Monograph

Environmental stress can be harsh on the liver, as toxins accumulate to form oxidative damage. Milk Thistle is a supportive herbal detoxifier, which increases glutathione levels that reduce the accumulation of toxins in the liver. Antioxidant properties found in Milk Thistle may further lessen oxidative stress to support the immune system.
 

Description

Indigenous to Europe and used for over 2,000 years, Milk Thistle contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin that is extracted from Milk Thistle seeds. Silymarin increases production of glutathione (a detoxifying antioxidant) in the liver, intestines, and stomach. NUTRAscriptives® Milk Thistle is prepared by a European extractor to ensure a high-quality, concentrated formula (80% silymarin) for effective supplementation.

Research

Liver Health

A meta-analysis found Milk Thistle can be an effective therapy in reducing liver inflammation and restoring normal liver function.[1] Individuals with chronic liver inflammation often use herbal remedies. A survey with 1,145 participants reported that of individuals using herbs for liver inflammation, Milk Thistle was the most common herb of choice (72%).[2]

Milk Thistle has been reported to protect the liver from environmental toxins, including carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, ethanol, and iron toxicity.[3] Milk Thistle lessens the development of oxidative stress in the liver. A three-year study observed alcohol-induced baboons that were taking Milk Thistle or a placebo. Milk Thistle reduced the liver damaging effects of alcohol by reducing oxidative stress and other liver damaging components.[4]

Antioxidant Properties/Immune Support

Milk Thistle has antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals to avoid the formation of oxidative stress.[5] The free radical scavenging activity extends to inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which is a consequence of high-fat diets.[6]

Milk Thistle can strengthen the immune system to fight off infections and hinder the production of abnormal cells.[7] In addition, several studies indicate Milk Thistle's defense action extends to healthy gland function. This is especially recognized in prostate health, as Milk Thistle's flavonoid compounds inhibit the proliferation of abnormal cells in the prostate gland.[8],[9],[10]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 750 mg per day (600 mg silymarin in a isomer mixture of flavonolignans [isosilybin, isossilichristin, dehydrosilibin, and dehydrosilichristin])

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

A research review of Milk Thistle indicated the herb is a safe therapy for treating liver ailments. In very rare cases, Milk Thistle caused gastrointestinal disturbances and allergic skin rashes.[11]

Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before supplementing with Milk Thistle if you are taking the following medications.

Metronidazole; Butyrophenones; Phenothiazines; Phentolamine

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Saller, R, Meier, R, Brignoli, R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver disease. Drugs. 2001; 61(14):2035-2063.

[2] Seeff, LB, Curto, TM, Szabo, G, et al. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. Hepatology. 2008 Feb; 47(2):605-612.

[3] Luper S. A review of plants used in the treatment of liver disease: part 1. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Dec; 3(6):410-421.

[4] Lieber, CS, Leo, MA, Cao, Q, et al. Silymarin retards the progression of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in baboons. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2003 Oct; 37(4):336-339.

[5] Asghar, Z, Masood, Z. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro. Pak J Phram Sci. 2008 Jul; 21(3):249-254.

[6] Wallace, S, Vaughn, K, Stewart, BW, et al. Milk Thistle extracts inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and subsequent scavenger receptor-dependent monocyte adhesion. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Jun; 56(11):3966-3972.

[7] Wilasurmee, C, Kittur, S, Shah, G, et al. Immunostimulatory effect of Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) extract. Med Sci Monitor. 2002 Nov; 8(11):BR439-443.

[8] Mokhtari, MJ, Motamed, N, Shokrgozar, MA. Evaluation of silibinin on the viability, migration and adhesion of the human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cell line. Cell Biol Int. 2008 Apr 8.

[9] Davis-Searles, PR, Nakanishi, Y, Kim, NC, et al. Milk Thistle and prostate cancer: differential effects of pure flavonolignans from Silybum marianum on antiproliferative end points in human prostate carcinoma cells. Cancer Res. 2005 May; 65(10):4448-4457.

[10] Singh, RP, Agarwal, R. Prostate cancer prevention by silibinin. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2004 Feb; 15(1):9-20.

[11] Saller, R, Brignoli, R, Melzer, J, Meier, R. An updated systematic review with meta-analysis for the clinical evidence of silymarin. Forsch Komplement Med. 2008 Feb; 15(1):9-20.