Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle.
People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb, which is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. It is used as a natural treatment for cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders.
Milk thistle may also:
- Provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels
- Help diabetes in people who have type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis
Milk thistle has protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. There’s some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses.
Some studies also show milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene.
Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes.
By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It’s unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes.
Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication.
Dosage
The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose.
Risks
Risks. Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle. While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. Milk thistle is not recommended for children.
Side effects. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating.
Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle. It could interact with many drugs, including some that treat high cholesterol, infections, insomnia, and blood pressure. Since milk thistle may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking the herb as it may make their blood sugar fall too low.