By Brittany Lubeck, RD Although research is still emerging, milk thistle may be beneficial for conditions relating to the liver and gallbladder. 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. Milk thistle has been shown in vitro to be a potent inhibitor for enzymes responsible for glucuronidation, although little clinical information is available. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Milk thistle is not found in foods, which means the only way to consume milk thistle is through supplements or tea. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. Milk thistle. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. 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. It is lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties and several health benefits. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. 2014;11(2):167-74. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167. Similar to milk thistle, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has antioxidant effects. Front Immunol. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, milk thistle grows in Mediterranean countries and people use it to make natural remedies. Milk thistle can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Seeff, L.; Curto, T.; Szabo, G. et al. Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Con Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Cons + Which Is Better. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. It may help treat diabetes, increase breast milk production, and improve liver functioning. Can you drink alcohol while taking milk thistle? In: StatPearls. Similar supplements to milk thistle include: Please talk with your healthcare provider about the best supplement for you. Rambaldi, A.; Jacobs, B.; Iaquinto G, Gluud C. 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. Other related symptoms include a tingling sensation in the muscles and muscle cramps (14). This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Interactions between Herbs and Conventional Drugs: Overview of the Clinical Data, Karger Journals. Loose stools or upset stomach may occur. Common side effects of milk thistle may include: indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain; diarrhea; or. Silymarin, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases, Iranian University of Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. The following two tabs change content below. Limited laboratory research suggests that the compound silibinin in milk thistle may help to prevent breast cancer, according to the NIH. However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its overconsumption. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1, Email: info@nccih.nih.gov (link sends email). Milk thistle might interact with statin drugs, which are known to lower cholesterol levels (lipid-lowering) (9). Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Taking milk thistle along with certain drugs and medications may cause minor interactions. 2016;5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesnt mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. *. The terms milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably. You might also get the herb at your nearest supermarket/pharmacy. 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. Drs. It's commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. 2012;308(3):274-82. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. jaundice. Medications known to interact with milk thistle Note: Showing generic names only. There are no guidelines regarding a standard dose of milk thistle. This article will explore the potential uses of milk thistle. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The name "milk thistle" derives from a feature of the leaves, which are prominently banded with splashes of white. Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Do not double the dose to catch up. Milk thistle is a herbal product widely used in the United States and around the world. 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. One of milk thistle's traditional uses is easing indigestion. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) is a flowering herb native to Europe but also found in parts of the United States, Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America. It also seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been used for liver disease although it has not been shown to be effective. The active ingredient in milk thistle is called silymarin. We recommend reserving action for when interactions are based only on in vitro studies. World J Gastroenterol. People sometimes use milk thistle for hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Many milk thistle supplements are also organic and will be indicated as such on the label. 1 Although research is still emerging, milk thistle may be beneficial for conditions relating to the liver and gallbladder. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. A 2013 study found that milk thistle helped to prevent bone loss. Hepatology. Eur Endocrinol. Horn and Hansten are both professors of pharmacy at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Consult your doctor before using this product. 2020;37(4):1279-1301. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y. Milk thistle is a natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. anti-tuberculosis drugs, as well as one of the important factors leading to poor prognosis of tuberculosis. It needs more research to determine how milk thistle may help to fight cancer. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? To avoid complications, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any supplements you take. 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). Milk thistle may produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy). Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Olive Oil Vs. Adv Ther. Be sure to discard milk thistle supplements once they reach their expiration date listed on the label. Researchers must carry out more studies on humans to confirm the effects of milk thistle on cognition. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Taking it along with estrogen pills might reduce their effectiveness. Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes: Allergy drugs -- such as fexofenadine (Allegra) Drugs for high cholesterol -- such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor) The terms "milk thistle" and "silymarin" are often used interchangeably. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. But it may be a helpful complementary treatment to try if a healthcare professional approves it. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Copyright 2011 - 2023 IncNut Stylecraze Private Limited. Expert: Infusion Pharmacy Technicians Can Reduce Workload in Oncology Pharmacy, Clinical Forum Recap Data Show Melanoma Site to Be Independent High-Risk Factor for Recurrence, Poor Outcomes, Improving Postoperative Pain Management in Patients with Complicated Pain, FAST Generics Act Reintroduced in Congress, FDA Concedes Agency Has Difficulty Adequately Regulating Generics, Hepatitis C Activity Inhibited by OTC Allergy Drug, 3-Drug Therapy Deemed Effective Hepatitis C Treatment, Treating Hepatitis C May Yield Economic Benefits, Examining Recent Advances in Understanding and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: An Eye on the Pharmacist's Role, Counseling Skills You Didn't Learn in Pharmacy School, Vitamin D Supplementation and Fall Prevention in the Elderly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. A double-blind controlled study. Salmi, H. and Sarna, S. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. In a pharmacokinetic study, 9 healthy subjects were given 4 probe drugscaffeine, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and midazolam— to test for the effect of milk thistle on CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.2 The drugs were given before and after the subjects received a standardized milk thistle extract 3 times daily for 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Researchers must carry out further studies on humans to identify what benefits a person can expect from applying milk thistle to their skin. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Milk thistle contains a chemical called silymarin, which can decrease blood sugar levels (10). Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 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