View abstract. So you should bring it up with your healthcare provider before giving it a try. Budzinski JW, Trudeau VL, Drouin CE, et al. Natural Medicines website. View abstract. Milk thistle seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. 1998;20(3):471-479. J Natl.Cancer Inst. (2019). are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Phytomedicine. The efficacy of silybum marianum (L.) gaertn. It also inhibits toxins from dwelling in the body, helps with cell renewal and counteracts the harmful effects of pollutants, chemicals and heavy metals that can cause free radical damage. Some of the studies have been of poor quality, too. View abstract. Its not known whether milk thistle is helpful for other conditions. Physiol Res 1998;47(1):1-7. Silymarin may help reduce the risk for cancer development (including breast cancer) by boosting the immune system, fighting DNA damage and reversing cancerous tumor growth. Milk thistle may interact with some medications, including allergy medicines, anti-anxiety drugs and blood thinners, among others. Arzneimittelforschung. Minerva Anestesiol. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted. Milk thistle is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with very few cases of side effects reported. Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. Pak.J Pharm Sci 2008;21(3):249-254. The plant grows up to 2 meters high and has large, bright purple flowers. View abstract. Gallstones are formed when cholesterol and other matter within your bile bind together. Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2011;145:904-9. View abstract. 2011;9(1):1-6. In foods, milk thistle leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable for salads and a substitute for spinach. Sonnenbichler, J., Goldberg, M., Hane, L., Madubunyi, I., Vogl, S., and Zetl, I. Stimulatory effect of Silibinin on the DNA synthesis in partially hepatectomized rat livers: non-response in hepatoma and other malign cell lines. Also note that antioxidants like those found in milk thistle have been shown to possibly interfere with the efficacy of some cancer chemotherapy drugs by protecting cancer cells from cell death. Silybin inactivates cytochromes P450 3A4 and 2C9 and inhibits major hepatic glucuronosyltransferases. View abstract. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Currently, there are several different milk thistle tablets, capsules and softgels available on the market, all of which recommend different doses. Epub 2014 Aug 27. Med Sci Ress 1995;23:31-33. Still, if youre looking for a supplement to help defend against germs, youve got some other options that are backed by a little more evidence. View abstract. Some medications that are changed by the liver include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil); antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine); beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), and carvedilol (Coreg); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); and others. View abstract. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements because they might interfere with your medication. Orv.Hetil. View abstract. 8-15-1980;94(3):283-315. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in -thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine. Widely available as a supplement, you can get it as a powder, in capsules, or as an extract. View abstract. View abstract. View abstract. [Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) derivatives in the therapy of chronic hepatopathies]. View abstract. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use these extracts. View abstract. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle. (2006). Vailati A, Aristia L, Sozze E, and et al. Gazz Med Ital 1974;133:628-635. View abstract. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. It also seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. View abstract. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Here's what to know about their differences. Wien.Klin.Wochenschr. Fundam.Clin.Pharmacol. Gharagozloo, M., Moayedi, B., Zakerinia, M., Hamidi, M., Karimi, M., Maracy, M., and Amirghofran, Z. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Milk thistles protective qualities of the skin make it great for reducing visible signs ofaging, so consuming milk thistle may be an easy way to prevent skin cancer and skin damage, such as acne, dark spots, wrinkles, lines and discoloration. East Mediterr.Health J. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40(1):2-8. Nurse Drug Alert 1999;23(7):51. Zi, X., Mukhtar, H., and Agarwal, R. Novel cancer chemopreventive effects of a flavonoid antioxidant silymarin: inhibition of mRNA expression of an endogenous tumor promoter TNF alpha. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. View abstract. Dosage recommendations can range, but most advise taking anywhere between 20300 milligrams daily. Abenavoli L, et al. This is likely true because the liver is partially responsible for regulating hormones, including the release of insulin into the bloodstream. Schweiz Rundsch.Med Prax. Szilard S, Szentgyorgyi D, Demeter I. View abstract. Drug Metab Dispos 2004;32:587-94. Iran J.Diabetes Lipid Disord. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the Asteraceae plant family, which also includes other plants like sunflowers and daisies. However, while there are many different potential benefits, it is most well-known for being a natural liver supporter and is sometimes used to help treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis, as well as gallbladder problems. If you are taking any medications, speak with your health care provider to prevent any milk thistle interactions before starting supplementation. Katiyar, S. K., Korman, N. J., Mukhtar, H., and Agarwal, R. Protective effects of silymarin against photocarcinogenesis in a mouse skin model. View abstract. Clin Cancer Res 2005;11:7800-6. Rev.Neurol. Milk thistle might increase how much tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is absorbed by the body. Indinavir (Reyataz) is a medication that is changed and broken down by the liver. Although its generally safe, you should talk to your doctor before starting supplementation if you are taking any medications or experience side effects like digestive distress. Effect of Silibinin on biliary lipid composition. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. This could increase or decrease how well some of these medications work. Effect of silymarin in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. 8-1-2012;902:1-9. Marcelli R, Bizzoni P, Conte D, and et al. View abstract. Differential in vitro effects of intravenous versus oral formulations of silibinin on the HCV life cycle and inflammation. People apply milk thistle to the skin for skin toxicity caused by radiation. Treatment of hepatitis C-virus-reinfection after liver transplant with silibinin in nonresponders to pegylated interferon-based therapy. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. Rev Med Chil 1992;120:1370-5. The liver helps remove toxicity and harmful substances from our blood, aids in hormone production, detoxifies the body, releases sugar into the bloodstream in order to give our body steady energy and secretes bile into our small intestine so fat can be absorbed from foods. Milk thistle might decrease the effects of estrogen pills by blocking how estrogen works in the body. Something important to keep in mind, however, is that existing studies on possible heart benefits of milk thistle have only been done involving people with diabetes, who tend to have high cholesterol levels. Biochem.Pharmacol 10-12-1995;50(8):1313-1316. Reutter, F. W. and Haase, W. [Clinical experience with silymarin in the treatment of chronic liver disease(author's transl)]. Kim CS, Choi SJ, Park CY, et al. vitamins, herbs, dietary supplements a-z listmilk thistle. Coadministration of milk thistle and indinavir in healthy subjects. View abstract. van Erp NP, Baker SD, Zhao M, et al. [Database subscription]. (2016). If you purchase or grow a milk thistle plant, cut off the entire head and hang the plant upside down for about one week to draw out the seeds. Gufford BT, Chen G, Vergara AG, et al. Prog.Neuropsychopharmacol.Biol.Psychiatry 3-17-2010;34(2):362-365. FYI, experts havent actually studied the effects of milk thistle on asthma in humans. 2010;49(2):131-133. 2009;16(5):391-400. But if youre healthy, theres no science showing that taking milk thistle will help your liver detox from booze faster or protect your liver from the effects of alcohol. The downside? If youre taking milk thistle for the liver, the recommended daily intake of milk thistle is 150 milligrams, taken one to three times daily. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking sirolimus (Rapamune). It is native to Mediterranean countries. (2019). Unger, M. [Pharmacokinetic drug interactions by herbal drugs: Critical evaluation and clinical relevance]. Schrieber, S. J., Hawke, R. L., Wen, Z., Smith, P. C., Reddy, K. R., Wahed, A. S., Belle, S. H., Afdhal, N. H., Navarro, V. J., Meyers, C. M., Doo, E., and Fried, M. W. Differences in the disposition of silymarin between patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis C. Drug Metab Dispos. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. A placebo-controlled double blind study]. 1-11-2009;150(2):73-79. 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. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. Curr.Pharm.Des 2010;16(26):2935-2947. View abstract. Free Radical Res Commun 1987;4(125):129. But taking doxycycline alone helped reduce acne too, so the benefits of adding silymarin arent completely clear. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11. View abstract. View abstract. Silymarin acts as a cancer protector by blocking the binding of toxins to the cell membrane receptors, according to researchers at the University Magna Graecia Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. "Silymarin," a promising pharmacological agent for treatment of diseases. All Rights Reserved. View abstract. View abstract. Effect of silymarin supplement on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin. A double-blind comparative study in 116 patients]. The amount of active ingredients can vary widely depending on the different preparation methods used and the brand. Taking milk thistle along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of some medications. View abstract. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;76:428-40. . 1994;32(11):614-617. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. Maitrejean M, Comte G, Barron D, et al. Gynecol Endocrinol 2007;23:117-22. View abstract. Hawke, R. L., Schrieber, S. J., Soule, T. A., Wen, Z., Smith, P. C., Reddy, K. R., Wahed, A. S., Belle, S. H., Afdhal, N. H., Navarro, V. J., Berman, J., Liu, Q. Y., Doo, E., and Fried, M. W. Silymarin ascending multiple oral dosing phase I study in noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C. J.Clin.Pharmacol. View abstract. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Hepatology 2000;32(5):897-900. Weyhenmeyer, R., Mascher, H., and Birkmayer, J. Fallahzadeh, M. K., Dormanesh, B., Sagheb, M. M., Roozbeh, J., Vessal, G., Pakfetrat, M., Daneshbod, Y., Kamali-Sarvestani, E., and Lankarani, K. B. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. About 50 percent to 70 percent of the silymarin molecules present within milk thistle are the type called silybin, also known as silibinin. Prostate 2-1-2001;46(2):98-107. View abstract. 5-1-2010;50(9):520-528. Bode, J. C., Schmidt, U., and Durr, H. K. [Silymarin for the treatment of acute viral hepatitis? 1989;46(4):289-295. Drug Metab Dispos. While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. Population pharmacokinetics of sirolimus in de novo Chinese adult renal transplant patients. Boari, C., Montanari, F. M., Galletti, G. P., Rizzoli, D., Baldi, E., Caudarella, R., and Gennari, P. [Toxic occupational liver diseases. The seeds are roasted for use as a coffee substitute. Limited findings suggest that silymarin could encourage the body to produce more prolactin, the hormone involved in making breast milk. Look for a high-quality product thats between 50150 milligrams of pure milk thistle extract per capsule so you can adjust the amount you are taking depending on your needs. de Font-Reaulx, Rojas E. and Dorazco-Barragan, G. [Clinical stabilisation in neurodegenerative diseases: clinical study in phase II]. Hasani-Ranjbar, S., Larijani, B., and Abdollahi, M. A systematic review of the potential herbal sources of future drugs effective in oxidant-related diseases. View abstract. While its tempting to believe that anything with antioxidants = really good for you, the truth is, theres only a small amount of evidence backing milk thistles potential health benefits and not much showing that itll do anything to help your hangover (damn). Fish are among the healthiest omega-3 foods out there. Its also often used to increase breast milk production, with one study showing that certain extracts in milk thistle could increase daily milk production by up to 86 percent. Last medically reviewed on December 15, 2021, Anxiety can make you feel nervous, fearful, and worried. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Milk thistle, a herbal supplement, decreases the activity of CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase in human hepatocyte cultures. Steps to Take, Closer to a Cancer Cure? Dehmlow, C., Murawski, N., and de Groot, H. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by silibinin in human cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;137(3):1328-1333. 2009;8(1):2-10. The liver is actually our largest internal organ and is responsible for performing a number of essential detoxifying functions. View abstract. 200 mg of a different silymarin product (Luna Co., Cairo, Egypt) has been daily for 120 days. Anon. The seeds are more commonly used. [Protective effect of silibinin on liver injury induced by antituberculosis drugs]. (2011). View abstract. 1996;62(5):187-193. Instead of using a milk thistle supplement, can also try consuming it in tea form to maximize the potential health benefits. Am J Med 10-15-2002;113(6):506-515. Dosing adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. Milk thistle: Effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. View abstract. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of an herbal preparation in patients with functional dyspepsia [Abstract]. Experimental and clinical study. Silymarin suppresses TNF-induced activation of NF-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and apoptosis. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. If you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis or ovarian cancer, you should consult with your doctor before starting supplementation. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 1998;48(3):236-239. This is problematic because they can become more solid and get lodged in the inner lining of your gallbladder. Die Therapie toxischer Leberschaden mit Legalon. View abstract. Schriewer, H. and Rauen, H. M. [The effect of silybin dihemisuccinate on cholesterol biosynthesis in rat liver homogenates (author's transl)]. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Cell Biochem Funct. 2008;5(4):665-671. Bidens COVID Symptoms Continue to Improve, First U.S. Polio Case in Nearly a Decade Reported in New York, Poll: What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Their Work, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Artificial Intelligence to Spot the Red Flags ofSuicide Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Anticancer Res 2010;30:79-85. You can then crush the seeds and steep them, along with the leaves, to make tea, eat them raw or dry them into powder form. Sonnenbichler J and Zetl I. Copyright 2022 by RxList Inc. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View abstract. View abstract. View abstract. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. Soto, C. P., Perez, B. L., Favari, L. P., and Reyes, J. L. Prevention of alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in the rat by silymarin. More, Tempeh: A Fermented Soybean with Many Probiotic Benefits, 20 Baked Fish Recipes that Are Healthy and Delicious, Papaya Benefits Digestion, Heart Health & More. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. Effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Treatment of active cirrhosis with ursodeoxycholic acid and a free radical scavenger: A two year prospective study. Inhibitory effects of silibinin on cytochrome P-450 enzymes in human liver microsomes. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed. Ladas, E. J., Kroll, D. J., Oberlies, N. H., Cheng, B., Ndao, D. H., Rheingold, S. R., and Kelly, K. M. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot study of milk thistle for the treatment of hepatotoxicity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 2010;154(3):239-244. Ask your doctor for advice. View abstract. Milk Thistle Constituents Inhibit Raloxifene Intestinal Glucuronidation: A Potential Clinically Relevant Natural Product-Drug Interaction. De Martiis, M., Fontana, M., Assogna, G., D'Ottavi, R., and D'Ottavi, O. The silymarin in milk thistle has the potential to lower your fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c as well as improve insulin sensitivity. View abstract. Cavalieri S. A controlled clinical trial of Legalon in 40 patients. 1996;11(1):55-62. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle.