Milk Thistle: Benets and Side Effects Milk thistle (silymarin) is a owering herb related to the daisy and

ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it St.Marys thistle and Santamaria. Milk thistle is sometimes used as a natural treatment for liver problems. These liver problems include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. It is suggested that milk thistle may also lower cholesterol, decrease insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and reduce risk for prostate cancer. Some preliminary studies suggest that it may reduce risk of breast and cervical cancer in adult women. Rate of cell division has been decreased in some studies of breast cancer. How does Milk Thistle Work? Silymarin is the main active ingredient in milk thistle. Silymarin is both an anti-inammatory and antioxidant. Its unclear what benets, if any, this may have in the body. Is Milk Thistle Good for the Liver? At this point, there is not enough scientic data to say whether or not milk thistle can help liver problems. Some early research suggests milk thistle may aid people with

early alcohol-related liver disease. Other studies show no improvement in liver function in this group of people. Some studies also show milk thistle may offer a possible benet for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins especially petroleum distillates.More information is needed before doctors can say milk thistle actually benets the liver. Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Medical research does suggest that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers also have found that milk thistle decreased insulin resistance, a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements as they may interfere with your medication. Is Milk Thistle Good for the Heart? By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may help decrease the chance of developing heart disease. However, studies on possible heart benets only have been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. Its unclear if milk thistle may have the same effects in other people.

How Do You Take Milk Thistle? Milk thistle can be taken orally in supplements or in tea. Milk thistle can be combined with other herbs. Does Milk Thistle Have Any Side Effects? Usually, milk thistle causes few, if any, serious side effects. Studies show that its safe when taken for up to 36 months. Milk thistle may cause diarrhea. More rarely, it may cause nausea, bloating, gas, and upset stomach. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should avoid using milk thistle and discuss all supplements with there MD. If you have a ragweed allergy, it may cause a rash or lead to severe allergic reaction. Since milk thistle may mimic the effects of estrogen, some women should avoid this herb. This includes women who have broid tumors or endometriosis. Additionally, women with breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers should not take milk thistle. Always tell your doctor of any supplement you are taking. Milk thistle may interact with certain medications.