2018;8:65-74. doi:10.2147/PTT.S169333. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. 1. There is a reason why milk thistle is called the "liver herb." The flavonoid combo of silymarin (and especially the phytonutrient silybin) can help rebuild liver cells while it removes toxins from that organ at the same time. . This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Also notable is the fact that, of the 40 subjects that completed this trial, none had any adverse events or side effects with milk thistle supplementation (7). Milk thistle may be useful in treating liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. 5 Brain Supporting Supplements Youll Want In Your Medicine, According to the International OCD Foundation, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), UltraThistle, the highest potency milk thistle formula, Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin. Protective Effect of Silibinin on Learning and Memory Impairment in LPS-Treated Rats via ROS-BDNF-TrkB Pathway. Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of developing AD. Multiple Myeloma vs. Leukemia: What Are the Differences? Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results. Certain people should take precautions when using milk thistle, and others may need to avoid it altogether. However, many of the studies are small and have methodological flaws, which makes it difficult to give firm guidance on this supplement or confirm its effects (46). Milk thistle has been used for a range of psychiatric disorders including methamphetamine abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder. In some cases it may be useful in treating these cancers, but studies have yet to fully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of milk thistle use. Call 911 or seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle. Milk thistle is currently used for the treatment of toxin-induced liver injury, for its inhibition of progressive hepatic fibrosis and the prevention of cirrhosis, for its antifibrogenic effects in alcohol-induced cirrhosis and for modulation of insulin resistance. Risks. But experts say that the evidence isnt conclusive. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 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: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article, How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed, Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. 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. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Milk thistle has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. What Are the Risks of Taking Milk Thistle? National Library of Medicine (US); 2022. PMC They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition (21). Minerals for OCD Silibinin, a flavonoid derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been used as a hepato-protectant in the clinical treatment of liver diseases. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. In some studies, silibinin, an active component of milk thistle, has been shown to have estrogen-like effects. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. 2014;97 Suppl 11:S31-S40. Epub 2016 Mar 9. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. It is also unknown whether milk thistle is safe for children. Summary Milk thistle extract may help protect the liver against damage caused by disease or poisoning, though more research is needed. Its been suggested that the antioxidant effects of silymarin may have some anticancer effects, which could be helpful for people receiving cancer treatment (9). A double-blind controlled study. 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). Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Loguercio C, Festi D. Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. Hepatology. ", National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): "Milk Thistle," Herbs at a Glance: Milk thistle., Medicinenet.com: "Generic Name: Milk Thistle Oral.". Some medications have been known to interact with milk thistle negatively. 1982;17:51721. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. Mastron JK, Siveen KS, Sethi G, Bishayee A.Silymarin and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic, comprehensive, and critical review. Interactions. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Beware that milk thistle can worsen depression, it doesn't act the same on everybody. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Alleviates Memory Impairment in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease Induced by D-Galactose and Aluminum Chloride. Its herbal remedy is known as milk thistle extract. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions. 2011;17(18):2288-2301. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle. Milk thistle may be a useful complementary therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes. Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in those with allergies to plants in the same family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy. Milk thistlesupplementscontaining silymarin are commonly sold as teas or in capsule form, but are also available as tablets, soft gels, and liquid extracts. Milk thistle has a distinctive purple flower and spiky leaves, grows to about 200 cm in height, and is found throughout the world. In one clinical trial, 60 people with benign polyps in the colon (which often develop into colon cancer) took a herbal blend with milk thistle, a flaxseed antioxidant, and oat fiber for 2 . Tajmohammadi A, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. J Tradit Complement Med. However, how it affects humans is currently unknown. The Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area composite tool is a simple alternative to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index for assessment of psoriasis: post hoc analysis from PRISTINE and PRESTA. In fact, it has traditionally been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, promote breast milk production, prevent and treat cancer and even protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons. Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argent, Chardon de Marie, pine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names. However, there is a lack of . Epub 2016 Dec 22. About curcumin, it isn't usually a problem but if you're on IMAOs you may like to read a bit before taking high doses. "It helps to clear out the toxins and nourish the organ," says Justice. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 2023 Jan 26;15:997054. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.997054. New Treatments That May Change the Game, The Latest Research on Advanced Prostate Cancer. 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. All rights reserved. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). doi:10.1097/CAD.0000000000000211, Fallah M, Davoodvandi A, Nikmanzar S, et al. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Milk thistle. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Milk thistle may interact with certain medications and supplements. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. Clinical practice shows that milk thistle has a good anti-liver injury effect and can be used to prevent anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Satisfaction. Swimming and L-arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorates aging-induced neuron atrophy, autophagy marker LC3, GABA and BDNF-TrkB pathway in the spinal cord of rats. Milk thistle can cause severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Luckily, more and more experts are turning to natural remedies to answer that question and circumvent the litany of side effects. 2023 Natural Wellness. In one such study, a 45-day course of silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, increased antioxidant capacity and reduced generalized inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with a placebo. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. You should not use this product if you are allergic to milk thistle or if you have: past or present cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary; or. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). However, the evidence is conflicting. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Liu HY, Wei HJ, Wu L, Liu SM, Tang YY, Zou W, Wang CY, Zhang P, Tang XQ. Effects of vitamin E on chronic hepatitis C genotype 3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, By Soraiya Ebrahimpour Koujan, Bahram Pourghassem, Gargari Majid, Published February 15, 2015, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28025940, Current Drug Targets, A Mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin, By Devi KP, Malar , Braidy , Nabavi , Nabavi, Published 2017, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 9. https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+1964, Toxnet, Valerian Root, Reviewed by SRP on 9/9/2014, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 10. https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/040310.htm, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms, Last Updated October 21, 2015, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/, Evidence Based Complementary Medicine, Lavender and The Nervous System, Published March 14, 2013, By Peir Hossein Koulivand, Maryam Khaleghi Ghadiri, and Ali Gorji, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 12. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-437/lemon-balm, WebMD.com, Lemon Balm, Retrieved May 5, 2019, Requirements for using and reposting articles. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Eur Endocrinol. Milk thistle is generally thought to be safe, but you still may experience side effects when taking it. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant traditionally used as a liver tonic. Bunchorntavakul C, Wootthananont T, Atsawarungruangkit A. Epub 2013 Oct 14. Abstract Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease regulated by coordination of T-helper2 (Th2) type cytokines and inflammatory signal molecules. Song X, Zhou B, Zhang P, Lei D, Wang Y, Yao G, Hayashi T, Xia M, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. The .gov means its official. Below is a short list of 4 widely available and very affordable herbs with some serious natural health benefits for OCD sufferers: Before introducing milk thistle into your diet, new supplements or any other herbs for OCD for that matter you should consult your physician. People with diabetes should use caution. While the cost of most OCD medications currently available on the market is actually quite reasonable, the common side effects that occur are definitely not. In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects (1). Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Silymarin (milk thistle extract) as a therapeutic agent in gastrointestinal cancer. Therefore, it may be best to avoid milk thistle during these life stages. Milk thistle is now found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. Neurological Disorders Milk thistle has long been used to alleviate the inflammation commonly associated with a host of neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons Disease (8). Moreover, its unclear whether milk thistle is well enough absorbed in people to allow adequate amounts to pass through the blood-brain barrier. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. National Cancer Institute PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. Its been suggested that oxidative stress in the body may play a role in the development of acne (41). Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Abstract Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A 2010 review by researchers found that black . You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. All rights reserved. JAMA. Other uses not proven with research have included treating malaria, mushroom poisoning, spleen or gallbladder problems, menstrual problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C), and other conditions. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional stories say were caused by a drop of the Virgin Marys milk falling onto its leaves. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may also be useful for reducing the risk of developing diabetic complications like kidney disease (43). Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. 2020;34(6):1446-1454. doi:10.1002/ptr.6620. I'm looking forward to my blood results. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Subjects were assessed with the National Institute of Mental Health Trichotillomania Severity Scale (primary outcome), the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale, and measures of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial . However, this review also noted that the quality of the studies was not very high, so more studies are needed before its possible to make any firm recommendations (44). Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Results from clinical trials of milk thistle for liver diseases have been conflicting or havent been clinically meaningful. It is possibly effective in diabetes and indigestion (). Written by Cerner Multum. . 2016;2016:5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468, Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. The survey revealed anecdotal evidence of the improved quality of life among those who took milk thistle, despite having no measurable improvements in hepatitis symptoms like liver inflammation. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Era of Hope Meeting for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, Atlanta, June 8-11, 2000. . Anxiety; Autophagy; BDNF; Depression; Silibinin. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Scan J Gastroenterol. According to the International OCD Foundation about half of OCD patients stop taking their medications due to negative side effects. 1. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/meds/, International OCD Foundation, Medications for OCD, By By Michael Jenike, MD, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 2. https://theoakstreatment.com/blog/ocd-facts-and-statistics/, The Oaks Treatment, OCD Facts and Statistics, Published June 18, 2018, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 3. https://www.psycom.net/ocd-medication-guide/, Psycom.net, OCD Medication Guide, By Kathleen Smith, PhD, Last Updated September 21, 2018, 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545, Phtotherapy Research, Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future, Published October 24, 2010, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 5. https://www.drugs.com/npp/milk-thistle.html, Drugs.com, Milk Thistle, Last updated on Mar 1, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-milk-thistle-88325, VeryWellHealth.com, The Benefits of Milk Thistle, By Kathee Wong, Updated March 08, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 7. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944711315000227, Phytomedicine, Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
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