Milk thistle is considered safe in dosages of 420 mg/day orally in divided doses for up to 41 months.Milić 2013, Tamayo 2007 One source suggests daily doses of 12 to 15 g of dry fruits for dyspepsia and disorders of the biliary system, while an extract containing 200 to 400 mg/day of silymarin is considered effective in various liver disorders.van Wyk 2004A dose of 140 mg of silymarin 3 times daily has been suggested for hepatic cirrhosis.Stolf 2017S. Working with milk thistle Results from human trials have been variable, but there is clinical evidence for using milk thistle in nonalcoholic liver damage, alcoholic cirrhosis, diabetes, fatty liver and death cap mushroom poisoning. What Are the Risks of Taking Milk Thistle? Often considered a weed, it has been used for hundreds of years as a natural, herbal way to treat liver and gallbladder diseases. 2. Milk Thistle Benefits The Liver Milk thistle is a weed-like plant that grows wild in Europe, North America and Australia. Research in the laboratory has shown that milk thistle might help to treat some liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Indigestion (dyspepsia). However, as you'll see, its health benefits are not limited to the liver. Silymarin is said to keep toxins from attaching to liver cells. Prickly yet pretty, milk thistle is a plant with a long, thin stem, spiny leaves, and a purplish-pink thistle at the top. Learn more about natural remedies for type 2 diabetes. 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. Milk Thistle is a flowering prickly plant that belongs to the same family of plants as a daisy. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. As with the claims for the beneficial effects of milk thistle on the liver, there is a need for more research into these other potential benefits. Research on the effects of milk thistle on liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis C, has shown mixed results. Find out more on the side effects of statins. Researchers found no changes in virus levels or quality of life in people who took the milk thistle, compared with those who took a placebo. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. Milk thistle can inhibit the growth of metastatic tumors thanks to the antioxidant … Milk thistle has been used as a natural remedy to treat liver problems, including fatty liver disease, for centuries. Some studies also show milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. Milk thistle is one of the few herbs that can actively manage liver diseases such as … Silymarin directly blocks toxins that the liver encounters, preventing them from entering liver cells, thus preventing premature cell death. Ask your doctor for advice. Milk Thistle Benefits and Uses Milk Thistle is commonly used in the treatment of liver disorders. Read Time: 3 minutes Milk thistle has been a critical part of ancient medicine for over 2000 years. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. While milk thistle has many uses, it is a great addition to Revive's supplement formula because of its scientifically-backed benefits for liver health. Cancer Prevention. Benefits of Milk Thistle liver tonic supplement. Milk thistle has also been shown to have anti-viral and inflammation dampening properties, and may offer protection to several organ systems. It can help in the management of cirrhosis of liver and hepatitis. Milk Thistle Uses Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that is claimed to have numerous health benefits. Milk thistle is not recommended for children. While milk thistle is most recognized for its liver supporting benefits, there are many other surprising potential health benefits of this classic herbal mainstay. Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Milk thistle and liver health has long been popular in Europe. Lung, Breast, Colorectal, Pancreatic, and Prostate. This plant is named for the white lines that streak across its green leaves. There have been numerous studies suggesting milk thistle can support different aspects of liver health. It's the liver's job to filter all the blood in the body, and many elements in our lives – such as stress, diet, medications, chemical exposure and underactive thyroids – can interfere with its function. Milk thistle benefits and uses Skin health. Milk thistle can help in promoting healthy skin. Milk thistle grew originally in North Africa, Asia Minor, southern Europe, and southern Russia. You might also hear it called Mary thistle or holy thistle. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. The most-known and well-established health benefit of milk thistle is how it supports your liver. People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle. If the leaves are ripped or crushed, a milky white liquid oozes out. A few trials have looked at milk thistle for people with cancer.A number of companies on the internet claim that milk thistle can help to detoxify and protect your liver. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, The Truth Behind the Top 10 Dietary Supplements. While it wasn’t as effective in those with serious … Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. At present, there is not enough scientific data to say whether milk thistle can help the liver or not. The properties of milk thistle have been proven for centuries to counteract liver damage, various ailments of the digestive system, and other problems, such as serious gallbladder conditions. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before you take milk thistle or any herbal supplement. All rights reserved. Milk Thistle May Protect Against Diabetes. But is it really good for you, and can it really help your liver? Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Milk Thistle Monograph. So far, no herbal supplement has been proved to be effective against hepatitis C. While more research is needed in that area, silymarin does have a good track record when it comes to treating a certain kind of mushroom poisoning. People who have diabetes should talk to their doctor before they take milk thistle because it may lower blood sugar. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes. Silymarin is considered an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. All rights reserved. Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Where to Buy Milk Thistle for Fatty Liver. Here's everything you need to know about it. Liver disease. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Milk thistle is commonly used as a home remedy to treat liver problems, often under the presumption that it will "detoxify" the liver. There’s some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. However, other studies don’t show any effect against another liver disease: hepatitis C, which is a viral infection. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: “About Herbs: Milk thistle.”, Natural Standard Patient Monograph: “Milk thistle.”. Not only might milk thistle help prevent liver disease; it may be able to treat it and/or reduce symptoms. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Milk Thistle Benefits for Liver Detox Support Milk thistle benefits are well known in today's modern world for their cleansing effects on the liver organ. Where Does Milk Thistle Come From? Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes. Research shows the silymarin and betaine compounds in milk thistle are powerful allies in liver health. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Generally, it’s safe to take milk thistle in recommended doses. But experts say that the evidence isn’t conclusive. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, second edition, 2004. Era of Hope Meeting for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, Atlanta, June 8-11, 2000. Milk thistle protects against the damage done to the liver by alcohol, pollutants and toxins. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. News Release, University of California Santa Cruz. Milk thistle is a natural herb, which works as an antioxidant and thus you can improve your liver health enjoying a good way of life. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. One of the most common uses of milk thistle is to treat liver problems. It also holds free radicals in check. In a review examining its effect on alcoholic liver disease, four studies found improvements in markers of healthy liver function including levels of aminotransferases, enzymes that are released into the blood when the liver is damaged. Milk thistle continues to be a great supplement today for those with liver damage and as a preventative measure for liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. It’s sometimes called silymarin, which is one of the main components of the plant’s seeds. But studies on heart benefits only have been done in people with diabetes. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. Milk thistle helps regenerate liver cells. It now grows all over the world, including northern Africa, South Australia, and parts of North and South America. Don’t take it if you have breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; endometriosis; or uterine fibroids. There are no other food sources of this herb. In the United States, it’s one of the most commonly used herbal supplements for liver issues.