What is Milk Thistle?

Milk Thistle is the world's most effective treatment for liver disease. It has shown positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and alcohol abuse.

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb milk thistle--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Milk thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems.

Common Names: Milk thistle, Mary thistle, Holy thistle. Milk thistle is sometimes called silymarin, which is actually a mixture of the herb's active components, including silybinin (also called silibinin or silybin).

What It Is Used For?

Milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include:

•  Lowering cholesterol levels.
   

•  Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis.
   

•  Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

How It Is Used?

Milk thistle is a flowering herb. Silymarin, which can be extracted from the seeds (fruit), is believed to be the biologically active part of the herb. The seeds are used to prepare capsules containing powdered herb or seed; extracts; and infusions (strong teas).

What the Science Says?

• There have been some studies of milk thistle on liver disease in humans, but these have been small. Some promising data have been reported, but study results at this time are mixed.
   

• Although some studies conducted outside the United States support claims of oral milk thistle to improve liver function, there have been flaws in study design and reporting. To date, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its claimed uses.
   

• The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Nursing Research are also studying milk thistle, for cancer prevention and to treat complications in HIV patients.
   

We recommend:

Milk Thistle should be taken in combination with Grape Seed Extract. These two Anti-oxidants produce a powerful synergistic effect when taken together, and much better results will be experienced.