Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, milk thistle grows in Mediterranean countries and people use it to make natural remedies. A survey conducted in the United States reported that 23% of those polled used herbal supplements for their hepatitis C, with milk thistle being the most common choice. Yang Z, Zhuang L, Lu Y, Xu Q, Chen X. Some people claim it can help to treat: Other potential benefits include protecting heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and helping people manage type 2 diabetes. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. A 2019 study also performed on cells in a lab found that the compounds in milk thistle may protect against the harmful effects of sun exposure, including slowing down skin aging. A systematic review (summary of medical literature on a specific topic) conducted in 2016 further concluded that using silymarin regularly may reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1C levels, two important factors in diabetes management. What Are the Side Effects of Milk Thistle? Milk thistle is thought to be safe for most people, but precautions should be taken as side effects are possible. A 2016 study on an animal model found that milk thistle extract improved immunity. In this way, milk thistle may help improve cognition and treat degenerative conditions that affect the mind. Keep supplements in areas out of the reach of pets and children. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases--a systematic Cochrane hepato-biliary group review with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials. This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for certain types of cancers or liver conditions. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Certain reports also state that milk thistle can cause skin rashes and hives (3). The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. These side effects may be mild or severe. Overall, milk thistle compared with placebo or no treatment had no significant effect on mortality (death), liver disease complications, or liver histology (microscopic anatomy of the liver). Olive Oil Vs. A small number of studies have suggested that milk thistle extract might be beneficial for diabetes, but the conclusions about its effectiveness are not definite. Current studies on milk thistle use a wide range of doses. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Store milk thistle supplements in a cool, dry place. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Take this product by mouth as directed. Continue reading. Does Milk Thistle Capsule interact with other drugs you are taking? Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets. milk thistle. A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. This may help ease symptoms from liver . Milk thistle (PDQ) health professional version. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Doctors mainly use the plant to treat liver problems, but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. These reactions may occur if you have an allergy to milk thistle. Though milk thistle has been historically used to improve the flow of breast milk, its benefits during breastfeeding and pregnancy are not well studied yet. Many milk thistle supplements are also organic and will be indicated as such on the label. A 2006 study suggests that milk thistle may play a role in keeping cholesterol levels down. Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but are controversial because there is little science to support their use. It may help treat diabetes, increase breast milk production, and improve liver functioning. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. Vegetable Oil: Nutrition Fac Olive Oil Vs. Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Con Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Cons + Which Is Better. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. The active ingredient in milk thistle may help to reduce inflammation. Researchers found silymarin stimulated the immune system. Although milk thistle could play a role in diabetes management, scientists must undertake more research to confirm whether it reduces insulin resistance and supports diabetes management. Gillessen A, Schmidt HH. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. These results are consistent with other evidence suggesting that milk thistle has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine, irinotecan, or indinavir.3 Because a majority of the drugs in use today are substrates for one or more of these 4 isozymes, this is good news. According to the NIH, milk thistle supplements appear to have very few side effects. Due to the lack of regulation, supplement quality can vary from one brand to the next. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. Possibly. The FDA has not approved milk thistle to treat any health conditions. 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How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541075/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21786113/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22842463, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7248929/, https://bnrc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42269-021-00567-1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4866124/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27387273, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072885, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0886022X.2016.1244070, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2013/919374/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25613505, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26345246, https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/506651, http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P0780X, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/milk-thistle-pdq, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/milk-thistle-pdq, https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/survivorship/complementary-therapies/milk-thistle/, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00071668.2015.1121537?journalCode=cbps20, https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-allergologia-et-immunopathologia-105-articulo-immunomodulatory-effects-two-silymarin-isomers-S030105462030029X, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5138577/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4116427/, https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ijbcs/article/view/127127, https://www.jmbfs.org/issue/february-march-2020-vol-9-no-4/jmbfs_2092fbfs_valkova/?issue_id=6515&article_id=30, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6470681/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12444368, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Email this report to a friend, doctor, or patient. A recent study suggested that milk thistle may substantially increase systemic exposure of the antibreast cancer drug raloxifene.1. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Milk Thistle Capsule to children or the elderly. Achufusi TGO, Patel RK. Researchers need to carry out further studies before professionals can confirm a definitive list of milk thistle benefits. Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you. However, the evidence is conflicting. 2014;2014:941085. doi:10.1155/2014/941085. 2005;100(11):2583-91. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.00262.x. Highly clinically significant. Merlin Annie Raj, RD (Registered Dietitian), Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. However, there is a lack of . He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. An older study found that milk thistle extract had a positive effect on immune response in humans. Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Take charge of your healthtalk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Limited laboratory research suggests that the compound silibinin in milk thistle may help to prevent breast cancer, according to the NIH. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. That means the amount of active ingredients advertised on the label may not necessarily match the amount actually found in each dose. Last medically reviewed on December 17, 2021. Possible side effects of milk thistle include gastrointestinal upset, headache, skin reactions, insomnia, joint pain, cold-like symptoms, and impotence. Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1, Email: info@nccih.nih.gov (link sends email). Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. He specializes Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health. Studies of milk thistle coadministered with various drugs in humans suggest it is unlikely to affect the most common cytochrome, the P450 (CYP450) isozyme. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. 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