More research is needed due to flaws in study design, such as small sample size. Milk thistle also decreased liver toxicity associated with chemotherapy in children with leukemia in one study, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).
Hepatitis
Silymarin also reduces inflammation, so it may prove beneficial for people with liver inflammation (hepatitis). Many people take milk thistle to treat this condition, particularly for hepatitis C, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Hepatitis C usually proves chronic, and symptoms can become severe. One study showed hepatitis C patients taking milk thistle experienced fewer and milder symptoms and improved quality of life, but did not have a reduction in viral activity or liver inflammation. Study results are similar to those of toxin-related liver damage, with mixed results and design flaws.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Preliminary laboratory research indicates that milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects, according to the UMMC. In test tubes, milk thistle appears to prevent cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, and to decrease blood supply to tumors.
Poisonous Mushroom Antidote
Animal research shows that milk thistle counteracts poisonous effects of consuming Amanita phalloides, known as the deathcap mushroom. Milk thistle is completely effective if provided within 10 minutes, and significantly lowers the risk of liver destruction if provided within 24 hours. Nevertheless, nobody should rely on milk thistle for this use. If you eat even a tiny amount of one of these mushrooms it calls for emergency medical attention.
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