Therefore, it is not known whether milk thistle or silymarin should be used to treat cirrhosis. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? Summary One study has shown that people taking milk thistle supplements experienced a decrease in the number of acne lesions on their body. Accessibility WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. It is primarily considered a cleansing agent and used to block or flush toxins from the body. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. From aloe to honey, you might be surprised what basic ingredients can help improve breakouts. 2016;5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar. include protected health information. Dosage and side effects. Although milk thistle may be helpful in hepatitis C, more research is needed to support these claims. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Find out more on the side effects of statins. Duplication is encouraged. 5 It was found that there was no significant difference between milk thistle and Prozac for OCD symptoms. JAMA. Herbal Remedies for OCD and Anxiety Disorders - Verywell Mind However, this is the only clinical study available. Some researchers have suggested milk thistle benefits when treating osteoporosis after menopause, and it's a commonly used supplement in the U.S. Tadaah, perhaps a partly explanation for your experience? Silymarin: not just another antioxidant. Milk thistle may not be safe for everyone. All rights reserved. Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for its therapeutic effects for centuries. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using milk thistle. Biomed Res Int. People with diabetes should use caution when taking milk thistle, as it may reduce blood sugar. Abdulghani A, Poghosyan M, Mehren A, Philipsen A, Anderzhanova E. Front Mol Neurosci. The irony of this list of side effects being associated with drugs intended to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD is not lost on us, and ultimately begs the question, What naturally helps OCD?. Milk thistle benefits: Liver, skin, cholesterol, weight loss, and more National Cancer Institute PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. As a result of excessive alcohol consumption, my liver was fattened and my enzymes increased. N-Acetylcysteine The nutritional content varies for each brand, so be sure to . MeSH Borah A, Paul R, Choudhury S, Choudhury A, Bhuyan B, Das Talukdar A, Dutta Choudhury M, Mohanakumar KP. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The 10 Best Herbs for Liver Health: Benefits and Precautions, How to Get Rid of Acne: 14 Home Remedies for Pimples. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Silymarin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health, Silymarin and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic, comprehensive, and critical review, Silymarin (milk thistle extract) as a therapeutic agent in gastrointestinal cancer. But the evidence is limited, and some research methodologies are flawed, so its difficult to confirm these effects. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. Rev Diabet Stud. Occasionally, people report various digestive side effects. Subjects were assessed with the National Institute of Mental Health Trichotillomania Severity Scale (primary outcome), the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale, and measures of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial . The Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area composite tool is a simple alternative to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index for assessment of psoriasis: post hoc analysis from PRISTINE and PRESTA. In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects (1). Milk thistle - Mayo Clinic 2014;2014:941085. doi:10.1155/2014/941085. Milk Thistle Benefits: 15 Ways This Super Herb Can Improve - Organixx Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth (1, 45). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Fried, M.; Navarro, V.; Afdhal, N. et al. While the cost of most OCD medications currently available on the market is actually quite reasonable, the common side effects that occur are definitely not. Theres conflicting research on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health. Since milk thistle may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking the herb as it may make their blood sugar fall too low. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). This content does not have an English version. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Milk thistle. Summary Initial test-tube and animal studies have shown that milk thistle has some promising characteristics that could make it useful for protecting brain function. Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results. The benefits of milk thistle remain unclear for this purpose and the limited research on milk thistle and breast milk has been done primarily in animals. About curcumin, it isn't usually a problem but if you're on IMAOs you may like to read a bit before taking high doses. Milk thistle may produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy). This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. People sometimes eat the stem and leaves of milk thistle in salads. 2. Would you like email updates of new search results? Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. This content does not have an Arabic version. doi:10.1097/CAD.0000000000000211, Fallah M, Davoodvandi A, Nikmanzar S, et al. Thats an alarmingly high percentage, leaving roughly 1.1 million people of the 2.2 million OCD sufferers in the United States seeking alternative treatment options (2) and natural remedies. Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. Am J Gastroenterol. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Song X, Zhou B, Zhang P, Lei D, Wang Y, Yao G, Hayashi T, Xia M, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. ; Extensively studied; effective in treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis, chemical- or . Its been suggested that oxidative stress in the body may play a role in the development of acne (41). It may be effective in mild to moderate depression, but two studies reported no benefit in major depression . While not dangerous, it can cause scars. Silymarin (milk thistle extract) as a therapeutic agent in gastrointestinal cancer. Milk thistle is a safe supplement that shows potential as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including liver disease, cancer and diabetes. Hepatology. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). However, the review's authors warned that the quality of the studies was poor and that more research is needed before milk thistle should be recommended for use. It may also make chemotherapy work more effectively against certain cancers and, in some circumstances, even destroy cancer cells (9, 29, 30, 31). Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Milk thistle and its antioxidant properties are promising in managing OCD symptoms but it may also be beneficial to explore other herbs for OCD treatment to bolster and round out a supplement regimen. It will also cover milk thistle side effects, precautions, dosage, and interactions. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. All rights reserved. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). Call our friendly customer service team at 1-800-569-4994 Weekdays 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm EST, Get health news, exclusive offers, and more. Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). But even if youve figured out how to manage the symptoms and compulsions, the side effects of many FDA-approved OCD medications can introduce a wide swath of issues and side effects. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Take charge of your healthtalk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Efficacy and safety of milk thistle preventive treatment of anti - LWW Researchers believe that silymarin reduced the oxidative stress traditionally attributed with diabetes (7). Milk thistle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Milk thistle has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? Multiple Myeloma vs. Leukemia: What Are the Differences? The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Summary The active ingredients in milk thistle have been shown in animals to improve the effects of some cancer treatments. There is a problem with It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Loguercio C, Festi D. Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. In fact, a recent review and analysis found that people routinely taking silymarin experienced a significant reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control (44). Learn. Milk thistle has a distinctive purple flower and spiky leaves, grows to about 200 cm in height, and is found throughout the world. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Milk thistlesupplementscontaining silymarin are commonly sold as teas or in capsule form, but are also available as tablets, soft gels, and liquid extracts. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. 12 Health Benefits Of Milk Thistle, Nutrition, & Side Effects - STYLECRAZE Silymarin, a milk thistle element, is reported safe at doses of 700 milligrams three times a day for 24 weeks. World J Gastroenterol. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage - Healthline Neuroprotective potential of silymarin against CNS disorders: insight into the pathways and molecular mechanisms of action. Eighteen clinical trials of 1,088 participants were assessed. Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Pathway and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Mood Disorders: A Review Article. J Diabetes Res. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by progressive bone loss. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Some medications have been known to interact with milk thistle negatively. Studies on cancer cell lines (done in the laboratory) have found that elements in milk thistle: Researchers also are looking at how milk thistle might complement traditional care and treatment in people diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers. Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. Abstract Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease regulated by coordination of T-helper2 (Th2) type cytokines and inflammatory signal molecules. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. Biomed Pharmacother. information submitted for this request. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Milk thistle is most often used for various liver conditions, like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argent, Chardon de Marie, pine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names. #1: Milk thistle detoxifies the liver. Ebrahimpour, K.; Gargari, B.; Mobasseri, M. et al. Disclaimer. Results from clinical trials of milk thistle for liver diseases have been conflicting or havent been clinically meaningful. Longe, J., ed. When looking at Milk Thistle itself (prior to any extraction), the fruits or thistles contain: Silymarin at 1.5-3% of dry weight (to be elucidated later) [2] Silyhermin and both Neosilyhermin A and B [2]; Protein and Mucilage (taking up 25-30% of the herb by dry weight) [2] Quercetin and the dihydro varient known as Taxifolin [2]; Kaempferol, Dihydrokaempferol, and the 7-glucoside and 3 . This is especially important if you are taking any other medications for menopause or any blood thinners, such as statins. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Taken in appropriate doses, oral use of milk thistle appears to be safe. 2020;10(3):236-244. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.003. And Selenium too. Its also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested (7, 8). Type 2 Diabetes According to research published in Phytomedicine in 2015, silymarin improved antioxidant capacity in the body and decreased inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes by beating the placebo in a triple blind trial. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health However, the results from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease. Substances in milk thistle may reduce blood sugar, a concern for people living with diabetes. Combining silybin with phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids enhances the absorption of milk thistle's active compounds, providing powerful liver health support. One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases. Zargani M, Ramirez-Campillo R, Arabzadeh E. Pflugers Arch. Milk Thistle Can Help Fight Symptoms of OCD - Natural Wellness Update In 2010, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of milk thistle to the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating OCD (600 milligrams of milk thistle vs 30 milligrams of Prozac daily). Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Do not take milk thistle without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions: any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis); arthritis pain, occasional pain, or tension headaches (including Advil, Motrin, or Celebrex); heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition; psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; This list is not complete. Advanced milk thistle extract contains phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress and support liver health. 2023 Natural Wellness. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Milk thistle may be a useful complementary therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (14, 15). Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Milk thistle can also be taken with cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins. Get the facts on milk thistle for the liver. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. Milk Thistle Treatment for Children and Adults with - PubMed Fluoxetine is whats known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which aims to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Milk thistle. Swimming and L-arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorates aging-induced neuron atrophy, autophagy marker LC3, GABA and BDNF-TrkB pathway in the spinal cord of rats. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. You should not use this product if you are allergic to milk thistle or if you have: past or present cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary; or. 2007;2007(4):CD003620. Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in those with allergies to plants in the same family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy. eCollection 2022. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. This flowering plant can help control blood sugar levels and enhance bone health. Brain Fog (anxiety, depression, ADHD), lots of medications. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. FREE standard shipping only available in the contiguous United States. Antidepressant and Anti-anxiety Effects of Milk Thistle Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. . It is possibly effective in diabetes and indigestion (). Phytother Res. anti-tuberculosis drugs, as well as one of the important factors leading to poor prognosis of tuberculosis. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. While more research into milk thistle, silymarin, and its effectiveness in treating OCD is definitely needed, there is a wealth of information supporting the other health benefits of milk thistle for a host of ailments: Liver Health It is believed that milk thistle and silymarin bolsters liver function by prohibiting toxic substances from binding to liver cells (6). There is a reason why milk thistle is called the "liver herb." The flavonoid combo of silymarin (and especially the phytonutrient silybin) can help rebuild liver cells while it removes toxins from that organ at the same time. However, one area of milk thistle research focuses on how it affects bone marrow, which contributes to overall bone health but also has implications in treating diseases like multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Milk thistle. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Epub 2016 Mar 9. MILK THISTLE Reviews and User Ratings: Effectiveness, Ease of - WebMD You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Why does zinc cause anxiety and depression for some people? Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. Nevertheless, pregnant women, those allergic to the Asteraceae family of plants, those with diabetes and anyone with an estrogen-sensitive condition should seek medical advice before taking it. How Long Does It Take for Milk Thistle to Work? - LiverSupport.com Effect of silymarin on biochemical indicators in patients with liver disease: systematic review with meta-analysis. . 2014;11(2):167-74. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167, Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Gluud C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Advanced Milk Thistle, 120 softgels - Life Extension Read our. Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for years for various health benefits. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. Epub 2013 Oct 14. Wanting to take Milk Thistle and Curcumin to alleviate OCD, Depression Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Milk Thistle Health Benefits: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Its thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. These side effects may be mild or severe. Song X, Zhou B, Cui L, Lei D, Zhang P, Yao G, Xia M, Hayashi T, Hattori S, Ushiki-Kaku Y, Tashiro SI, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. Milk Thistle in Trichotillomania in Children and Adults What Are the Side Effects of Milk Thistle? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Protective Effect of Silibinin on Learning and Memory Impairment in LPS-Treated Rats via ROS-BDNF-TrkB Pathway. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0206, Kazazis CE, Evangelopoulos AA, Kollas A, Vallianou NG. One small clinical trial showed an increase in breast milk formation in humans using milk thistle, but researchers caution that more studies are needed. Milk thistle is taken by mouth most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, and chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused by Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis. Join 45,000+ subscribers and receive the latest, useful and exclusive health and wellness articles, health tips, special offers and more - delivered direct to your inbox. privacy practices. Mastron JK, Siveen KS, Sethi G, Bishayee A.Silymarin and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic, comprehensive, and critical review. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Closer to a Cancer Cure? official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Users are advised to seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Theres some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. Copyright 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Abstract Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant traditionally used as a liver tonic. In a mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin, published in 2017, researchers went so far as to say that silymarin promotes the inhibition of the inflammatory response generated during neurodegeneration.. A double-blind controlled study. However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. eCollection 2023. 2008;47(2):605-12. doi:10.1002/hep.22044, Fried MW, Navarro VJ, Afdhal N, et al. 2023 Jan 14;19:133-151. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S376380. Nanjan MJ, Betz J. Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. In some studies, silibinin, an active component of milk thistle, has been shown to have estrogen-like effects. BDNF-TrkB pathway mediates antidepressant-like roles of H. New insights into BDNF function in depression and anxiety. Follow all directions on the product label and package. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Bookshelf An official website of the United States government. Common side effects of milk thistle may include: indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain; This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. CNS Neurosci Ther. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. The study researchers hypothesize that milk thistle's antioxidant qualities make it a good candidate for treating conditions like cancer, hepatitis, NAFLD, diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
