Herb Hero: Milk Thistle

Name: Milk Thistle

Growing and harvesting: With its distinctive pink-purple flower head, milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to most of Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Milk thistle is an upright plant that grows up to 2 meters (6ft 6in) tall with a grooved stem often covered in a light cottony fuzz. The leaves grow from 15-60cm long and are spiny and hairless with milk-white veins. Milk thistles benefits include supporting the liver, aiding digestion, with the potential to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Occasionally, milk thistle is referred to by its active flavonoids, ‘Silymarin’.

Health giving benefits:  Pedanius Dioscorides, who as a botanist as well as a Greek physician, was the first to describe milk thistle’s healing properties around 50AD, but extracts are thought to been used a few hundred years before, around 400BC. Today, the western energetic system uses milk thistle to support the liver, head, womb, and stomach. The herb is described as hot and dry which strengthens the heart and liver, purges choler, and reduces fevers. John Gerard, a 16^th century English herbalist, noted in his 1597 book ‘Generall Historie of Plantes’ that milk thistle was “the best remedy against melancholy diseases”. Additionally, milk thistle has been used as a bitter to aid digestion.

Interest in the herb was revitalised in the mid-19^th century and later in the 1930’s in Germany, where it was prescribed as a stimulant, used for functional disorders of the liver and gallbladder, and diseases of the spleen. Milk thistle is also used to relieve symptoms associated with overindulgence of food and drink such as indigestion and upset stomach. Milk thistle is a choleretic, meaning that it helps support the production of bile. Today, people commonly take milk thistle as part of a detoxification programme around the festive period, and to support diabetes, liver disorders, and many other conditions.

What does the research show?

Silymarin are the group of flavonoids found in milk thistle which are well documented for their potential health supporting effects in humans. A scientific review reported that silymarin aids with stimulating liver regeneration and reduces oxidative stress as it is a powerful antioxidant. Silymarin has been found to reduce free radical production and lipid peroxidation in cells. Silymarin protects cells by preventing free radical producing enzymes or improving the integrity of mitochondria in studies in human cells.

Studies have revealed that milk thistle has been found to support non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; a condition caused by a buildup of fat in the liver which can lead to liver damage if left untreated. It’s usually seen in obese or overweight individuals. In a clinical trial, participants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were supplemented with either 560mg of milk thistle or placebo for 8 weeks. The results found that the milk thistle group had improved liver function and increased liver enzymes compared to the placebo group.

A systematic review reported that the individuals who supplemented with milk thistle found that as well as supporting the liver, it may support the cardiovascular system, diabetes, and have neuroprotective effects. It was suggested that milk thistle could be used as a complementary therapy in the treatment of many diseases.

Taking milk thistle: Ripe milk thistle seeds are considered the active part of the plant which provide the health benefits as this is where most of the silymarin is found. Traditionally, milk thistle was used as a tincture, so choosing a pure, organic, and high potency tincture is recommended. Milk thistle can be taken as a capsule, either an organic whole seed, or high potency standardised extract to 80% silymarin.

For more information on the health benefits of milk thistle, visit your local health food store for dietary, supplement and lifestyle advice at www.findahealthstore.com

Author: Will Jordan, BSc (Hons) MSc, is a Nutrition Advisor at Viridian Nutrition. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, BSc in Food and Nutrition.

 

References:

Flora of North America Editorial Committee. Silybum Marianum. Flora of North America North of Mexico (FNA). Online. Available from: [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024549] [08/11/2024]

Taylor S. The Humoral Herbal. A practical guide to the Western Energetic system. 2021; 328-332. Aeon, London

Siegel A, & Stebbing J. Milk thistle: early seeds of potential. Lancet Oncol. 2013; 14 (10) 929-930

Physicians’ Desk Reference. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics company. 2000; 516-520.

Sarris J & Wardle J. Chapter 6 – Food allergy/intolerance. Clinical Naturopathy – 2nd edition. 2014, 125. Churchill Livingstone, Chatswood

Vo KT, Montgomery ME, Mitchell ST, Scheerlinck PH, Colby DK, Meier KH, Kim-Katz S, Anderson IB, Offerman SR, Olson KR, & Smollin CG. Amanita phalloides Mushroom Poisonings – Northern California, December 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2017; 66 (21) 549-553

Surai PF. Silymarin as a Natural Antioxidant: An Overview of the Current Evidence and Perspective. Antioxidants. 2015; 4 (1) 2014-247

Post-White J, Ladas EJ, & Kelly KM. Advances in the Use of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2007 6 (2) 104-109

Fraschini F, Demartini G, & Esposti D. Pharmacology of Silymarin. Clinical Drug Investigation. 2012; 22, 51-65

Abenavoli L, & Milic N. Chapter 45 – Silymarin for Liver Disease. Liver Pathophysiology. Therapies and Antioxidants. 2017; 621-631

Mirhashemi SH, Hakakzadeh A, Yeganeh FE, Oshidari B, & Rezaee SP. Effect of 8 Weeks milk thistle powder (silymarin extract) supplementation on fatty liver disease in patients’ candidates for baritric surgery. Metabolism Open. 2022; 14, 100190

Silva Gonçalves GM, & Bernardo de Camargo Eisingher A. Possible Use for Silymarin in Human Health: Systematic Review. American Journal of Plant Sciences. 2024; 15 (2) 95-109

Bone K, & Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. 2nd edition. 2013; 861-884. Churchill Livingstone. Elsevier.

 

The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.