Milk Thistle

This native of the middle east, North Africa, and Mediterranean regions of the world, this member of the daisy family has found its way from ancient medicine as a treatment for liver disorders and other maladies. Silymarin, the flavenoid complex found in the specie silymarin marianum, is thought to be the effective ingredient in treatments for liver disease.

Medicinal Claims

Although more research and better designed tests need to be performed, milk thistle is a popular treatment for liver dysfunction, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. However, because these are potentially fatal conditions, self-treatment with milk thistle is discouraged—treatment from a physician is best.

Some also claim that it treats a form of mushroom poisoning, although there is no scientific support for this. Claims of lowered cholesterol and cancer prevention have also been made, but again there is little to no real scientific basis for them. Some proponents of milk thistle even suggest its use for asthma, bronchitis, various inflammatory diseases, hangovers, and even plague. There is no evidence to support these claims, and because some of these are serious and debilitating diseases, isolated treatment with milk thistle in place of a physician’s care could prove fatal.

Warnings and Interactions

Many people have allergies to members of the aster family of plants, and should avoid exposure to milk thistle. Some experience gastrointestinal disturbances, rashes, headache, and itching. There have been reports of diarrhea, gas, and appetite loss, and some even claim it has caused impotence.

Because milk thistle components operate primarily on the liver, occasionally high liver enzymes can happen, but they return to normal levels after discontinuing milk thistle therapy. This supplement may also lower serum glucose, so patients with hypoglycemia or diabetes should be monitored carefully by a physician if they are taking it.

Some women report that milk thistle has estrogen properties and effects on them; those with hormone-driven disorders like breast fibroids or cancer, uterine or ovarian cancers, fibroids, or endometriosis should not use milk thistle preparations that use parts of the plant that grow above ground. The more commonly used milk thistle seed extracts are not known to have estrogenic effects.

There are also many possible drug interactions with milk thistle, as well as interactions with common supplements (including vitamin E, iron, and calcium) and chemotherapy drugs. Do not take this product if you are taking other medications and/or supplements without consulting your physician or pharmacist.

Safety during pregnancy and nursing has not been established, despite the use of milk thistle to increase the flow of breast milk. Pregnant and nursing women are discouraged from using milk thistle.