Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage 9. Although more research is needed on how it works, milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. One study also found that it may slightly extend the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholic liver disease However, the results from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease.
Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions 2 , 11 , Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age 14 , In test-tube and animal studies, silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, which could help prevent mental decline 16 , Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age.
It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. Milk thistle has been shown in experimental test-tube and animal studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss 22 , As a result, researchers suggest that milk thistle may be a useful therapy for preventing or delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women 24 , Some animal studies have shown that milk thistle could be useful for reducing the side effects of cancer treatments 26 , 27 , It may also make chemotherapy work more effectively against certain cancers and, in some circumstances, even destroy cancer cells 9 , 29 , 30 , However, the studies in humans are very limited and have yet to show a meaningful clinical effect in people 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , More studies are needed before it can be determined how silymarin might be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment.
One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. However, this is the only clinical study available. More research is needed to confirm these results and the safety of milk thistle for breastfeeding mothers 38 , 39 , Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. If you prefer not to take tablets, choose a milk thistle tea or even an effervescent tablet, which can be simply dropped into water for a more palatable option.
Due to its potential oestrogenic effects, milk thistle should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not suitable for people with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer or with uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
It is not suitable for anybody allergic to plants in the asteracea family, including artichoke and ragwort and should not be taken by those with diabetes. A reaction to milk thistle is uncommon but side effects can include itchiness, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches. For traditional herbal remedies, please refer to the patient information leaflet for more details. Thanks to its incredible benefits, its no wonder why milk thistle has been used for centuries and is still a popular herbal today.
Why not take milk thistle tablets to:. Support your liver - Milk thistle contains high levels of an active ingredient called silymarin which protects and maintains liver function and contributes to the detoxifying potential of this organ; a great option if you are looking to detox after a night out.
Milk thistle fruit extracts are used to relieve the symptoms associated with occasional over indulgence of food and drink such as indigestion and upset stomach. This is based on traditional use only. Why not check out our complete range of milk thistle supplements below and select an option to suit your exact health and wellbeing needs?
Your Cookie Settings This site uses cookies and similar technologies for performance, social media and advertising purposes in order to provide a customised user experience and understand how our sites are used. A study on an animal model found that milk thistle extract improved the immunity when consumed. An older study found that milk thistle extract had a positive effect on immune response in humans. Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging.
Milk thistle is also available as a tea. If drinking milk thistle tea, it is best to limit intake to 6 cups a day. For this reason, it is important to buy milk thistle from reputable retailers.
As with any natural remedy, people should discuss using milk thistle with a doctor before taking it. Milk thistle may interact with some medications. This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for liver conditions. Milk thistle has a range of potential health benefits due to its active ingredient, silymarin, which is an antioxidant. More research needs to be carried out before a definitive list of milk thistle benefits can be confirmed.
That said, it is a healthful supplement that may be worth trying alongside conventional treatments. It is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before starting to use milk thistle or any other supplement, as it may interact with other medications or conditions. Milk thistle supplements are available for purchase in health food stores or online.
Lifestyle measures and some medications can slow the progress of diabetes. Is there also a role for herbs and supplements? Find out more. A look at the apple cider vinegar detox, which is a popular cleansing diet. Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects. What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases? DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.
Given milk thistle's action on the liver, the stie of most drug metabolism, it would be wise to speak to your doctor if you are taking any medication before using milk thistle. In particular, if you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without talking to your doctor first. Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:.
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