Overview:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protects the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells. In addition, these compounds protect red blood cell membranes against lipid peroxidation and hemolysis (breaking down of the red blood cells) caused by certain red blood cell poisons. In fact, numerous studies conducted on silymarin indicate that it not only protects liver cells from toxic substances, but that it also stimulates protein synthesis to accelerate the regeneration and production of liver cells. Moreover, Milk Thistle may increase the effectiveness of Glutathione, a potent antioxidant in the liver.
Prohormone Cycles
Milk Thistle Powder, standardized for 80% Silymarin, is used as a liver detoxifier and tonic. It is especially helpful when using orally active prohormones to protect the liver from damage. Many of the testosterone increasing supplements are methylated and for that reason are harmful to the liver. Milk Thistle has shown to return liver enzymes to normal after cycle.
Mushroom Poisoning
Milk thistle has been used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Animal studies have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours of ingestion, it significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.
Liver disease from alcohol
Although milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, scientific studies show mixed results. Some studies show improvements in liver function and survival rate. But problems in the design of the studies (such as small numbers of participants and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy) make it difficult to draw any real conclusions.
Viral hepatitis
Although milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C), results from four studies were contradictory. Some found improvements in liver function, while others did not. None of the studies compared milk thistle with interferon or other medications for viral hepatitis.
Cancer
Early laboratory studies also suggest that silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. These substances appear to stop cancer cells from dividing and proliferating, shorten their life span, and reduce blood supple to tumors. More studies are needed, however, to show whether milk thistle has any effects in the body (not just test tubes).
Plant Description
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region, and is now found throughout the world. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. The spiny stems branch at the top, and reach a height of 4 to 10 feet. The leaves are wide, with white blotches or veins. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white fluid that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. The flowers are red-purple. The small, hard-skinned fruit is brown, spotted, and shiny. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures quickly, in less than a year.
What's It Made Of?
The active ingredient, or liver-protecting compound, in milk thistle is known as silymarin. Silymarin is actually a group of flavonoids (silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin), which are thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin also keeps new liver cells from being destroyed by these same substances, reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis), and is a potent antioxidant.
Wheydepot.com milk thistle products is standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant. Our preparation is standardized to contain 80% of silymarin.
Alternative Names: Silybum marianum; St. Mary's thistle
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Supporting Research
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