Milk thistle

Milk thistle is an ancient medicinal herb with a long history of use. Its active ingredients and numerous health benefits have been the subject of extensive research and clinical studies.

In this comprehensive article, you will learn about this herb in detail, its active ingredients, proven benefits, dosage, how to use, side effects, and drug interactions of milk thistle.

The origins of milk thistle

Milk thistle is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for over 2,000 years as a traditional remedy for various health conditions, especially liver problems. The plant gets its name from the milky white sap that oozes from its leaves when they are crushed.

Over the centuries milk thistle has gained popularity in Europe and around the world, and is now widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. The seeds of the plant are the main source of its active ingredients.

What is the active substance extracted from the milk thistle plant?

The primary active ingredient in milk thistle is a group of compounds known collectively as silymarin.

Silymarin is a complex mixture of flavonoids including silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin. Silybin is the most potent and bioavailable silymarin ingredient.

Silymarin in general is a powerful antioxidant, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective (protecting the liver), and anti-cancer properties.

What are the proven benefits of milk thistle with backed studies?

1-Liver health

One of the most well-known and well-researched benefits of milk thistle is its ability to protect and support liver health. Several studies have shown the liver-protective effects of silymarin, which can help prevent liver damage and improve liver function.

A comprehensive review of clinical trials published in the World Journal of Hepatology in found that silymarin significantly reduced liver enzyme levels in patients with hepatitis, indicating improved liver function.

2-Cirrhosis

Milk thistle has also been studied for its ability to help treat cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and loses its ability to function properly. A study in pubmed found that silymarin treatment led to significant improvements in liver function and survival rates among patients with cirrhosis.

3-Hepatitis C

The antiviral properties of milk thistle have been investigated in the context of hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause inflammation and damage to the liver. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis showed that silymarin can inhibit hepatitis C virus replication in laboratory settings.

4-Cancer

Milk thistle has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. Some studies have suggested that silymarin and its components can help prevent the growth of different types of cancer cells.

A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2022 highlighted the potential anti-cancer effects of silymarin and its ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

Dosage and how to use milk thistle

The appropriate dose of milk thistle depends on various factors, including the user's age, health, and the specific health condition being treated. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using milk thistle to ensure correct dosage and to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and teas. The typical dose of silymarin for adults ranges from 140 to 420 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.

Side effects and drug interactions

Milk thistle is generally considered safe when used in appropriate doses. However, some people may experience side effects, including:

Drug interactions of milk thistle extract

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal supplement commonly used to promote liver health and treat liver-related conditions. Although it is generally considered safe, there are some potential drug interactions that you should be aware of when taking milk thistle.

Milk thistle is known to interact with many medications, including:

Antipsychotic drugs:

Milk thistle can increase the effect of some antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and clozapine.

Statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs:

Milk thistle can interfere with the metabolism of some statin drugs, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, which are used to lower cholesterol levels.

Blood thinners

Milk thistle might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, heparin, and aspirin.

Anti-anxiety medications:

Milk thistle can have sedative effects and may increase the effects of anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam and lorazepam.

Immunosuppressive drugs:

Milk thistle might interfere with the effectiveness of immunosuppressive medications, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, which are used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant.

It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking milk thistle or any other herbal supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medications, to avoid any potential drug interactions or adverse effects.