What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as Holy thistle, St. Mary's thistle and marythistle has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments and is believed to protect and detoxify the liver. The thistle plant is native to the Mediterranean region, however is now grown worldwide. It has long spiny stems which can reach ten feet in height, and the herb derives its name from the white milky fluid which exudes from the leaves as they are being crushed.

What Is The Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient is known as silymarin and is actually a group of flavonoids (silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin), thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol or toxic substances.

How Does Milk Thistle Benefit The Liver?

*Silymarin has the ability to block fibrosis (abnormal increase in fiber containing tissue) which is a process that can eventually leads to liver cirrhosis.

*Silymarin protects new liver cells from being destroyed by toxic substances.

*Milk Thistle extract protects the liver from the damaging effects of drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychosis.

*It is beneficial in treatment of jaundice (yellowing of skin due to bile pigments).

*Has natural anti-inflammatory properties to help with conditions such as hepatitis.

*Prevents formation of gallstones by altering bile makeup.

*Is a potent antioxidant.

*Promotes the growth of new liver cells.

Are There Other Benefits From Milk Thistle?

*Silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle appear to stop cancer cells from dividing and proliferating, shorten their life span and reduce blood supply to tumors.

*It is also claimed to reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics.

*Lower cholesterol levels.

*Helps to regulate menstrual cycles.

How Is Milk Thistle Administered?

Milk thistle products are usually made from the seeds of the plant and standardized to contain 70 - 80% of silymarin.

*They are available in capsules containing the dried herb and approximately 120 - 140 mg silymarin each.

*Available in liquid extract or tincture.

*Silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex may be absorbed more easily than standardized milk thistle as the key element in cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine helps silymarin attach easily to cell membranes. This prevents toxins from getting inside the liver cells.

*Milk Thistle is virtually devoid of side effects, and can therefore be used by pregnant and breast feeding women.