Milk thistle extract helps protect the liver from toxins. It is derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Like most thistles, it grows tall with spiky leaves and pink-purple flowers. The name milk thistle comes from the white, milky fluid secretion that the plant’s leaves release when they are cut/broken.

The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin. Milk thistle extract is rich in silymarin (60-80%) in concentration.

 Silymarin is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Silymarin supports and strengthens the detoxification pathways and helps the body get rid of harmful toxins.

For these reasons, they have long been used in traditional European and Chinese medicines for detoxification processes.

Milk thistle extract is often used for its liver-protecting and anti-oxidant effects. Active ingredients in Milk thistle extract assist in the production and regeneration of healthy cells and it supports the gallbladder and digestive system to function efficiently.

Milk thistle extract is most commonly used for the management of liver and gallbladder diseases and protect the liver against a variety of poisons.

Milk thistle is also taken by mouth for loss of appetite, heartburn (dyspepsia), gallbladder complaints, and chronic hepatitis, and fatty liver diseases.

 

 

Milk Thistle Extract: a Detox Powerhouse

 

 

Supports Liver Health

 

 The active ingredient silymarin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. Silymarin as an anti-oxidant scavenges free radicals and protects the liver and improves liver function by keeping toxic substances from binding to liver cells. Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, that’s why is milk thistle may be beneficial for liver disorders such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis as well as gallbladder diseases.

                                

Helps regenerate Healthy Liver Cells

 

Alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, and even commonly prescribed drugs, such as cholesterol-lowering medications and antidepressants, can injure liver cells. Silymarin has the unique ability to help regenerate damaged liver cells.

 

Supports Liver Detoxification

 

Milk Thistle has an effective ability to encourage the liver to cleanse itself of accumulated toxins. Milk Thistle also supports the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione – an amino acid essential for the detoxification processes. The higher the glutathione content, the greater the liver’s capacity to detoxify harmful chemicals.

 

Effective for Dyspepsia (Heartburn)

 

When used daily for 4 weeks, a specific combination containing milk thistle plus peppermint leaf, caraway, licorice, or angelica, and lemon balm seem to reduce the severity of acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

 

 Lower Blood Sugar Levels for People with Type 2 Diabetes

 

Milk thistle with conventional medications helps improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood glucose levels. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may also be useful for reducing the risk of developing diabetic complications like kidney disease.

 

Milk Thistle observed effective for Fatty Liver Disease

 

Fatty liver disease is becoming more prevalent in many parts of the world, affecting about 25% of people globally. It is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other disorders characterized by insulin resistance.

Fatty liver occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells. Fatty liver is reversible at the early stages of progression, but it mostly detected in advanced liver disease.

Milk thistle, or silymarin, known for its liver-protecting effects, alone or in combination with vitamin E, may help reduce insulin resistance, inflammation, and liver damage in people with NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The dosages of milk thistle extract used in these studies were 250–376 mg per day.

 

Dosage and Safety Concerns

 

Milk thistle extract is safe to use, no serious adverse effects reported. The most commonly reported side effects include digestive disturbances, such as mild diarrhea and nausea.

Milk thistle is typically taken by mouth in capsule or extract form.

Current evidence suggests that dosages as high as 360 mg 3 times per day are likely safe for most people.

 

 

 

References

C Mulrow, V. L. (n.d.). Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects: Summary. Retrieved from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/

Debra Rose Wilson, P. M.-B. (2017, December 20). What are the benefits of milk thistle? Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320362

Emily Dashiell, N. (2020, July 23). Health Benefits of Milk Thistle. Retrieved from very well health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-milk-thistle-88325

Helen West, R. (2018, January 19). 7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits

Suzanne R. Steinbaum, M. (2019, July 1). Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects. Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects#1

 

 

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