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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Milk thistle has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. The well-known 17th century pharmacist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the plant for the treatment of jaundice as well as citing its use for opening "obstructions" of the liver and spleen. The parts of the plant used in medicine are the seeds of the dried flower.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Milk thistle has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. The well-known 17th century pharmacist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the plant for the treatment of jaundice as well as citing its use for opening "obstructions" of the liver and spleen. The parts of the plant used in medicine are the seeds of the dried flower. These seeds contain a bioflavonoid complex known as silymarin. Three compounds make up the silymarin complex: silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. Silibinin is the most active and is largely responsible for the medicinal powers of silymarin.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Many people take milk thistle regularly to protect their livers from the effects of alcohol, heavy metals, and drugs, and as needed after exposure to solvents, pesticides, bacteria from food poisoning, and other toxins. Studies since the 1930s, conducted mainly in Germany, confirmed that silymarin works to stabilize liver cell membranes and act as an antioxidant to protect liver cells from free radical damage. It also helps regenerate healthy liver cells and boosts the organ’s ability to filter toxins from the blood. Most recently, researchers found that the antioxidant activity of milk thistle seed extract reduced the liver damage typically seen in patients who take prescription anti-psychotic drugs for extended periods. Long-term placebo- controlled clinical trials have shown milk thistle extracts to be effective in treating patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B, and diabetes due to cirrhosis of the liver.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Milk thistle comes in capsules, liquids, and teas; silymarin (the chemical constituent thought to be responsible for milk thistle’s medical benefits) does not dissolve well in water, so the teas are very weak. The most popular products are standardized extracts of silymarin. An average dose is 200mg of an extract standardized for 70-80% silymarin.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Taking milk thistle products does not seem to cause any adverse effects either immediately or over the long term. In fact, the plant’s young (non-spiny) leaves and stems were once consumed as food in Europe. In some individuals Milk Thistle, may have a mild, transient laxative effect.
