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Herbs

MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle (silybum marianum) is a plant with shiny pale green leaves and red to purple flowers native to southern Europe, southern Russia, Asia Minor, and northern Africa. It also grows in North and South America, South Australia and it is now found throughout the world. Milk thistle has other common names including Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, cardus marianus, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle (not to be confused with Onopordum acanthium).

The main component of milk thistle seeds is substance collectively known as silymarin (which refers to a mixture of three flavonolignans: silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin) contained in the seeds. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” often are used interchangeably.

Numerous studies suggest that silymarin can help protect the liver from toxins, stimulates the regeneration of liver cells. Silymarin also increases the production of bile, which breaks down fats and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to fully convey the hepatoprotectant effects, milk thistle preparations have to be in the standardized to a concentration of 70 to 80% of silymarin. According to research conducted by the original manufacturer and primary researcher of milk thistle extract, Madaus AG of Cologne, Germany, this level of concentration of silymarin is required to survive degradation by gastric fluids and in order to enter into the bloodstream via the intestinal wall. Silymarin is poorly absorbed (20–50%) from the gastrointestinal tract; thus, the concentrated extract is recommended (Foster and Tyler, 1999; Robbers and Tyler, 1999).

Some research suggests that milk thistle formulated with phosphatidylcholine (a substance found in eggs, sunflowers and other foods) may help boost the milk thistle's absorption.

MEDICAL USES: Milk thistle has been used successfully to help treat liver disorders, such as hepatitis 'cirrhosis, jaundice and gallbladder problems. It is also used to detoxify people suffering from liver damage caused by infection, alcohol poisoning, and poisoning by death cap mushrooms, whose toxins attack the liver.

Related information:

milk thistle

Milk thistle products are available as capsules, powders, teas and extracts. Concentrated seeds extracts are the most beneficial. Teas are ineffective for hepatic benefits because teas have been analyzed with only about 10% of the original levels of silymarin from the fruits and the seed's active principles are not water-soluble.

Possible Side Effects:

Milk thistle may cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating, pain, or allergies.

Pregnant women and people with stomach ulcers should avoid milk thistle.

This herb can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family (commonly referred to as the aster, daisy or sunflower family).

This popular herb may interact with some medications. This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for liver conditions.

NOTES: Like other conventional medicines, natural health products may cause side effects, interact with prescription and non-prescription medicines or other natural health products, and trigger allergic reactions. Keep in mind that side effect or interaction with another medicine or natural product may make other health conditions worse.

There may be other negative interactions associated with some herbs or dietary supplements and other medicines you are taking. It is good idea to consult a health care provider before using any herb or dietary supplement.

Silymarin is the most commonly used herbal supplement in the United States for liver problems.

Milk thistle is famous for its potential to help aid liver function.

Avoid Negative Interactions

There may be negative interactions associated with some dietary supplements and other medicines you are taking. Consult a health care provider before using any dietary supplement.

Talk with a health care provider before using a dietary supplement. This is a good idea, especially for certain population groups. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease, be sure to consult your health care provider or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement.

Inform your health care provider about all the supplements you use, especially before surgery. Some supplements can have unwanted effects during surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. These interactions could cause changes in heart rate or blood pressure, increased bleeding, or other problems that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.

Know that some supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could produce adverse effects, some of which could be life-threatening.
For example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug), and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.

Ensuring quality - Many countries have regulations to provide more accountability in the manufacturing process and manufacturers are usually required to evaluate the identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition of dietary supplements, but it is very important to do your research and make sure you have confidence in the quality of the dietary supplement products that you purchase.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your health care provider or pharmacist. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.