What is Milk Thistle: Uses and Side Effects

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– August 5, 2009Posted in: Herbs for Health, Side effects of herbs

Milk Thistle

(Silybum Marianum) is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region in Europe. It is also known as Mediterranean Thistle, Silymarin, Marian Thistle, Holy Thistle, Mary Thistle. Milk thistle seeds consist of silymarin, a flavonoid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This article gives some of the uses and side effects of milk thistle.

Here are Few Uses of Milk Thistle:

  • The active constituent of milk thistle is proved to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It helps the liver repair and facilitates the growth of new cells. Thus it is used to treat several liver disorders such as liver cirrhosis, liver inflammation or chronic hepatitis.
  • Milk thistle effectively lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
  • In people suffering from type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis milk thistle helps in reducing insulin resistance.
  • Growth of cancerous cells in breast, cervical, and prostate can be hampered by administration of milk thistle.
  • It is also helpful in gall bladder disorders.
  • It acts as an emergency antidote to poisoning by death cap mushroom. It is found out that milk thistle extract counteracts the toxic effects of the poisonous mushroom within 10 minutes of ingestion. It also reduces the risk of liver damage and death by the poison.

Side Effects and Cautions:

  • Some of the uncommon side effects of milk thistle include: laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhoea, and bloating, headache and itching. Milk thistle may some times result in heartburn, gas, joint pain and sexual dysfunction.
  • People allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy) should avoid taking milk thistle as it may result in anaphylactic shock.
  • People with diabetes, hypoglycaemia, and who are on medications of diabetes should take milk thistle after consulting a doctor as it can lower blood sugar levels and may have interactions with the medications.
  • Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take milk thistle as its safety unknown.
  • Milk thistle has interactions with oral contraceptives. Individuals on these drugs should consult a doctor before it. It is best to consult a registered medical practitioner to ensure safe and coordinated uses of milk thistle.