Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been in use as early as the Greco-Roman times for treating a variety of diseases especially the ones related to liver...
Milk thistle sees were used by medical practitioners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to clear blockage of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. After years of research, it is suggested that silymarin, the main ingredient of
milk thistle protects the liver against damages caused alcohol, toxins and drugs like acetaminophen.
Therefore extracts of
milk thistle is recommended by many herbalists for treating liver disorders like hepatitis, fatty liver a result of alcohol and liver damage caused by toxins like carbon tetrachloride.
Milk thistle is used for countering the toxic effects of deathcap mushroom when administered 10 minutes after ingestion. There are chances of
milk thistle lowering risk of liver damage if taken within 24 hours.
Even though milk thistle is extensively used for treating hepatitis especially hepatitis C, results from studies conducted on four viral hepatitis are conflicting. While it was successful in some cases where there were improvements in liver enzyme activity, the herb failed the test in other cases.
Milk thistle also has cancer preventive substances. Silymarin has high antioxidant properties which prevents the growth of breast, prostrate and cervical cancer cells. However, more research in this area needs to be done. Silymarin is also effective in increasing the level of good cholesterol or HDL. Milk thistle was originally native to the Mediterranean region but is now extensively available throughout the world. The plant is thick and stout and iis cultivated in dry and sunny areas.. The leaves are wide while the stems branch at the top.
Milk thistle isn’t a very difficult plant to grow and is ready within a year. The main ingredient is silymarin which helps in protecting the liver. Silymarin contains a group of compounds called flavonolignands, which not only treats the liver cells that have been damaged by alcohol and other toxic ingredients but also proecs the new liver cells from being destroyed. Silvmarin also helps in reducing inflammation and has strong antioxidant properties.
Much of milk thistle products are made from extracts of fruit and contain 70% to 80% of flavonolignans known as silymarin.
Milk thistle is available in form of dried herb, liquid extract and tincture.
Milk thistle should not be consumed before consulting your physician. There are some medications like aspirin, chemotherapy medicines, which might interact which might not be suitable with milk thistle.
