She was awarded the Presidents Award at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is a herbal product widely used in the United States and around the world. Do not double the dose to catch up. A 2015 study in worms found that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress. For an electronic version of this article, including references, if any, visit www.hanstenandhorn.com. 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. Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Doctors mainly use the plant to treat liver problems, but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes. A.D.A.M. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Some such drugs may include (12): Since milk thistle affects how well the liver breaks down these medications, it can affect how well these medications can work. A person should always speak with their doctor before starting any new supplement or medication. Duplication is encouraged. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. There is not enough known about the safety of milk thistle for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. How long does it take for milk thistle to start working? Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Milk Thistle Capsule to children or the elderly. There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging. Drug-drug Interactions of Silymarin on the Perspective of Pharmacokinetics, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. jaundice. Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Some research has found that milk thistle can impact blood cholesterol levels, although it is not conclusive. milk thistle. 2015;22(2):290-296. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010. It is possible to take too much milk thistle. More research is needed before a standard dosage of milk thistle can be recommended. Check with your physician if you have any of the. The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information onNCCIHand complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. A look at the apple cider vinegar detox, which is a popular cleansing diet. Though there are some serious side effects associated with milk thistle, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb provide several benefits for your health. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. 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. Enter other medications to view a detailed report. Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. Take charge of your healthtalk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. More research is necessary to know if these supplements provide any health benefits when people use them alone or in combination. It could help the body fight off infection as well as reduce chronic inflammation produced by the immune system. ), SAGE Journals. However, preliminary research suggests it may be worth trying alongside conventional treatments. We include products we think are useful for our readers. It may take one or two weeks for milk thistle to start working. Milk thistle also did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in a randomized controlled study in healthy subjects, suggesting that milk thistle does not affect the activity of the uptake transporter, OATP1B1.5. This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Hepatology. Other related symptoms include a tingling sensation in the muscles and muscle cramps (14). 3 are moderate, and 1 is minor. Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin. Evidence and risks, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, protecting the liver, immune system, and kidneys, providing antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. Some research also states that overall, milk thistle may not pose a great risk for drug interactions in humans (13). You should follow dosage directions to prevent side effects. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. The most common use of milk thistle is for liver problems. Milk Thistle; Silybum marianum; St. Mary's Thistle. The following list is not exhaustive. Milk Thistle. But the herb is also believed to be beneficial for other health issues. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but are controversial because there is little science to support their use. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Effects of vitamin E on chronic hepatitis C genotype 3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003620.pub3. Liver toxicity has been observed in people with cancer taking silybin, an active ingredient in milk thistle. Small studies mainly performed on cells in laboratories have found that milk thistle can slow cancer cell and tumor growth and possibly increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some people claim it can help to treat: cirrhosis. Sebagai suplemen makanan, minum 1-2 kapsul setiap hari sebaiknya dengan makanan atau seperti . Yang Z, Zhuang L, Lu Y, Xu Q, Chen X. Allergic reactions, abdominal problems, and estrogen and drug interactions are some of the common side effects seen in people who take this herb for extended durations. This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for certain types of cancers or liver conditions. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Use milk thistle as directed to prevent an overdose. *. Milk thistle. Some people may be allergic to milk thistle. Milk thistle is a traditional Chinese medicine extract derived from the mature fruit of Silybum marianum. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation in the airways. Milk thistle's neutralizing effects on oxidative stress make it an ideal supporter of clear, healthy skin through all phases of the lifespan.*. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. Its resources include publications (such as Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know) and fact sheets on a variety of specific supplement ingredients and products (such as vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements). Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Milk thistle may not be safe for everyone. However, if you develop an allergic reaction after taking milk thistle, stop use and consult your doctor. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. 2020;37(4):1279-1301. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y. Although some studies have shown positive results on milk thistle for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the overall research does not show a benefit. 2019;33(6):1627-1638. doi:10.1002/ptr.6361. Common side effects of milk thistle may include: indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain; diarrhea; or. No related drugs found for this medication. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Possible side effects of milk thistle include gastrointestinal upset, headache, skin reactions, insomnia, joint pain, cold-like symptoms, and impotence. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Calm an upset stomach. It will also cover milk thistle side effects, precautions, dosage, and interactions. Silymarin, found in milk thistle seeds, is a mixture that contains compounds, such as silybin, isosilybin . He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. World J Gastroenterol. Therefore, it is not known whether milk thistle or silymarin should be used to treat cirrhosis. There are also claims that milk thistle can change the way your liver metabolizes certain drugs, like blood thinners, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. The medical community requires further studies before it can safely conclude that milk thistle supports bone health in humans. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Ebrahimpour, K.; Gargari, B.; Mobasseri, M. et al. Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience these and other side effects to find out the best way to proceed. There are 4 drugs known to interact with This may help ease symptoms from liver . [Database subscription]. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Although milk thistle may be helpful in hepatitis C, more research is needed to support these claims. Spiny stems branch at the top and reach heights of 5 to 10 feet. Milk thistle. Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. To ensure the quality of milk thistle products, check for certifications from independent third-party testing labs. Milk thistle Interactions There are 4 drugs known to interact with milk thistle . Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. Available for Android and iOS devices. These ingredients may affect conditions such as diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. 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. 2012;308(3):274-282. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. Researchers must carry out more studies on humans to confirm the effects of milk thistle on cognition. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. Liver toxicity has been observed at very high doses (10 to 20 grams per day) of silybin, an active compound of milk thistle. When looking at Milk Thistle itself (prior to any extraction), the fruits or thistles contain: Silymarin at 1.5-3% of dry weight (to be elucidated later) [2] Silyhermin and both Neosilyhermin A and B [2]; Protein and Mucilage (taking up 25-30% of the herb by dry weight) [2] Quercetin and the dihydro varient known as Taxifolin [2]; Kaempferol, Dihydrokaempferol, and the 7-glucoside and 3 . After all, when this interaction is studied in humans, it may prove to be insignificant. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. To ensure quality and safety, choose products that have undergone testing and certification by independent agencies like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, and NSF International. Is there also a role for herbs and supplements? Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. 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. Milk thistle: early seeds of potential, The Lancet Oncology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. A 2016 study found that milk thistle improved diet-induced liver damage in mice. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); February 20, 2022. Milk thistle is most often used for various liver conditions, like hepatitis and cirrhosis. The name milk thistle is associated with the legend of Mother Mary. All rights reserved. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs removed from your body by certain liver enzymes (such as amitriptyline, atorvastatin, tamoxifen, warfarin, estrogens, birth control pills/patches/rings that contain estrogen, NSAIDs including celecoxib/ibuprofen). The common name, milk thistle, is derived from the "milky white" veins on the leaves, which, when broken open, yield a milky sap. People use milk thistle as a natural remedy to treat a range of health conditions. 2016;5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. Enter other medications to view a detailed report. Suzanne Fisher, RD, founder of Fisher Nutrition Systems, has been a board-certified registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist for over 30 years. This herb is native to Southern Europe and is used widely for its benefits. Am J Gastroenterol. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. Scan J Gastroenterol. 2014;11(2):167-74. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167. Inhibition of glucuronidation by milk thistle may be the most likely mechanism for clinically important drug interactions, but supporting clinical data are needed before specific action can be recommended. 7 herbs and supplements for type 2 diabetes, Do liver cleanses work? More study is needed to confirm this. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its excess intake. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb loaded with antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Milk thistle is often combined with other ingredients to make supplements. (2021). The milk may have fallen on the leaves, leaving white marks. Small Business Research Grant Program (SBIR), About Research Training and Career Development, Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process, Integrative Medicine Research Lecture Series, Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH, Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH, Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact, Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research, How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed, Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. It also suppressed an overactive immune system to tamp down on chronic inflammation involved in conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Effect of silymarin supplement on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin. Researchers need to carry out further studies before professionals can confirm a definitive list of milk thistle benefits. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. Researchers must carry out further studies on humans to identify what benefits a person can expect from applying milk thistle to their skin. Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects. A 2015 study found that it helped to improve inflammatory skin conditions when applied to the skin of mice. 2008;47(2):605-12. doi:10.1002/hep.22044, Voroneanu, L.; Nistor, I.; Dumea, R. et al. All rights reserved. Researchers think it may also slow down the growth of cancer cells. Natural Medicines website. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant that comes from the same family as the daisy. Nouri-Vaskeh M, Malek Mahdavi A, Afshan H, Alizadeh L, Zarei M. Effect of curcumin supplementation on disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis: a randomized controlled trial. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Ebrahimpour koujan S, Gargari BP, Mobasseri M, Valizadeh H, Asghari-jafarabadi M. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Silymarin, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases, Iranian University of Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Certain people should take precautions when using milk thistle, and others may need to avoid it altogether. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. We explore the potential health benefits of milk thistle below. Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes: Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. It is also unknown whether milk thistle is safe for children. However, more direct research is warranted in this regard. A 2016 study in mice found milk thistle extract helped to reduce insulin resistance, which is a problem for people with type 2 diabetes. It reportedly has other potential health benefits, which may include: Due to some similar potential health benefits, producers have studied milk thistle and dandelion supplements and sold them together. The extract of the seeds of milk thistle contains a number of substances, collectively called silymarin. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2000. What is the daily upper limit for milk thistle? Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. Toxicity is also possible if too much milk thistle is taken. Tajmohammadi A, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. 2020;34(6):1446-1454. doi:10.1002/ptr.6620. Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. A 2019 6 Molecules 6 review 6 found that silymarin exhibits anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity, meaning it protects the breakdown of collagen and promotes skin strength and elasticity. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Eur Endocrinol. Regardless, interactions are still possible. Another 2020 review of research on milk thistle concluded the compound silymarin appears to be a promising substance for the treatment of insulin resistance, including in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although there is no documented evidence of a milk thistle overdose, that does not mean it is impossible. Oral ingestion of milk thistle has also been linked to abdominal fullness (or abdominal pain), anorexia (a loss of appetite), and changes in bowel habits (1). Seeff, L.; Curto, T.; Szabo, G. et al. A 2013 study found that milk thistle helped to prevent bone loss. The FDA has not approved milk thistle to treat any health conditions. But it may be a helpful complementary treatment to try if a healthcare professional approves it. Bunchorntavakul C, Wootthananont T, Atsawarungruangkit A. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. However, many of these potential benefits are not backed by science. To avoid complications, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any supplements you take. Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Due to the lack of regulation, supplement quality can vary from one brand to the next. 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