Milk Thistle and Your Liver: Is It Harmful or Beneficial?
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a herb that has been widely used for its purported health benefits, especially for liver health. While the herb has received attention from the health and supplement industry, it is essential to understand its effects on the liver and whether it poses any risks.
Background on Milk Thistle Studies
Most studies on milk thistle are generally of poor quality, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its effectiveness. However, some studies have shown that milk thistle appears to decrease the symptoms of liver disease and lower blood work numbers that suggest liver dysfunction, such as liver enzymes. It is commonly used by both people with and without liver disease, and so far, there have been no cases of liver injury or elevated liver enzymes attributed to milk thistle use.
Theoretical Risks and Liver Enzymes
It is important to note that milk thistle can alter the P450 liver enzyme, which can change how quickly the body processes certain drugs. This alteration could theoretically lead to a toxic level of a drug due to increased concentration. Despite this potential risk, there has not been any evidence of liver injury in humans due to milk thistle.
Health Benefits of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. Here are some of the potential benefits of milk thistle:
Supports Liver Health
A 2016 study found that milk thistle improved diet-induced liver damage in mice. While the research is promising, more evidence is needed to confirm its benefits in human livers. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production, which may create a detoxifying effect and help in managing liver problems.
Reduces Cholesterol
A 2006 study suggested that milk thistle may play a role in maintaining cholesterol levels. It found that people taking milk thistle as a treatment for diabetes had lower cholesterol levels compared to those taking a placebo.
Affects Other Health Conditions
Research also indicates that milk thistle may benefit other health conditions such as insulin resistance, allergic asthma, and the spread of cancer. A 2012 study found that silymarin helped reduce inflammation in the airways of mice with allergic asthma, and a 2016 review found that milk thistle extract inhibited the growth of cancerous cells in colorectal cancer.
How to Use Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. The dosage can vary, so it is best to follow the instructions on the packaging. Additionally, milk thistle is also available as a tea, but it is recommended to limit intake to 6 cups a day.
Risks and Considerations
As milk thistle is a supplement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it in the same way as drugs. It is important to buy milk thistle from reputable retailers. As with any natural remedy, it is advisable to discuss its use with a doctor, especially for those who are already receiving treatment for liver conditions or other health issues.
Takeaway
Milk thistle has a range of potential health benefits due to its active ingredient silymarin, which is an antioxidant. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, milk thistle can be a healthful supplement that may be worth trying alongside conventional treatments.
It is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before starting to use milk thistle or any other supplement, as it may interact with other medications or conditions. To learn more, you can visit health food stores or purchase milk thistle online.