The prickly thistles of this plant protect the many valuable medicinal uses of the milk thistle plant. Many people, however, dismiss these plants, thinking they are rough vegetables only fit for donkeys. Hence, this plant is named donkey thistle in many Latin countries despite its doubtless medicinal properties.
- Liver Health Support: The liver helps the body remove toxins and converts nutrients from our body into substances we can use.
- High Potency: Each capsule contains equvalent of 1,000mg of milk thistle (from 111.1mg of 9:1 extract) to provide high-power liver support and contains an additional 50mg of dandelion root for additional benefits.*
Indeed, donkeys eat thistles. But “intelligent” humans took many years to discover what those humble animals instinctively know. Many would be surprised to learn that a powerful substance against liver disorders is extracted from this thistle: silymarin, which is part of several pharmaceutical preparations.
According to legend, the white stains on the leaves of this thistle are drops of milk falling from the Virgin Mary’s breast when she hid her son from Herod’s persecution. On this basis, Middle Age physicians recommended milk thistle for increasing milk production in breastfeeding women.
Late scientific developments, which made it possible to know the chemical composition of many plants, allowed physicians to surrender many popular myths about plants. Hence, we can use medicinal herbs more effectively and steadily than before.
Milk Thistle Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Silybum marianum (L) Gaertn.
- Scientific Synonyms – Carduus marianus L.
- Other Names – Saint Mary’s thistle.
- French – Chardon Marie.
- Spanish – Cardo Mariano.
- Environment – Typical Mediterranean species also grow in dry, rocky soils in Great Britain and North America.
- Description—A plant of prickly appearance, growing up to two meters high, of the Compositae family, it has large, thorny, white-stained leaves. Its flower heads are pink or purple, and the fruits are hard and dark-colored.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The fruits (seeds), the leaves, and the root.
Milk Thistle Plant Uses
In the fruits of the milk thistle, there are substances with medicinal properties, the so-called flavonolignans. Dr. Coll (of the Pharmacognosis and pharmacodynamics Laboratory of Barcelona’s Pharmacy College) points out that these complex substances are formed by a flavonoid (taxifolin), and a phenolpropanic molecule (coniferilic alcohol) of flavonolignans is called silymarin.
SILYMARIN can stimulate the regeneration of hepatic cells damaged by toxic substances such as ethyl alcohol or carbon tetrachloride and phalloidine, a substance contained in the most poisonous mushrooms, Amanita phalloides. Silymarin stimulates protein synthesis in hepatic cells and has essential anti-inflammatory properties on the liver’s mesenchyme (supporting fiber tissue).
Hence, the milk thistle is highly recommended in the following cases:
- Fatty degeneration of the liver, both caused by alcohol or by other toxic substances.
- Inflammation of the liver is caused by medicines, such as those with anti-inflammatory, tuberculosatic, anovulatory, or psychological effects.
- Poisoning with hepatotoxic substances, such as carbon tetrachloride, organic-phosphoric insecticides, and mushrooms of the genus Amanita (Amanita phalloides, Amanita verna, Amanita virosa).
- Acute viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation caused by alcoholic beverage consumption).
- Hepatic insufficiency or congestion, with or without jaundice.
- Hepatic cirrhosis.
In all these cases, silymarin stimulates the regeneration of damaged liver cells and restores their normal functions. However, this plant does not entirely heal cirrhosis, nor does any other treatment, up to now, if necrosis has already occurred (death or destruction of liver cells). Nonetheless, even in the most severe cases, an improvement is expected.
The FRUITS of the milk thistle, and in less proportion, its leaves and root, contain other active substances (biogenic amines, essential oil, albuminoid substances, and tannin), which could explain its balancing action on the autonomic nervous system that controls the tone of blood vessels. Therefore, the plant is successfully used in the cases of:
- Migraines and neuralgias.
- Exhaustion and asthenia (fatigue).
- Kinetosis (nausea and vomiting when traveling): drink herbal tea before departing.
- Allergic reactions: hay fever, asthma, nettle rash.
How to use Milk Thistle
- Salads: Young leaves without pickles and flower hearts (like artichokes) can be eaten raw, like Sahara Bedouins. These are exquisite meals.
- Infusion or decoction with 30 to 50 grams of mashed or ground fruits per liter of water, to which some leaves or roots can be added. Drink from three to five cups daily. The dose can be exceeded with no risk since the milk thistle has no toxic effects.
- Dry extracts: The recommended dose is 0.5-1 grams thrice daily.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the active component in the milk thistle plant that provides the benefits?
The primary active component is a flavonoid complex called silymarin. Silymarin comprises several flavonolignans, the most potent of which appears to be silybin.
How does silymarin support the liver?
Silymarin acts in several ways:
1. Antioxidant: It neutralizes dangerous free radicals that can damage liver cells.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, an essential process in liver disease
3. Regenerative: Stimulates the growth of new liver cells to replace damaged ones.
4. Fibrosis inhibition may slow down scar tissue formation in the liver (fibrosis). Scar tissue formation
What other organs or systems benefit from the milk thistle plant besides the liver?
1. Kidney: It may protect against damage from certain toxins and medications.
2. Gallbladder: Silymarin may increase bile production and flow, potentially aiding in conditions like gallstones.
3. Brain: Preliminary studies suggest possible benefits against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, though more research is needed.
4. Blood Sugar Management: Some evidence indicates the milk thistle plant could improve insulin sensitivity and help with blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
Are there specific liver conditions for which the milk thistle plant is most effective?
1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Shows promise in reducing liver fat and improving liver enzymes.
2. Alcoholic liver disease: It may have some benefits but should never replace abstinence from alcohol.
3. Hepatitis B and C: Could help reduce viral load and inflammation but shouldn’t be a substitute for conventional treatment.
Can the milk thistle plant interact with medications?
Yes. It can affect the way the liver metabolizes certain drugs. Always consult your doctor before taking it if you’re on any of the following:
1. Diabetes medications
2. Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
3. Blood thinners
4. Certain cancer drugs
5. Some birth control pills
What are the common side effects of the milk thistle plant?
The milk thistle plant is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include:
1. Diarrhea
2. Nausea
3. Bloating
4. Gas
Is there a standard dosage of the milk thistle plant?
Dosages vary depending on the disorder being treated. A typical range is 200-400 mg of silymarin per day. It’s crucial to follow the proposals on the product label or the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Are there people who shouldn’t take the milk thistle plant?
While considered safe for most, here are some precautions:
1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety hasn’t been established yet, so avoidance is best.
2. Hormone-sensitive conditions: The milk thistle plant might have mild estrogen-like effects. Use with caution if you have conditions like endometriosis, breast cancer, or uterine cancer.
3. Ragweed allergy: Individuals allergic to ragweed might also be allergic to milk thistle, as they belong to the same plant family.
Does the type of milk thistle plant supplement matter (capsule, tincture, etc.)?
The form may affect how well your body absorbs the silymarin. Some research suggests liquid tinctures could be more bioavailable compared to capsules.
Where can I find reliable information about the milk thistle plant?
Reputable sources include:
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
2. Mayo Clinic
3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 395, 396. Print. [milk thistle plant uses]
- Mulrow, C., Lawrence, V., Jacobs, B., et al. (2000). Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects [Summary Report]. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/
- Federico, A., Dallio, M., & Loguercio, C. (2017). Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 22(2), 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22020191
- Abenavoli, L., Capasso, R., Milic, N., & Capasso, F. (2010). Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy research, 24(10), 1423–1432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3207
- Post-White, J., Ladas, E. J., & Kelly, K. M. (2007). Advances in the use of milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Integrative cancer therapies, 6(2), 104–109. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735407301632
- Filippopoulou, K., Papaevangelou, N., Kourtidou, E., & Chondrogianni, N. (2021). Milk Thistle Extract and Silymarin Protect against Amyloid-β Peptide-Induced Toxicity in Neuronal Cells: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, 5565674.
- Hussain, S. A. (2021). Silymarin as an Adjunct to Glycemic Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Complementary and alternative medicine, 18(3), 172.
- Abenavoli, L., Bellentani, S., et al. (2015). Milk thistle for treatment of nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Phytomedicine, 22(1), 20-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Milk Thistle plant. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/milkthistle
- Mayo Clinic. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-milk-thistle/art-20362885
- Wellington, K., & Jarvis, B. (2001). Silymarin: a review of its clinical properties in the management of hepatic disorders. BioDrugs : clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy, 15(7), 465–489. https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200115070-00005
- https://nccih.nih.gov/health/milkthistle
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-milk-thistle/art-20362885
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/milk-thistle
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API