2023 Natural Wellness. All rights reserved. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Our study provides a new insight into the protective effects of silibinin in the treatment of anxiety/depression. Read our. Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1, Email: info@nccih.nih.gov (link sends email). Substances in milk thistle may reduce blood sugar, a concern for people living with diabetes. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions. Phytother Res. All rights reserved. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. These side effects may be mild or severe. Milk thistle is sometimes used to treat skin conditions including mild psoriasis. The review went on to say that silymarin may be linked to lower rates of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and liver disease. Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. Nat Neurosci. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. The following list is not exhaustive. These studies have also seen that milk thistle may be able to reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals with Alzheimers disease (18, 19, 20). If you or anyone you know is living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), proclaiming the symptoms of this mood disorder as debilitating is a vast understatement. IBM Micromedex. However, the evidence is conflicting. The benefits of milk thistle may be due to silymarin, an active ingredient found in the herb that is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. other information we have about you. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While milk thistle has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. One human trial found it to work as well as fluoxetine to manage OCD symptoms. Milk Thistle. Dosage and side effects. This may be because people arent able to absorb enough to get a medicinal effect. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. JAMA. Milk thistle. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle. It also states that Milk Thistle will lower Ferritin and that iron-supplement is advised. Seeff, L.; Curto, T.; Szabo, G. et al. This article looks at the evidence to, Whats the life expectancy of someone with cirrhosis of the liver? ", National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): "Milk Thistle," Herbs at a Glance: Milk thistle., Medicinenet.com: "Generic Name: Milk Thistle Oral.". Suzanne Fisher, RD, founder of Fisher Nutrition Systems, has been a board-certified registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist for over 30 years. Epub 2016 Mar 9. This flowering plant can help control blood sugar levels and enhance bone health. Milk thistle's main active component is silymarin which works by normalizing levels of both serotonin and dopamine. Experts believe silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb. Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some supplements are close to chemicals in efficacy like saffron (standardized extract) for depression and magnolia bark extract for anxiety. 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. Careers. 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). Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Milk thistle products appear to help the skin heal from damage caused by UVB radiation from the sun and may offer benefits in preventing non-melanoma skin cancers. The flavonoid complex silymarin in preclinical studies has been found to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the cortex. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions. Get the facts on milk thistle for the liver. Although some studies have shown positive results on milk thistle for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the overall research does not show a benefit. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Biomed Pharmacother. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Ask your doctor for advice. Its thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. Its been suggested that oxidative stress in the body may play a role in the development of acne (41). An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Advanced milk thistle extract contains phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress and support liver health. Milk thistle is most often used for various liver conditions, like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. Have direct benefits against prostate, breast, and certain cervical cancer cells. 2015;22(2):290-296. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010, Voroneanu L, Nistor I, Dumea R, Apetrii M, Covic A. Silymarin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World J Gastroenterol. Benefits. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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. Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage (9). Learn more about natural remedies for type 2 diabetes. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Milk thistle is a traditional Chinese medicine extract derived from the mature fruit of Silybum marianum. Not available for orders containing UltraNourish. 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. Questions? Milk thistle has a distinctive purple flower and spiky leaves, grows to about 200 cm in height, and is found throughout the world. Thats an alarmingly high percentage, leaving roughly 1.1 million people of the 2.2 million OCD sufferers in the United States seeking alternative treatment options (2) and natural remedies. However, the results from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease. Malaria. According to the International OCD Foundation about half of OCD patients stop taking their medications due to negative side effects. Liver Detoxification and Health. More studies are needed before it can be determined how silymarin might be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment. 2023 May;475(5):621-635. doi: 10.1007/s00424-023-02795-y. Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. Milk thistle is effective at naturally reversing toxicity in the body, including the harmful . Generic name: milk thistle [MILK-THIH-sull] Longe, J., ed. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. and transmitted securely. Research shows that the silymarin in milk thistle helps protect the liver from many industrial toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride. 2014;10(1):31-35. doi:10.17925/EE.2014.10.01.31. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Recent research has explored the use of milk thistle. Here are 7 science-based benefits of milk thistle. Milk thistle can cause severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Abdulghani A, Poghosyan M, Mehren A, Philipsen A, Anderzhanova E. Front Mol Neurosci. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. Depression, Milk Thistle, Mood, Silibum Marianum (milk thistle), Silymarin. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle. eCollection 2023. Receive the latest, most useful health and wellness articles, tips, special discounts on nutritional supplements and so much more. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 2008;47(2):605-12. doi:10.1002/hep.22044, Fried MW, Navarro VJ, Afdhal N, et al. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Milk thistle is a flowering herb native to Europe but is also found in parts of the United States, Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 29, 2022. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. "It helps to clear out the toxins and nourish the organ," says Justice. information submitted for this request. Drug class: Herbal products. MeSH Milk thistle may not be safe for everyone. Milk thistle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Interactions. 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. Silibinin, a flavonoid derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been used as a hepato-protectant in the clinical treatment of liver diseases. ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Silymarin: not just another antioxidant. Biomed Res Int. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. 2016 Jul;41(7):1662-72. doi: 10.1007/s11064-016-1881-5. Milk thistle often is used as a galactalogue, a food or supplement that people who are chest feeding take to improve milk production. Researchers believe that silymarin reduced the oxidative stress traditionally attributed with diabetes (7). JIN_FK8R Please rate my stack I know I'm Fxxked up for now. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. However, many of these potential benefits are not backed by science. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for its therapeutic effects for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (14, 15). Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. 2014;2014:941085. doi:10.1155/2014/941085. Epub 2016 Dec 22. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Milk thistle. Milk thistle has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. There is not enough known about the safety of milk thistle for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Milk thistle. Prasad RR, Paudel S, Raina K, Agarwal R. Silibinin and non-melanoma skin cancers. Hepatology. National Cancer Institute PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 2020;37(4):1279-1301. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y, Seeff LB, Curto TM, Szabo G, et al. Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health This article reviews what milk thistle is and, Milk thistle tea is said to protect the liver, stimulate breast milk production, and lower blood sugar levels. The benefits of milk thistle remain unclear for this purpose and the limited research on milk thistle and breast milk has been done primarily in animals. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. New Treatments That May Change the Game, The Latest Research on Advanced Prostate Cancer. ; Extensively studied; effective in treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis, chemical- or . 3 Milk thistle may change the way your liver metabolizes certain drugs, like blood thinners, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. [Database subscription]. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). The terms milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably. Silymarin (Silybum marianum; SM), popularly known as milk thistle, is an extract that has been used for many centuries to treat liver diseases. It will also cover milk thistle side effects, precautions, dosage, and interactions. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. Abstract Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health. Exercise caution and start slow. Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Milk thistle has long been utilized as an anti-inflammatory agent offering numerous benefits to our liver, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, menopause symptom relief, and even gallbladder disorders. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on N-Acetylcysteine The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. The research on milk thistle's use in cancer patients is promising, although more research is needed to determine its benefits. 2. . What Are the Risks of Taking Milk Thistle? In 2010, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of milk thistle to the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating OCD (600 milligrams of milk thistle vs 30 milligrams of Prozac daily). Pharmacol Rev. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. 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). Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. 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. Certain people should take precautions when using milk thistle, and others may need to avoid it altogether. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with milk thistle does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. These include: Summary Milk thistle is generally considered safe. Abstract Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease regulated by coordination of T-helper2 (Th2) type cytokines and inflammatory signal molecules. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Keywords: Just amazing and timely information at your fingertips. Digestion and Depression . Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Bunchorntavakul C, Wootthananont T, Atsawarungruangkit A. Before However, the studies in humans are very limited and have yet to show a meaningful clinical effect in people (32, 33, 34, 35, 36). Anxiety; Autophagy; BDNF; Depression; Silibinin. All rights reserved. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. A double-blind controlled study. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. Milk thistle has been an important natural remedy for centuries of folk medicine practitioners. Milk thistle has been used to treat disorders of the liver and gallbladder for at least 2,000 years. Summary One study has shown that people taking milk thistle supplements experienced a decrease in the number of acne lesions on their body. 2011;17(18):2288-2301. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. Interestingly, one study found that people with acne who took 210 milligrams of silymarin per day for 8 weeks experienced a 53% decrease in acne lesions (42). The .gov means its official. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Its unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes. It's also proven useful in treating skin that's been damaged by radiation during breast cancer treatment. Common side effects of milk thistle may include: indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain; This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. It is not certain whether milk thistle is effective in treating any medical condition. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Can You Get Milk Thistle Naturally From Foods? 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. Finally, those with hormone-sensitive conditions, including certain cancers, may need to avoid using milk thistle. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional. government site. Click here for an email preview. Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beware that milk thistle can worsen depression, it doesn't act the same on everybody. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Milk thistle has been used for a range of psychiatric disorders including methamphetamine abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder. Protective Effect of Silibinin on Learning and Memory Impairment in LPS-Treated Rats via ROS-BDNF-TrkB Pathway. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. However, research is not conclusive on its uses. If we combine this information with your protected Well go over the methods that doctors use to determine this and provide a chart, Blessed thistle is an herb with a long history of use for digestive issues and breastfeeding. In this study, the effect of silibinin on A-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors in rats was investigated. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. The information and products shown on this website should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment. J Diabetes Res. A survey conducted in the U.S. reported that 23% of those polled used herbal supplements for their hepatitis C, with milk thistle being the most common choice. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Disclaimer. It is possibly effective in diabetes and indigestion (). Is There a Reason Your Milk Thistle Isn't Working? In fact, a recent review and analysis found that people routinely taking silymarin experienced a significant reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control (44). 2020 Feb;47(2):302-312. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.13201. BDNF-TrkB pathway mediates antidepressant-like roles of H. New insights into BDNF function in depression and anxiety. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Milk thistle is thought to be safe for most people, but precautions should be taken as side effects are possible. Some studies also show milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene.