Milk Thistle

How You May Benefit:

Detoxify the body
Block the destruction from free radicals, especially in the liver
Fight free radicals
Enhance levels of the body's natural antioxidants glutathione and superoxide dismutase

Overview

Milk thistle is a plant that contains silymarin, which may be one of the most potent liver-protecting substances known. It appears to both prevent damage to the liver and stimulate new growth of liver cells to replace damaged cells. What's more, silymarin has been shown to help relieve more "common" complications, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and stomach discomfort.

Usage

Amount: Anywhere between 175 and 350 mg of milk thistle, standardized for silymarin, taken one to two times daily, is typical.

Note: The standard amount of milk thistle is based on its silymarin content, so standardized extracts (typically around 80%) are preferred.

Timing: Supplementation is divided into one to two dosages and taken after meals.

Milk thistle is typically supplemented by people who have used excess amounts of medications, including steroids, to help heal or protect their livers. It may also be beneficial for those folks who live or work in high pollution areas (e.g., big cities) or around a variety of chemicals—think painters, chemical plant workers, or beauticians.

Safety Information

Known drug interactions:
There are no known negative drug interactions. In fact, milk thistle may actually support and reduce side effects of many drugs that may cause liver damage. Check with a nutritionally orientated practitioner for more details.

Toxicity:
Milk thistle has extremely low toxicity and has been shown to be safe even for pregnant women. It may, however, initially cause looser stools. If this occurs, more fiber in your diet is recommended by some experts.

Bans and Restrictions:
None reported.

References

Canini, F., et al., "Use of Silymarin in the Treatment of Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis," Clin Ter 114.4 (1985) : 307-14.

Ferenci, P., et al., "Randomized Controlled Trial of Silymarin Treatment in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver," J Hepatol 9.1 (1989) : 105-13.

Flora, K., et al., "Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) for the Therapy of Liver Disease," Am J Gastroenterol 93.2 (1998) : 139-43.

Lang, I., et al., "Hepatoprotective and Immunological Effects of Antioxidant Drugs," Tokai J Exp Clin Med 15.2-3 (1990) : 123-7.

Muzes, G., et al., "Effect of the Bioflavonoid Silymarin on the In Vitro Activity and Expression of Superoxide Dismutases (SOD) Enzyme," Acta Physiol Hung 78.1 (1991) : 3-9.

Skottova, N., and Krecman, V., "Silymarin as a Potential Hypocholesterolaemic Drug," Physiol Res 47.1 (1998) : 1-7.

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