Milk thistle

Better Nutrition, Jan, 2005 by Amber D. Ackerson

OTHER NAMES Blessed milk thistle, St. Mary's thistle

PART USED Seed (scientifically known as the fruit)

USES

* Primary uses: Uses approved by the German Commission E: Standardized milk thistle seed extract is approved for toxin-induced liver damage, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Tinctures (liquid alcohol extracts) and nonstandardized extracts are approved for gall bladder-related indigestion.

* Historical uses: Congestion of the liver, spleen and kidneys; all forms of chronic hepatitis; and fatty liver (cirrhosis) associated with alcoholism.

* Other uses: Often used to protect the liver from the potentially damaging effects of acetaminophen and prescription drugs such as metronidazole, cisplatin, fluorouracil, haloperidol, clofibrate, lovastatin, methotrexate, paclitaxel, pravastatin and tacrine. Human clinical studies on the standardized extract have shown benefits in hepatitis A, alcoholic cirrhosis and exposure to toxic chemicals. One case report found potential benefits with chronic hepatitis B and C using ground whole milk thistle seed (10 grams daily in oatmeal), standardized milk thistle seed extract (1 capsule three times daily) and the herb Phyllanthus amarus (200 mg daily).

RECOMMENDED FORMS AND AMOUNTS

* Standardized dry extract supplying 70-80 percent silymarin: 100-200 mg silymarin twice daily in the morning and evening.

* Tincture (liquid alcohol extract): 15-25 drops four to five times daily.

* Whole milk thistle seed: 2 tablespoons daily, ground and added to cereals, cooked grains or salads for overall health.

* Teas, infusions: Not typically used because silymarin does not readily dissolve in water.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS Silymarin, a compound composed of three flavonolignans: silybin, silychristin and silidianin.

MECHANISM of ACTION Stabilizes liver cell membranes to prevent toxin absorption into cells. Stimulates liver cell regeneration by increasing ribosomal protein synthesis. Detoxification via potent antioxidant action.

SIDE EFFECTS Mild laxative effects have been infrequently reported in standardized preparations.

CONTRADICTIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS None known.