Still, if youre looking for a supplement to help defend against germs, youve got some other options that are backed by a little more evidence. All Rights Reserved. El-Kamary, S. S., Shardell, M. D., Abdel-Hamid, M., Ismail, S., El-Ateek, M., Metwally, M., Mikhail, N., Hashem, M., Mousa, A., Aboul-Fotouh, A., El-Kassas, M., Esmat, G., and Strickland, G. T. A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis. Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking raloxifene (Evista).

Natural Medicines website. Mira ML, Azevedo MS, and Manso C. The neutralization of hydroxyl radical by silibin, sorbinil and bendazac. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) A., Reiberger, T., Rutter, K., Beinhardt, S., Staettermayer, A. F., Peck-Radosavljevic, M., and Ferenci, P. Successful HCV eradication and inhibition of HIV replication by intravenous silibinin in an HIV-HCV coinfected patient. New Treatments That May Change the Game, The Latest Research on Advanced Prostate Cancer. Inflamm.Allergy Drug Targets. Biochem.Biophys.Res Commun. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro. 1997;15(1):27-33. 8-15-1980;94(3):283-315. 9-9-1975;64(36):1145-1151. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. benefits dosage View abstract.

(2008). Theres not a ton of evidence showing that it actually works, but herbal medicine regulators in Germany do list milk thistle as a possible treatment for a sour stomach. 2001;64(4):53-55. Anon. Lucena, M. I., Andrade, R. J., de la Cruz, J. P., Rodriguez-Mendizabal, M., Blanco, E., and Sanchez, de la Cuesta. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Phytomedicine 2013;21:75-81.

Because milk thistle is categorized as a supplement rather than a drug, its not subject to the same oversight and quality control from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that standard drugs are.

Its also often used to increase breast milk production, with one study showing that certain extracts in milk thistle could increase daily milk production by up to 86 percent. Wallace, S., Vaughn, K., Stewart, B. W., Viswanathan, T., Clausen, E., Nagarajan, S., and Carrier, D. J. While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. (2011). Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;76:428-40. .

1996;62(5):187-193. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Comparison of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. 2010;154(3):239-244. Barzaghi, N., Crema, F., Gatti, G., Pifferi, G., and Perucca, E. Pharmacokinetic studies on IdB 1016, a silybin- phosphatidylcholine complex, in healthy human subjects. Effect of silymarin on biochemical indicators in patients with liver disease: systematic review with meta-analysis. Biochem Pharmacol 5-28-1992;43(10):2111-2115. 2014;941085. doi: 10.1155/2014/941085. Melzer J, Rosch W, Reichling J, et al. View abstract. View abstract. View abstract. View abstract. People sometimes eat the stem and leaves of milk thistle in salads. Szilard S, Szentgyorgyi D, Demeter I. Pak.J Pharm Sci 2008;21(3):249-254. View abstract. Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, though it does have the potential to cause gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and itchiness.

Dehmlow, C., Murawski, N., and de Groot, H. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by silibinin in human cells. Life Sci 5-25-2001;69(1):75-86. Dig Liver Dis 2004;36:752-9. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. 2010;50(4):434-449. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes. Taking milk thistle might decrease how well the body breaks down raloxifene (Evista) in the intestines. Milk thistle is a natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. View abstract. View abstract. Arzneimittelforschung. View abstract. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. Berlin: Springer-Verlag;1987. I. Biliary and renal elimination after a single oral dose]. Silymarin suppresses TNF-induced activation of NF-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and apoptosis.

Asghar, Z. and Masood, Z.

Int J STD AIDS. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle. Siegal A, et al. Both animal and human research has shown that milk thistle extract can boost the bodys immune system response. 1998;48(3):236-239. Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev 2007;(4):CD003620. FDA letter to GCI Nutrients Worldwide Inc. February 16, 2005. Bidens COVID Symptoms Continue to Improve, First U.S. Polio Case in Nearly a Decade Reported in New York, Poll: What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Their Work, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Artificial Intelligence to Spot the Red Flags ofSuicide Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. The safety and risks of using milk thistle, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3207, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X12014192?via%3Dihub, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.1988, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-milk-thistle/art-20362885, cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/milk-thistle-pdq, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dth.13095, thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70414-5/fulltext, 13 Natural Remedies for Anxiety When You Just Cant, Goodbye Vitamin C Mega-Dose! View abstract. The seeds are more commonly used. Wagoner, J., Morishima, C., Graf, T. N., Oberlies, N. H., Teissier, E., Pecheur, E. I., Tavis, J. E., and Polyak, S. J. Limited findings suggest that silymarin could encourage the body to produce more prolactin, the hormone involved in making breast milk. Get the facts on milk thistle for the liver. Prog.Clin Biol Res 1986;213:319-331. JAMA 7-18-2012;308(3):274-282. Randomized controlled study of the efficacy and tolerability of a short course of IdB 1016 in the treatment of chronic persistent hepatitis. Drug Metab Dispos 2004;32:587-94. Eur Bull Drug Res 1992;1(3):131-135. Li, J., Lin, W. F., Pan, Y. Y., and Zhu, X. Y. Instead of using a milk thistle supplement, can also try consuming it in tea form to maximize the potential health benefits. Does apple cider vinegar go bad?

2011;39(12):2182-2190.

In fact, milk thistle has long been used as a natural remedy to support liver health and claims abound for the other ways the plant could give your body a boost.

View abstract. Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al.

Par, A., Roth, E., Miseta, A., Hegedus, G., Par, G., Hunyady, B., and Vincze, A. The liver helps remove toxicity and harmful substances from our blood, aids in hormone production, detoxifies the body, releases sugar into the bloodstream in order to give our body steady energy and secretes bile into our small intestine so fat can be absorbed from foods. Unger, M. [Pharmacokinetic drug interactions by herbal drugs: Critical evaluation and clinical relevance]. The actual leaves of the plant also have a spotted white pattern that makes them look as if theyve been dunked in milk. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Milk Thistle Monograph. Silibinin attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice. Iakimchuk, G. N. and Gendrikson, L. N. [Study of clinical efficiency of essential phospholipids and silymarin combination in nonalcoholic and alcoholic steatohepatitis]. Read People use milk thistle intravenously (by IV) for Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning.

Voroneanu L, et al. View abstract. Rambaldi, A., Jacobs, B. P., and Gluud, C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases.

Biochem.Pharmacol 2-1-1986;35(3):538-541. Let's Discuss if Apple Cider Vinegar Ever Really Goes Bad, Egg-sploring the Nutritional Value of Eggplant, Gettin' All Choked Up about the Nutritional Value of Artichokes, 5 Whole30 Meal Delivery Services to Help You Skip the Store in 2022. Bhatia, N. and Agarwal, R. Detrimental effect of cancer preventive phytochemicals silymarin, genistein and epigallocatechin 3-gallate on epigenetic events in human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells.

Artichaut Sauvage, Blessed Milk Thistle, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae Fructus, Cardui Mariae Herba, Carduus Marianum, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argent, Chardon de Marie, Chardon de Notre-Dame, Chardon Marbr, Chardon-Marie, pine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Our Lady's Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybin, Silybum, Silybum marianum, Silymarin, Silymarine, St. Mary Thistle, St. Marys Thistle. Milk thistle might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Mereish, K. A., Bunner, D. L., Ragland, D. R., and Creasia, D. A. Int.J Clin Pharmacol.Ther.

View abstract. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999. Tanamly MD, Tadros F, Labeeb S, et al.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2007;85:966-78.

Ramirez-Santos, A., Perez-Bustillo, A., Gonzalez-Sixto, B., Suarez-Amor, O., and Rodriguez-Prieto, M. A. We breakdown the details. Karimi G, et al. Kim DH, Jin YH, Park JB, Kobashi K. Silymarin and its components are inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase. Diabetes: Certain chemicals in milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. [Treatment of alcoholic hepatitis with silymarin. View abstract. Biochem.Pharmacol 10-12-1995;50(8):1313-1316.

View abstract. Life Sci 5-23-2008;82(21-22):1070-1076. Gallstones are formed when cholesterol and other matter within your bile bind together. View abstract. Brown rice has a reputation for being "healthier" than white rice. with fluoxetine in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. J Hepatol 1997;26:871-9. About to go on vacation?

Savio, D., Harrasser, P. C., and Basso, G. Softgel capsule technology as an enhancer device for the absorption of natural principles in humans. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. That said, a few specific groups should take extra care with this herbal remedy. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 1989;13:120-4. Here's what we found out. View abstract. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Milk thistle in liver diseases: Past, present, future. Inhibitory effects of silibinin on cytochrome P-450 enzymes in human liver microsomes. Nassuato, G., Iemmolo, R. M., Strazzabosco, M., Lirussi, F., Deana, R., Francesconi, M. A., Muraca, M., Passera, D., Fragasso, A., Orlando, R., and . If you purchase or grow a milk thistle plant, cut off the entire head and hang the plant upside down for about one week to draw out the seeds. Fallahzadeh, M. K., Dormanesh, B., Sagheb, M. M., Roozbeh, J., Vessal, G., Pakfetrat, M., Daneshbod, Y., Kamali-Sarvestani, E., and Lankarani, K. B. Batakov, E. A. Boerth J, Strong KM. Occasionally, people report various digestive side effects. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky sap that comes out of the leaves when they are broken.

View abstract. Biol Pharm Bull 1994;17:443-5.

The leaves also have unique white markings that, according to legend, were the Virgin Mary's milk. 1998;119(2):125-129. Buzzelli G, Moscarella S, Giusti A, et al. View abstract. Hruby K, Csomos G, Fuhrmann M, Thaler H. Chemotherapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning with intravenous silibinin. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. If you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian cancer, you should consult with your doctor before starting supplementation. This applies to both the surface of your skin and your organs, as antioxidants can protect your body from chronic disease. View abstract.

Lirussi F, Nassuato G, Orlando R, and et al. Drug Metab Dispos. Milk thistle has been historically used for a variety of liver diseases, including: Milk thistle seed is a great source of the antioxidant flavonoid called silymarin, which is actually composed of several other active compounds known as flavolignans. Insulin is responsible for managing blood sugar levels in the blood, which is especially important for those with diabetes.

Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Carcinogenesis 2001;22:1399-403. But so far, the evidence is pretty limited, and theres zero proof that itll help ease your hangover. 1988;45(3-4):265-276. The milk thistle plant is a popular herb that hasactually been used for over 2,000 years. Milk thistle is a plant that is native to Europe and was brought to North America by early colonists.

Dosing adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This antioxidant stimulates protein synthesis and changes the outside layer of healthy cells, keeping them protected from damage and mutation. Seidlov-Wuttke D, Becker T, Christoffel V, Jarry H, Wuttke W. Silymarin is a selective estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonist and has estrogenic effects in the metaphysis of the femur but no or antiestrogenic effects in the uterus of ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Therapiewoche 1985;35:3375-3378. But asthmatic mice who were given silymarin experienced less airway inflammation than those who didnt get the stuff, one study found. Milk thistle seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted. View abstract. 2010;16(6):642-645. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study]. View abstract. Ask your doctor for advice. Find the right meal delivery plan.

Orv Hetil 1989;130:2723-7. Kanna Extract: Can This Herb Benefit the Brain? thistle chardon enutrition rash devez Trinchet JC, Coste T, Levy VG. Sonnenbichler J and Zetl I. Bean, P. The use of alternative medicine in the treatment of hepatitis C. Am.Clin.Lab 2002;21(4):19-21. 1993;13(12):725-6, 708. (2019). Zhang, J., Luan, Q., Liu, Y., Lee, D. Y., and Wang, Z. Planta Med 1984;50(3):248-250. According to the National Institute of Health, theres some compelling research that shows that taking silymarin, the main chemical found in milk thistle, along with conventional treatments, can help control symptoms of type 2 diabetes by promoting better blood sugar control. Milk thistle is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with very few cases of side effects reported. The clinical utility of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in cirrhosis of the liver. Effect of silymarin supplement on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin. 1989;46(4):289-295. ), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health. Small Business Research Grant Program (SBIR), About Research Training and Career Development, Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process, Integrative Medicine Research Lecture Series, Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH, Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH, Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact, Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research, How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed, Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. Thanks to the antioxidant content of milk thistle, the herb may actually help slow the aging process.

This could increase or decrease how well some of these medications work. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2007;845(1):95-103. Whats the Best Egg Substitute You Can Bake With? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of an herbal preparation in patients with functional dyspepsia [Abstract]. 2011;6(11):1653-1656. View abstract. 10-10-1980;92(19):678-683. Fundam.Clin.Pharmacol. View abstract. Talk with your doctor before using milk thistle if: Milk thistles antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties could potentially deliver a number of health benefits. View abstract. Although more formal research is still needed, preliminary studies show that when silymarin is used in combination with other traditional treatment methods, it can improve levels of total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

View abstract. Manna SK, Mukhopadhyay A, Van NT, Aggarwal BB.

A comparison of the diastereoisomers, silybin A and silybin B, on the induction of apoptosis in K562 cells.

Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Biochem.Pharmacol 6-15-1985;34(12):2209-2212. Eurich, D., Bahra, M., Berg, T., Boas-Knoop, S., Biermer, M., Neuhaus, R., Neuhaus, P., and Neumann, U. This healing herb gets its name from the milky-white liquid that runs off of the plants leaves when theyre crushed. Basaga, H., Poli, G., Tekkaya, C., and Aras, I. Allain, H., Schuck, S., Lebreton, S., Strenge-Hesse, A., Braun, W., Gandon, J. M., and Brissot, P. Aminotransferase levels and silymarin in de novo tacrine-treated patients with Alzheimer's disease. Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. 2012;95(1-2):67-72.

Tyutyulkova, N., Tuneva, S., Gorantcheva, U., Tanev, G., Zhivkov, V., Chelibonova-Lorer, H., and Bozhkov, S. Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin (carsil) on liver of D- galactosamine treated rats. Effect of silymarin in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Milk thistle, a herbal supplement, decreases the activity of CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase in human hepatocyte cultures. 1988;45(3-4):287-295. View abstract. Although its generally safe, you should talk to your doctor before starting supplementation if you are taking any medications or experience side effects like digestive distress. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. You can then crush the seeds and steep them, along with the leaves, to make tea, eat them raw or dry them into powder form. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. Its unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes. What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? Taking milk thistle along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. 2011;9(1):1-6. (2010). View abstract. When taken within the recommended dose range, however, it is thought to be effective and mostly free of allergic reactions. Your Diabetic Diet Plan (A Guide for What to Eat with Diabetes), L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism, Sucralose: 5 Reasons to Avoid This Artificial Sweetener, Detox Your Liver: Try My 6-Step Liver Cleanse. Freedman ND, Curto TM, Morishima C, et al. Prostate 6-1-2010;70(8):848-855. Digestion 2004;69:45-52. Its not fully established whether milk thistle is safe to take while breastfeeding. Dement.Geriatr.Cogn Disord. Schweiz Rundsch.Med Prax. 2022 Dr. Axe. Were not saying you should count on milk thistle to protect you from Alzheimers or anything. Coadministration of milk thistle and indinavir in healthy subjects. Milk thistle is taken by mouth most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, and chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused by Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis. 10-9-1997;239(1):334-339. Its not known whether milk thistle is helpful for other conditions. People with diabetes should use caution. View abstract. This is problematic because they can become more solid and get lodged in the inner lining of your gallbladder. View abstract. People who took 140 milligrams silymarin and 100 milligrams doxycycline capsules daily for 8 weeks showed a reduction in acne lesions. prickly thistle sow sowthistle flower flowers wild ireland plant wildflower plants irish wildflowers flora milk thistle flower plant silybum marianum flowers blessed identification silymarin liver organic wild health various benefits cardo herb uses mariano