One small clinical trial showed an increase in breast milk formation in humans using milk thistle, but researchers caution that more studies are needed. The benefits of milk thistle may be due to silymarin, an active ingredient found in the herb that is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Although rare, milk thistle may trigger a number of common and mild side effects. There are other supplements that work similarly to milk thistle. Experts believe silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Generic name: milk thistle [MILK-THIH-sull] The research on milk thistle's use in cancer patients is promising, although more research is needed to determine its benefits. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health. Rambaldi, A.; Jacobs, B.; Iaquinto G, Gluud C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases--a systematic Cochrane hepato-biliary group review with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials. Milk thistle has been used as a traditional remedy for neurological conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease for over two thousand years (13). Dosing of milk thistle ranged from 150 mg twice a day to 300 mg twice a day. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations. Satisfaction. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Silybin suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, The natural agonist of estrogen receptor silibinin plays an immunosuppressive role representing a potential therapeutic tool in rheumatoid arthritis, Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review, Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice, Effect of curcumin supplementation on disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis: a randomized controlled trial, Effects of vitamin E on chronic hepatitis C genotype 3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Milk thistle has been an important natural remedy for centuries of folk medicine practitioners. Milk thistle. The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties (2, 3, 4). Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. This is especially important if you are taking any other medications for menopause or any blood thinners, such as statins. Its been suggested that oxidative stress in the body may play a role in the development of acne (41). (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, By Soraiya Ebrahimpour Koujan, Bahram Pourghassem, Gargari Majid, Published February 15, 2015, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28025940, Current Drug Targets, A Mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin, By Devi KP, Malar , Braidy , Nabavi , Nabavi, Published 2017, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 9. https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+1964, Toxnet, Valerian Root, Reviewed by SRP on 9/9/2014, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 10. https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/040310.htm, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms, Last Updated October 21, 2015, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/, Evidence Based Complementary Medicine, Lavender and The Nervous System, Published March 14, 2013, By Peir Hossein Koulivand, Maryam Khaleghi Ghadiri, and Ali Gorji, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 12. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-437/lemon-balm, WebMD.com, Lemon Balm, Retrieved May 5, 2019, Requirements for using and reposting articles. Therefore, it is not known whether milk thistle or silymarin should be used to treat cirrhosis. The following list is not exhaustive. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. Silibinin-treatment up-regulated the function through BDNF/TrkB pathway and attenuated autophagy in the hippocampus. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. . Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs, Some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases like cancer. The site is secure. Phytomedicine. People may also find it painful and worry about its effects on their appearance. It may be effective in mild to moderate depression, but two studies reported no benefit in major depression . Summary Milk thistle may increase breast milk production in women who are lactating, though very little research has been done to confirm its effects. https://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. However, its currently unclear if it has the same beneficial effects in humans. Milk thistle is a flowering herb native to Europe but is also found in parts of the United States, Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. And Selenium too. 2013 Nov;19(11):847-53. doi: 10.1111/cns.12175. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is an herbal remedy used mainly to protect and detoxify the liver. 2015;22(2):290-296. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010, 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. Milk thistle has been shown in experimental test-tube and animal studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss (22, 23). FOIA OCD symptoms usually revolve around irrational fears, repeated thoughts, and compulsions. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review. This flowering plant can help control blood sugar levels and enhance bone health. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Now, one substance that we know can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, although it does it pretty weakly, is saw palmetto [200-500mg/Day, 2-3 . People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle. See additional information. Hepatology. An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. Fluoxetine is whats known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which aims to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Can You Get Milk Thistle Naturally From Foods? Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. Keywords: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle. Prasad RR, Paudel S, Raina K, Agarwal R. Silibinin and non-melanoma skin cancers. But the evidence is limited, and some research methodologies are flawed, so its difficult to confirm these effects. Camini FC, Costa DC. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In one such study, a 45-day course of silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, increased antioxidant capacity and reduced generalized inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with a placebo. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Milk thistle has a distinctive purple flower and spiky leaves, grows to about 200 cm in height, and is found throughout the world. There is a reason why milk thistle is called the "liver herb." The flavonoid combo of silymarin (and especially the phytonutrient silybin) can help rebuild liver cells while it removes toxins from that organ at the same time. The benefits of milk thistle are believed to come from silymarin, an anti-inflammatory compound present throughout the entire plant, but highly concentrated in milk thistle seeds (4). Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. Interactions. Milk thistle can cause severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating Itchiness Headache If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar. Fluoxetine (Prozac), for instance, clocks in at roughly $16 for 21 capsules if youre buying with the drugs.com discount card, but the side effects are often not as easy to swallow (3). Written by Cerner Multum. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More research is needed to confirm these results and the safety of milk thistle for breastfeeding mothers (38, 39, 40). Phytother Res. Although more research is needed on how it works, milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. 2008;47(2):605-12. doi:10.1002/hep.22044, Voroneanu, L.; Nistor, I.; Dumea, R. et al. Do not take milk thistle without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis); arthritis pain, occasional pain, or tension headaches (including Advil, Motrin, or Celebrex); heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition; psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; This list is not complete. Swimming and L-arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorates aging-induced neuron atrophy, autophagy marker LC3, GABA and BDNF-TrkB pathway in the spinal cord of rats. 2007 Sep;10(9):1089-93. doi: 10.1038/nn1971. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. It is not certain whether milk thistle is effective in treating any medical condition. 2018;9:1903. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.01903, Soleimani V, Delghandi PS, Moallem SA, Karimi G. Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review. Liver Detoxification and Health. 2023 Natural Wellness. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. Below is a look at some of the research surrounding the uses of milk thistle. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Milk thistle may interact with certain medications and supplements. Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. Disclaimer. Milk thistle and its antioxidant properties are promising in managing OCD symptoms but it may also be beneficial to explore other herbs for OCD treatment to bolster and round out a supplement regimen. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Summary One study has shown that people taking milk thistle supplements experienced a decrease in the number of acne lesions on their body. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional stories say were caused by a drop of the Virgin Marys milk falling onto its leaves. In a mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin, published in 2017, researchers went so far as to say that silymarin promotes the inhibition of the inflammatory response generated during neurodegeneration.. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. 2022 Dec 7;19(24):16426. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416426. FREE standard shipping only available in the contiguous United States. World J Gastroenterol. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may also be useful for reducing the risk of developing diabetic complications like kidney disease (43). Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. All rights reserved. Studies on cancer cell lines (done in the laboratory) have found that elements in milk thistle: Researchers also are looking at how milk thistle might complement traditional care and treatment in people diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers. Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results. Milk thistle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. As a result, researchers suggest that milk thistle may be a useful therapy for preventing or delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women (24, 25). Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. CNS Neurosci Ther. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Click here for an email preview. Research shows that the silymarin in milk thistle helps protect the liver from many industrial toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride. Silymarin, an active component of milk thistle, may improve liver function and reduce symptoms of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. J Med Assoc Thai. Advanced milk thistle extract contains phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress and support liver health. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (14, 15). Its been suggested that the antioxidant effects of silymarin may have some anticancer effects, which could be helpful for people receiving cancer treatment (9). Milk thistle may produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy). Moreover, silibinin was able to attenuate the neuronal damage in the hippocampus of A1-42-injected rats. However, one area of milk thistle research focuses on how it affects bone marrow, which contributes to overall bone health but also has implications in treating diseases like multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. These side effects may be mild or severe. The review went on to say that silymarin may be linked to lower rates of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and liver disease. Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Dosage and side effects. Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. Results from clinical trials of milk thistle for liver diseases have been conflicting or havent been clinically meaningful. Milk thistle's main active component is silymarin which works by normalizing levels of both serotonin and dopamine. Milk thistle is a traditional Chinese medicine extract derived from the mature fruit of Silybum marianum. The terms milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably. One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. An official website of the United States government. However, the review's authors warned that the quality of the studies was poor and that more research is needed before milk thistle should be recommended for use. arthur jones obituary,