What Is Milk Thistle Good For, and Can You Take It Every Day?

Milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid liver cell generation and protection. It is beneficial for liver disease, indigestion, acne, brain health, and breast milk production, and it is safe for daily use.

For over 2000 years, milk thistle has been used as an herbal treatment for kidney, liver, and gallbladder illnesses. Research shows that it blocks toxins from the liver, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new liver cells. While human studies have mixed results, there are multiple uses for milk thistle.

Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows in sunny, dry areas, reaching heights of 5-10 feet with spiny stems and white sap in its leaves. The plant has wide leaves with white veins, reddish-purple flowers, and small, hard-skinned brown fruit. It spreads quickly and can mature in under a year. Early colonists introduced milk thistle to North America due to its potential blood sugar-lowering effects. It can now be found in multiple regions worldwide.

Most milk thistle products are made from the plant’s seeds and contain up to 80% silymarin, an active chemical that protects the liver. Silymarin is a group of flavonoids that assist in liver cell repair and act as strong antioxidants, reducing inflammation.

How is milk thistle taken?

Milk thistle can be consumed in various forms, including dried herb capsules containing 120–140 milligrams of silymarin. It is also available as a tincture, liquid extract, or silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. The complex helps with absorption and prevents toxins from entering liver cells.

What is milk thistle used for?

Milk thistle is believed to have positive effects on the following conditions:

Liver disease from alcohol: It may help with cirrhosis and alcohol-induced hepatitis by improving liver function. While studies have mixed results, there is evidence of potential benefits.

Diabetes: It might lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, although further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Mushroom poisoning: Traditional medicine suggests milk thistle as an antidote for death cap mushroom poisoning. Studies have shown it can counteract the mushroom’s toxic effects, especially if taken soon after ingestion.

Bone protection: Milk thistle has shown the potential to stimulate bone mineralization and protect against bone loss. It could be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women, although further studies are required.

Indigestion: It has been reported to alleviate symptoms of indigestion, but more research is needed.

Acne: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, milk thistle may be beneficial for individuals with acne. One study showed a 53% reduction in acne lesions for participants taking silymarin daily.

Cancer: Laboratory studies suggest that milk thistle ingredients, including silymarin, may have anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing blood supply to tumors. However, additional research is required.

Age-related brain decline: Milk thistle’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential neuroprotectant, preventing age-related decline in brain function. Studies have shown it can protect brain cells from oxidative damage and potentially reduce amyloid plaque in Alzheimer’s-diseased brains. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Breast milk production: Some studies indicate that milk thistle can increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers by enhancing the lactation hormone prolactin. However, further research is necessary to validate these results and ensure safety for lactating mothers.

QUESTION

What does modern research say?

Clinical trial results on milk thistle and liver disease have been mixed and inconclusive, with some positive outcomes observed in individuals with chronic hepatitis C. Limited evidence suggests potential benefits for diabetes and skin cancer prevention, but further research is needed, particularly in human trials. Milk thistle’s interactions with chemotherapy require further investigation beyond test tubes. Additional research is necessary for other conditions to establish definitive results.

Are there any side effects?

Milk thistle is generally safe for oral consumption when taken in the correct dosage, up to three times daily. Possible side effects include itchiness, headache, and gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions are rare, and negative reactions, especially liver-related, are almost non-existent. Cautious use is advised for individuals with diabetes or estrogen-related conditions such as uterine, endometrial, ovarian, or breast cancer. Milk thistle may cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to other weeds.

What possible medicine interactions come with milk thistle?

Milk thistle may interact with the following medications:

Medications for diabetes: It may lower blood sugar levels, so close monitoring is necessary when combined with diabetes medications.

Substrates of cytochrome P450 2C9: Milk thistle could affect the levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme in the liver.

Morphine: It may alter the therapeutic effects and side effects of morphine.

Simeprevir: Avoid combining milk thistle with this drug, as it may increase its levels in the bloodstream.

Evista: Discussion with a doctor is advised for individuals taking Evista for osteoporosis, as milk thistle may affect how the liver processes the medication.

Medications that lower cholesterol: Milk thistle’s interactions with cholesterol-lowering medications are generally minor but should be approached with caution.

Milk thistle is currently being studied for its effectiveness in treating cancer, liver disease, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Limited evidence suggests its potential benefits, and side effects are rare. Oral consumption of 70%-80% silymarin in milk thistle is considered safe for up to 41 months. Ongoing clinical studies are investigating its usefulness in infectious diseases and oncology. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Sources:

American Academy of Family Physicians: "Milk Thistle."

Biomed Research International: "Antiosteoclastic activity of milk thistle extract after ovariectomy to suppress estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis."

Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research: "Effects of Oral Antioxidants on Lesion Counts Associated with Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Papulopustular Acne."

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences: "Silymarin," a promising pharmacological agent for the treatment of diseases."

Mayo Clinic: "Milk thistle."

Mount Sinai: "Milk thistle."

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care: Milk Thistle."

Susan G. Komen: "Milk Thistle"