The milk thistle is a common ingredient extracted from the milk thistle plant (silybum marianum) and is traditionally used for its liver-healing properties.
However, recent studies have shown that organic milk thistle has benefits beyond treating liver and gallbladder disorders. From a potential anti-cancer treatment to preventing Alzheimer’s, the milk thistle is rich in medical uses, making it worth including in your diet.
But first, let’s get to know all about the milk thistle plant.
What is Milk Thistle?
The milk thistle plant is an herbaceous plant that can be easily recognized by its prickly head and purple flowers. Originally from the Mediterranean region, the plant was eventually brought to Europe, the Americas, and Australia through human migration.
The medical use of Organic Milk Thistle has been known for centuries. One of the earliest recorded medical use of Milk Thistle was in 1st century AD, when Pliny the Elder recorded its benefits to liver health.
Surviving folk medicine continue to use milk thistle as an herbal remedy. For example, people from the Basque region use a concoction of Milk Thistle as a cure to a wide array of ailments: indigestion, colds, hypertension, and physical injuries. [1]
In 1929, scientists began researching milk thistle, as its continued use by German physicians as treatment for jaundice and liver disorders sparked interest. By the 1950’s, scientists were able to successfully isolate silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that make up 4-6% of milk thistle seed.[1]
Nearly all subsequent research on milk thistle is focused on silymarin, with modern milk thistle capsules containing between 70-80% silymarin.
So how exactly does milk thistle benefit the body?
7 Benefits of Organic Milk Thistle
- It helps protect your liver
Let’s start off this list with what milk thistle is best known for.
For people who are undergoing therapy from liver damage, milk thistle is often given as an herbal treatment. This is because silymarin has been found to induce cell repair among internal organs, especially the liver. It’s also used to protect the liver from the poisonous amatoxin, a deadly compound received from ingesting the death cap mushroom. [2]
Some studies have also proven its efficacy in improving liver function among people with a pre-existing liver condition. Although further research has yet to be done, this raises the possibility of milk thistle’s ability to reverse liver inflammation and damage. [3]
While there is a lot of solid evidence for its ability to repair the liver, milk thistle should not be used as a primary treatment for liver damage. For now, milk thistle is highly recommended as a complementary treatment for liver-related ailments.
- It may also induce kidney regeneration
Similar to its effects on the liver, silymarin has been linked with kidney damage treatment.
In one clinical trial, patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage resulting to diabetes) were treated with silymarin. It was found that silymarin stimulated protein synthesis and cellular regeneration in the kidney’s epithelium (the inner and outer lining of organs). [1]
While it shouldn’t be used as a primary treatment for kidney damage, people who are recovering from it are encouraged to take milk thistle supplements for good measure.
- It promotes breast milk production
If you’re currently nursing a child, taking milk thistle supplements is highly recommended – especially for those having a hard time producing breastmilk. This is one of the many uses of milk thistle that has been known for a long time and is now proven by modern medicine.
In a clinical study, 50 lactating women were given a daily dose of 420mg of silymarin for 63 days. Results showed that milk production among these women increased by 85.94% – significantly higher than other control treatments. It was concluded that milk thistle is a safe and effective way to boost milk production among lactating mothers. [4]
- It can lower blood sugar levels
Milk thistle was also discovered to help in managing type 2 diabetes.
A few studies have shown promising results, such as one where milk thistle was found to work similarly to diabetes medication in improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood sugar. Milk thistle can also serve as a preventive supplement against diabetes-related complications, as it helps regenerate certain internal organs.[5]
- It helps protect your brain against degenerative diseases
Combatting neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by using milk thistle is a cure that has been practiced for over two thousand years. [6]
Milk thistle contains several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can possibly protect your brain from age-related decline. In several studies, silymarin was found to protect the brain from oxidative damage, effectively preventing its decline. [6] Thus, taking milk thistle supplements is a good idea even if you’re still young, as it may even help enhance brain function.
Silymarin was also found to inhibit the abnormal production of amyloid plaque among animal brains. This buildup of amyloid plaque is the leading cause of Alzheimer’s (along with dementia and Parkinson’s), as it destroys connections between nerve cells. While this effect has not yet been tested on humans, silymarin is still seen as a potential therapeutic agent against neurodegenerative diseases. [7]
- It promotes good skin
Milk thistle is also a good candidate for skincare thanks to its potent antioxidant and regenerative effects on skin cells.
In a 2015, milk thistle was found to be effective in soothing inflammatory skin conditions among mice.[8] In a test tube study, milk thistle extract was discovered to have the same regenerative effect on human skin cells.[8]
More studies have yet to be conducted on milk thistle’s efficacy on skin cells – but for now, it’s safe to assume that milk thistle is highly capable of repairing dead skin cells. You might find milk thistle as an active skincare ingredient a few years from now!
- It helps you control weight gain
Herbal enthusiasts have recommended drinking milk thistle tea for weight loss purposes for a while now. Turns out, there is some scientific evidence behind it.
When a person consumes too much food, say, at a holiday feast, the body works double time to process this food. This is why we often feel uncomfortable and drowsy after overeating. Herbal teas like the milk thistle help the body process food by assisting the liver and the gallbladder in doing their jobs.
In one laboratory test, it was found that silymarin was able to help mice lose weight while being on a diet that was made for them to become overweight. [9] While human tests have yet to be done, silymarin’s capability as a weight loss aid is highly possible.
Best ways to incorporate milk thistle into your diet
Oral Capsules
The most common way to consume milk thistle is through a capsule. For adults, a safe dosage would be 420mg/day orally in divided doses. But when used as therapy for specific illnesses, the appropriate dose and schedule should be prescribed by your doctor.
Organic Milk Thistle Tea
Like most herbs, milk thistle can be consumed as a tea. Milk thistle can be bought fresh, loose leaf, or in tea bags.
To make milk thistle tea, simply boil water, add milk thistle in your desired serving, and steep for 20 minutes. If you’re using the loose leaf variety, strain the tea while pouring to avoid creating an oversaturated (and possibly bitter) tea. To add flavor, you can add honey, milk, or lemons to your liking.
To get an idea of how milk thistle tea tastes like, some describe it as slightly sweet and with an earthy flavor. It’s comparable to dandelion tea due to its strong floral notes and earthy undertones. If you like teas that belong to that flavor profile, you will probably enjoy milk thistle tea, too!
Organic Milk Thistle Powder
Milk thistle also comes in powdered form, making it a possible addition to your favorite smoothie or yogurt bowl.
Precautions
Allergens
Although milk thistle is generally considered safe, some people were found allergic to compounds present in milk thistle extract. If you have a preexisting allergy to other plants belonging to the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums), avoid consuming milk thistle at all costs. It can trigger various allergic reactions, including the life-threatening anaphylaxis. If you’re unsure if you’re allergic to milk thistle, it’s best to consult a doctor first before including the milk thistle in your diet.
Estrogenic Effects
Milk thistle was also found to mimic the effects of estrogen, thus women who suffer from conditions such breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid milk thistle. Basically, anyone who has pre-existing hormone-sensitive conditions should not consume milk thistle in large amounts. For the same reason, pregnant women should also avoid milk thistle, as studies have yet to determine its safety.
For People with Diabetes
The milk thistle’s ability to lower blood sugar may be dangerous for people with diabetes.
Summary
Milk thistle is another one of mother nature’s miracles – for one herb to be packed with so much anti-toxins and nutrients is great news for those looking for plant-based remedies.
But for now, it’s recommended to use milk thistle only as a complementary therapy for conditions, especially for liver diseases and cancer.
If you’re interested in consuming milk thistle as a dietary supplementary, consult your doctor to confirm any allergies or sensitivities to the compounds found in milk thistle.
References
[1] Abascal, K., & Yarnell, E. (2003) The Many Faces of Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle): Part 1 – Treating Cancer and Hyperlipidemia and Restoring Kidney Function. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 9(4), 170–175. doi:10.1089/107628003322256878
[2] Ward, J., Kapadia, K., Brush, E., & Salhanick, S. D. (2013). Amatoxin poisoning: case reports and review of current therapies. The Journal of emergency medicine, 44(1), 116–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.02.020
[3] Polachi, N., Bai, G., Li, T., Chu, Y., Wang, X., Li, S., Gu, N., Wu, J., Li, W., Zhang, Y., Zhou, S., Sun, H., & Liu, C. (2016). Modulatory effects of silibinin in various cell signaling pathways against liver disorders and cancer – A comprehensive review. European journal of medicinal chemistry, 123, 577–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.070
[4] Di Pierro, F., Callegari, A., Carotenuto, D., & Tapia, M. M. (2008). Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 79(3), 205–210.
[5] Kazazis, C. E., Evangelopoulos, A. A., Kollas, A., & Vallianou, N. G. (2014). The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. The review of diabetic studies : RDS, 11(2), 167–174. https://doi.org/10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167
[6] Devi, K. P., Malar, D. S., Braidy, N., Nabavi, S. M., & Nabavi, S. F. (2017). A Mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin. Current drug targets, 18(13), 1529–1536. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389450117666161227125121
[7] Yin, F., Liu, J., Ji, X., Wang, Y., Zidichouski, J., & Zhang, J. (2011). Silibinin: a novel inhibitor of Aβ aggregation. Neurochemistry international, 58(3), 399–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2010.12.017
[8] Mamalis, A., Nguyen, D. H., Brody, N., & Jagdeo, J. (2013). The active natural anti-oxidant properties of chamomile, milk thistle, and halophilic bacterial components in human skin in vitro. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 12(7), 780–784.
[9] Guo, Y., Wang, S., Wang, Y., & Zhu, T. (2016). Silymarin improved diet-induced liver damage and insulin resistance by decreasing inflammation in mice. Pharmaceutical biology, 54(12), 2995–3000. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1199042
