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Explore the benefits and uses of milk thistle with Meri Sehat's comprehensive guide. Discover how this herbal remedy can support your health.

Milk Thistle: Your Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb linked with the daisy and ragweed family. It gets its name from the white veins that run through its large prickly leaves. Milk thistle is also referred to as Mary thistle and holy thistle. In Latin, it is known as Silybum marianum, a synonym of Carduus marianus.

Milk thistle extract is used as a herbal remedy. The plant&#39;s seeds are used to extract silymarin, which is one of the active constituents in milk thistle. Silymarin is a lipophilic extract from the plant&#39;s seeds that contains three flavonolignans, including silybin, silychristin, and silydianin. Silybin, which accounts for 50-70% of silymarin, has the component with the highest level of biological activity<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
&nbsp;

The milk thistle is a native European supplement. It&rsquo;s now found throughout America, Australia, Africa, and Asia<a href="#accordion">[17]</a>.&nbsp;in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms.

Silybin is also used intravenously in Europe as an antidote to Amanita phalloides, a mushroom toxin that triggers extreme liver damage<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Understanding the health benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle&#39;s hepatoprotective properties are manifested through three major mechanisms:

<ul>
	<li>Antioxidant</li>
	<li>Anti-inflammatory</li>
	<li>Antifibrotic substance 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

People all over the world use it traditionally to cure:

<ul>
	<li>Liver and gallbladder problems</li>
	<li>Increase breast milk production</li>
	<li>Prevent and cure cancer</li>
	<li>Protect liver from snake bites, alcohol, and environmental toxins 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

An individual can use several parts of the milk thistle plant to cure a variety of health problems. They can drink it as tea, take it as a supplement, and sometimes mix it with creams to apply on their skin.

The possible health advantages of milk thistle include<a href="#accordion">[17[20]</a>: 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Protects Your Liver</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle is mostly encouraged for its effects on the liver. Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, is an antioxidant; it lowers free radical production.

Individuals with liver damage from alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/hepatitis-an-overview">hepatitis</a>, and even liver cancer frequently utilize it as a complementary therapy. It is also used for liver protection from toxins, such as amatoxin.

According to one study, it may moderately increase the life expectancy in case of liver cirrhosis due to alcoholic liver disease<a href="#accordion">[17]</a>.

Note: Not every study has proved milk thistle extract to have a good effect on liver ailments so these results are not actually reliable. More research is needed to assess whether it can actually be used as a complementary therapy. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="2">
	<li>Prevents Decline In Your Brain Function</li>
</ol>

For more than two millennia, milk thistle has been used as a traditional treatment for neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer&#39;s and Parkinson&#39;s disease. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects imply that it may be neuroprotective and assist in preventing the decline in brain function that occurs with age.

Note: However, it&rsquo;s only been observed in test-tube and animal studies; no human studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of milk thistle in individuals with Alzheimer&#39;s or other neurological diseases such as dementia.

Furthermore, it is unknown what dosage people require to be effective. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="3">
	<li>Protects Your Bones</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle promotes bone health, useful for people suffering from osteoporosis.

In animals and laboratory research, milk thistle has been shown to trigger bone mineralization and possibly protect against bone loss. Researchers believe that milk thistle can effectively prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal females. 
 
IMPORTANT!

There are no human studies to corroborate these results. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="4">
	<li>Improves Cancer Treatment</li>
</ol>

Silymarin&#39;s antioxidant properties may have anticancer effects, which could benefit cancer patients.

Small research primarily conducted on cells in laboratories has discovered that milk thistle can slow the growth of cancer cells and tumors and potentially increase the efficaciousness of chemotherapy.

Researchers have discovered benefits for a variety of cancers, including:

<ul>
	<li>Leukemia</li>
	<li>Skin cancer</li>
	<li>Colorectal cancer</li>
	<li>Prostate cancer</li>
	<li>Breast cancer</li>
	<li>Cervical cancer 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

In several small studies, it has also been discovered that milk thistle may reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatments such as radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not permitted milk thistle for cancer treatment. More research is needed to decide how milk thistle may aid in the fight against cancer.<a href="#accordion">[20]</a> 
&nbsp;

<ol start="5">
	<li>Boosts Breast Milk Production</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle reportedly stimulates breast milk production in nursing women because it increases the production of prolactin.

The evidence is inadequate, but one randomized controlled trial found that mothers who took 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those who took a placebo<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>.The downside is it&rsquo;s the only clinical study done in this regard. More research is needed to verify these findings. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="6">
	<li>Treats Acne</li>
</ol>

Acne can be painful for some people, especially if they&rsquo;re concerned about how, it affects their look. Milk thistle is an effective acne supplement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Note: More high-quality research is required to verify this idea. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="7">
	<li>Reduces Blood Sugar Levels</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle may be a successful, supportive therapy for type 2 diabetes management.

One of the compounds in milk thistle works similar to a few diabetic medicines, i.e., improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar.

In a recent study, individuals who took silymarin on a regular basis were said to experience a notable decrease in their fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c<a href="#accordion">[11]</a>

Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of milk thistle helps prevent diabetic complications, such as kidney disease.

Note: More research is required prior to making any strong recommendations. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="8">
	<li>Promotes Skin Health</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle promotes healthy skin. In a study, researchers discovered that milk thistle had an antioxidant and anti-aging impact on human skin cells in a laboratory setting.

A 2019 study on cells in a lab discovered that the compounds in milk thistle protect against the harmful effects of sun exposure, involving slowing skin aging<a href="#accordion">[12]</a>.

IMPORTANT!

More human studies are needed to determine the benefits of applying milk thistle to one&#39;s skin. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="9">
	<li>Reduces Cholesterol</li>
</ol>

High cholesterol causes heart issues and increases an individual&#39;s risk of stroke. Milk thistle can reduce the risk of developing heart ailment by decreasing LDL &ldquo;bad&rdquo; cholesterol levels.

Note: However, studies on heart benefits have only been conducted in people with diabetes, which is frequently associated with high cholesterol. It is unknown whether milk thistle has similar effects in individuals who do not have diabetes. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="10">
	<li>Supports Weight Loss</li>
</ol>

Animal research in 2016 discovered that silymarin induced weight loss in mice despite scientists feeding them a diet meant to increase weight<a href="#accordion">[13]</a>.

Note: More investigation on the impact of milk thistle on human weight loss is needed to prove this. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="11">
	<li>Improves Asthma Symptoms</li>
</ol>

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory ailment in which the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, causing swelling in the airways. The active ingredient in milk thistle may assist in reducing swelling.

A 2012 study discovered that silymarin reduced swelling in the airways of mice that were asthmatic<a href="#accordion">[14]</a>.

Note: More research is needed to determine whether silymarin alleviates asthma symptoms in humans. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="12">
	<li>Improves Cognition</li>
</ol>

A 2015 study in worms discovered that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress, which usually triggers Alzheimer&#39;s disease<a href="#accordion">[15]</a>.

As a result, milk thistle can assist in improving cognition and treating degenerative brain conditions. However, more human studies are required to verify the effects of milk thistle on cognition. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="13">
	<li>Supports The Immune System</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle helps in boosting the immune reaction, helping the body fight infection while reducing chronic inflammation.

Researchers discovered that silymarin not only boosts the immune system, but also suppresses an overactive immune system to alleviate chronic inflammation in ailments like asthma and allergic rhinitis.

A 2016 study discovered that milk thistle extracts improved human immune response<a href="#accordion">[20]</a>

Note: Research with human volunteers can allow scientists to confidently state that milk thistle benefits a person&#39;s immune system. 
&nbsp;

Milk thistle is normally regarded as safe when it&rsquo;s taken orally. Only 1% of individuals experienced adverse effects in studies where high dosages were administered for extended periods<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

According to the National Institutes of Health, milk thistle supplements have some adverse effects: Gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating

<ul>
	<li>Itchiness</li>
	<li>Headache</li>
	<li>Joint discomfort</li>
	<li>A laxative effect&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Nausea</li>
	<li>Heartburn</li>
	<li>A mild allergic reaction at high doses 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Anyone considering to use milk thistle should always consult with their doctors first, especially pregnant women, people allergic to the Asteraceae plant family, people with diabetes, and people with an estrogen-sensitive condition.

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Interactions</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

If you regularly take any medicines, talk to your healthcare professional before using milk thistle. It may interact with a variety of medications, including those listed below:

<ol>
	<li>
	&nbsp;Diabetes Medicine
	</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle may help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. If you take diabetes medicine, keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. Always consult your healthcare professional prior to taking milk thistle supplements. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Raloxifene (Evista)
	</li>
</ol>

Milk thistle may interfere with how your liver processes this osteoporosis medication, resulting in elevated medicine levels in your bloodstream. If you are taking raloxifene, consult your medical professional before taking milk thistle. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Simeprevir
	</li>
</ol>

Taking milk thistle along with this hepatitis C medication may elevate the drug&#39;s levels in your blood plasma. Therefore, you should not take milk thistle and simeprevir together. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Sirolimus (Rapamune)
	</li>
</ol>

Taking milk thistle alongside this immunosuppressant may alter how your body processes the medicine.

Please Note: There is little data on the interactions of milk thistle with other drugs, such as anticancer medicine and radiation therapy. Herbal medicines are not a substitute for medications prescribed by your health care practitioner. Please consult your doctor for guidance on different treatment options for your ailment(s). 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Milk thistle can be used as a complementary therapy for a variety of diseases, such as liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. Based on current research, many believe that milk thistle is a viable treatment option for individuals with acute and chronic liver ailments, particularly those who have failed standard therapy. However, the majority of the research conducted is small and has scientific defects, making it challenging to provide strong guidance on this supplement or verify its effects. Therefore, more research is required to determine milk thistle&#39;s short-term and long-term effects. 
&nbsp;
<quillbot-extension-portal></quillbot-extension-portal>

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Milk thistle is a well-known herbal remedy that people have used for centuries for its medicinal properties.</li>
	<li>It has a variety of possible health benefits because of its active ingredient, silymarin, which is an antioxidant.</li>
	<li>It can be used as a complementary therapy for various ailments, such as liver disease, cancer, and diabetes.</li>
	<li>Although milk thistle is probably safe to eat, it can induce allergic reactions in a few individuals.</li>
	<li>More research is needed before experts can verify a final list of milk thistle benefits.</li>
	<li>Before starting to use milk thistle or a different supplement, it is always a good idea to consult a medical professional.</li>
</ul>
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[2] Abenavoli L, Izzo AA, Milić N, Cicala C, Santini A, Capasso R. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases. Phyther Res. 2018;32(11):2202–13.

[3] Hruby K, Csomos G, Fuhrmann M, Thaler H. Chemotherapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning with intravenous silibinin. Hum Toxicol. 1983 Apr;2(2):183–95.

[4] Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1423–32.

[5] Polachi N, Bai G, Li T, Chu Y, Wang X, Li S, et al. Modulatory effects of silibinin in various cell signaling pathways against liver  disorders and cancer - A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem. 2016 Nov;123:577–95.

[6] Vargas-Mendoza N, Madrigal-Santillán E, Morales-González A, Esquivel-Soto J, Esquivel-Chirino C, García-Luna Y González-Rubio M, et al. Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. World J Hepatol. 2014 Mar;6(3):144–9.

[7] Kim J-L, Kim Y-H, Kang M-K, Gong J-H, Han S-J, Kang Y-H. Antiosteoclastic activity of milk thistle extract after ovariectomy to suppress estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:919374.

[8] Kroll DJ, Shaw HS, Oberlies NH. Milk thistle nomenclature: why it matters in cancer research and pharmacokinetic studies. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007;6(2):110–9.

[9] Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue. Acta Biomed. 2008 Dec;79(3):205–10.

[10] Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392–404.

[11] Voroneanu L, Nistor I, Dumea R, Apetrii M, Covic A. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of  Randomized Controlled Trials. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:5147468.

[12] Vostálová J, Tinková E, Biedermann D, Kosina P, Ulrichová J, Rajnochová Svobodová A. Skin protective activity of silymarin and its flavonolignans. Molecules. 2019;24(6):1022.

[13] Guo Y, Wang S, Wang Y, Zhu T. Silymarin improved diet-induced liver damage and insulin resistance by decreasing inflammation in mice. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(12):2995–3000.

[14] Choi YH, Jin GY, Guo HS, Piao HM, Li L chang, Li GZ, et al. Silibinin attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2012 Oct;427(3):450–5.

[15] Kumar J, Park K-C, Awasthi A, Prasad B. Silymarin extends lifespan and reduces proteotoxicity in C. elegans Alzheimer’s  model. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2015;14(2):295–302.

[16] Wilasrusmee C, Kittur S, Shah G, Siddiqui J, Bruch D, Wilasrusmee S, et al. Immunostimulatory effect of Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract. Med Sci Monit  Int Med J Exp  Clin Res. 2002 Nov;8(11):BR439-43.

[17] Milk thistle: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. WebMD. Accessed January 24, 2023.

[18] West H. 7 science-based benefits of milk thistle. Healthline. Published January 19, 2018. Accessed January 24, 2023.

[19] Milk Thistle –patient version. National Cancer Institute. Accessed January 24, 2023.

[20] Milk Thistle benefits: Liver, skin, cholesterol, weight loss, and more. Medical News Today. Accessed January 24, 2023.

Neelam Asad