It has been believed for thousands of years that milk thistle benefits several different medical conditions. While it has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat all manner of conditions ranging from gall bladder problems to mushroom poisoning, it is only recently that it is being subjected to real scientific study. Scientists believe that most of the health benefits of milk thistle can be attributed to silymarin, which is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory.
Milk Thistle Benefits Liver Function
Speaking of silymarin, because it is believed to be the primary active ingredient in milk thistle, it is the component that has undergone the most scientific study. Aside from the protective powers of its antioxidant nature, milk thistle tea benefits liver function in that it plays a role in stimulating the growth of new liver cells. In addition, it is believed to serve as protection to further damage by preventing certain kinds of toxins from entering the liver.
Though it has not found to be effective in treating liver cirrhosis, it has found to be promising as a treatment for mild liver damage caused by alcohol. The human trials performed thus far have had problems in their implementation, such as having very small sample sizes, so the extent of these benefits have not been determined.
Viral Hepatitis
Traditionally, it is believed that milk thistle benefits viral hepatitis, specifically hepatitis C. A few studies have been performed, but they have been fairly small and the results have so far been inconclusive. These studies also did not compare the efficacy of milk thistle to other more commonly-used medications for viral hepatitis.
Mushroom Poisoning
One of the most well-known ways that milk thistle benefits health is its traditional use as an antidote for mushroom poisoning by Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the deathcap mushroom. In this, milk thistle has been validated by empirical study using animal models.
Animal studies have shown that milk thistle extract benefits mushroom poisoning if it is administered quickly. If it is given within ten minutes of the initial ingestion of the mushroom, the toxic effects are completely nullified. If, however, the milk thistle extract is otherwise taken within the first 24 hours, the incidence of liver damage and death is significantly reduced.
Cancer
While one of the most exciting potential milk thistle benefits, its efficacy in the treatment of cancer is also the least-studied. When administered to cancer cells in a laboratory test tube, milk thistle was useful in shortening the lifespan of cancer cells and impairing their ability to reproduce and divide. It is unknown whether there is any benefit in the human body, however.
Milk Thistle Side Effects
There are few reported side effects of milk thistle usage. Most often, side effects are limited to stomach discomfort and diarrhea, but you should still take great caution in using milk thistle if you are pregnant, breast feeding, very young, elderly, or are taking any sort of prescription medications. If you have any sort of medical consideration, you should speak with your doctor before taking milk thistle supplements in order to ensure that it will not interfere with anything you are currently taking or interfere with your good health in any way.
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