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Milk Thistle
(Silybum marianum)
Description
Milk thistle grows in rocky soils in southern and western
Europe and some parts of the United States. Historically,
the plant has been used to assist milk production in nursing
mothers and for liver disorders.
Herbal Uses
Milk thistle possesses liver
protective properties and is traditionally used for digestive
problems.
Suggested Intakes
Part of herb used: FRUIT
MILK THISTLE EXTRACT, 300-600mg
daily.
Supplemental Uses
Milk thistle has been used
for Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, jaundice and fatty degeneration
of the liver. The herb is also used for digestion and treating
Psoriasis.
Liver Protection
and Restoration:
Silymarin is the most potent liver-protecting substance
known. It competes in its action with liver toxins including
alcohol and deathcap mushroom (the strongest liver toxin known).
However, to treat mushroom poisoning, only the intravenous
form is effective. Silymarin alters the membranes of the hepatic
(liver cells) by inhibiting the movement of toxins into the
organ (1). This membrane-stabilising action may be a result
of antioxidant and radical scavenging actions of the active
compounds in milk thistle (2).
Silymarin has been shown
to improve immune function in patients with Cirrhosis (chronic
liver disease with scarring) (3). It also relieves symptoms
of liver disease, including nausea, weakness, loss of appetite,
Fatigue, and Pain.
Silymarin increases cellular
regeneration in the liver by stimulating protein synthesis
(2). This results in an increased production of new liver
cells to replace the old damaged ones. However, silymarin
does not appear to have a stimulatory effect on malignant
liver tissue.
Milk thistle is used to
treat alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, liver cirrhosis,
liver poisoning, and viral Hepatitis.
Antioxidant:
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect
against depletion of glutathione in liver cells (4). Glutathione
is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of hormones, drugs
and chemicals. The flavonoids in milk thistle are effective
in neutralising excess superoxides, thereby limiting cellular
damage. Milk thistle may help to protect breast tissue from
free radical damage (5).
Digestion:
Milk thistle is used to improve digestion by promoting the
flow of bile from the liver, which then emulsifies dietary
fats. Additionally, silymarin may help to prevent or treat
gall stones via its ability to increase the solubility of
bile (3).
Anti-inflammatory:
Silymarin inhibits the action of certain inflammatory enzymes.
As a result, milk thistle has been used as a supportive treatment
for those with inflammatory liver conditions such as Cirrhosis
and Hepatitis (3).
Psoriasis:
Silymarin is valued in the treatment of Psoriasis due to its
ability to inhibit leukotriene synthesis (leukotrienes have
the potential to cause Inflammation) (3) and improve liver
function by protecting it against toxins.
Safety and Precautions
A mild laxative effect has
been observed in individuals taking large amounts of milk
thistle.
Pregnant and lactating women
should consult with a qualified health professional before
taking milk thistle due to a lack of safety data during these
times.
Milk thistle is not recommended
for use by children.
Interactions and Contra-Indications
There are no interactions
or contra-indications with medication listed for milk thistle
extract. However, there is a chance that silibinin, a component
of silymarin, may interfere with certain drugs such as oral
contraceptives (7).
Milk thistle may be helpful
for people taking medications that are potentially liver-damaging.
References
1. herbs for Health,
1997,Jul/Aug:46-49.
2. "Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals", N Grainger
Bissett, Medpharm, 1994.
3. "The Healing Power of herbs", M T Murray, Prima
Publishing, 1995.
4. Feher J, Lang I, et al. Free radicals in tissue damage
in liver diseases and therapeutic approach. Tokai J Exp Clin
Med 1986;11:121-34.
5. Zi X, FEyes DK, and Agarwal R. Anticarcinogenic effect
of a flavonoid antioxidant, silymarin, in human breast cancer
cells MDA-MB 468. Clin Cancer Res 4: 1055-1064, 1998.
6. Kim DH, et al. Silymarin and its components are inhibitors
of beta-glucuronidase. Biol Pharm Bull 17(3): 443-445, 1994.
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