Milkthistle(Silybum marianum) is thought to promote liver, bone, and skin health.
It’s also said to help with breast milk production and diabetes symptoms.
However, studies are conflicting and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
What Is Milk Thistle Used For?
However, few of these claims are supported by solid evidence.
©, 2009, Flickr user Emmett A Tullos
Below is a look at some of the research surrounding the uses of milk thistle.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Interactions With Milk Thistle
Milk thistle may interact with certain medications and supplements.
However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims.
However, the evidence is conflicting.
One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases.
Eighteen clinical trials of 1,088 participants were assessed.
Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results.
Therefore, it is not known whether milk thistle or silymarin should be used to treat cirrhosis.
What Is Silymarin?
Silymarin is an active component of milk thistle, which is not found in foods.
Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan.
Hepatitis C
People sometimes use milk thistle forhepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver.
Although milk thistle may be helpful in hepatitis C, more research is needed to support these claims.
According to researchers, these findings suggest that silymarin may improve diabetes symptoms likeoxidative stressand inflammation.
There’s limited evidence, though, for the role of milk thistle in bone health.
What Are the Side Effects of Milk Thistle?
Side effects are always possible when taking supplements.
Milk thistle is generally thought to be safe, but you still may experience side effects when taking it.
These side effects may be mild or severe.
Call 911 or seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle.
Are There Risks of Taking Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle may not be safe for everyone.
Certain people should take precautions when using milk thistle, and others may need to avoid it altogether.
Some people may be allergic to milk thistle.
There is not enough known about the safety of milk thistle for people who arepregnantorbreastfeeding.
It is also unknown whether milk thistle is safe for children.
Therefore, it may be best to avoid milk thistle during these life stages.
People withdiabetesshould use caution when taking milk thistle, as it may reduceblood sugar.
Finally, those with hormone-sensitive conditions, including certaincancers, may need to avoid using milk thistle.
In some studies, silibinin, an active component of milk thistle, has been shown to haveestrogen-like effects.
How Much Milk Thistle Should I Take?
Are There Similar Supplements?
There are other supplements that work similarly to milk thistle.
The following list is not exhaustive.
Similar supplements to milk thistle include:
just talk with your healthcare provider about the best supplement for you.
It’s typically recommended to avoid taking multiple supplements for the same cause at the same time.
Summary
Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for years for various health benefits.
However, many of these potential benefits are not backed by science.
It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea.
Talk with your healthcare provider before starting milk thistle to double-check it is the right supplement for you.
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