According To- Milk Thistle: Benefits, Uses, Risks, And Dosage ! , Despite not having anything to do with milk, the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum, is an herbal remedy that is popular for treating and preventing a variety of diseases. Others may find it ineffective, while others swear by it.
It is now found in the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia, among other places. Its seeds and above-ground parts are used to make medicine.
Learn more about the benefits, risks, dosage, and side effects of milk thistle extract by reading on.
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Milk Thistle: What Is It?
In the Asteraceae family, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) belongs to the Mediterranean region.
White veins on the leaves, as well as white sap released when damaged, give the plant its name. Purple blossoms adorn the plant.
The white veins on the leaves of milk thistle are thought to have been caused by a drop of the Virgin Mary’s breast milk spilt on them, according to folklore.
As a result of its milky sap and supposed connection to Mary’s milk, some people believe the plant might boost breast milk production
Researchers have investigated the effects of milk thistle supplements on neurological disorders, malignancies, diabetes, and heart disease as well.
This plant is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and tea. The seeds and, in some cases, the leaves of the plant are used to make these remedies.
Milk Thistle Compounds
Milk thistle contains the active chemical silymarin, whose major component is silybin.
There is silymarin in the thistle’s blooms and leaves, but it is concentrated in its seeds.
Silymarin, an antioxidant found in milk thistle, is believed to be responsible for the alleged health benefits of this plant.
It may also help your body’s inflammatory response by scavenging and inhibiting the creation of reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can cause cell damage and disease.
The Benefits of Milk Thistle
Research on the plant has been limited, poorly designed, or yielded mixed results. Furthermore, studies have mainly focused on extracts and tablets, and not on other forms.
Take note of this as you read the following list of milk thistle benefits.
Promotes liver health
Many studies have examined milk thistle supplements’ ability to support liver health.
There is some evidence that the plant can help manage and treat viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and drug- and toxin-induced liver damage.
Certain liver diseases, however, have not been demonstrated to be prevented by it.
Silymarin, a compound derived from milk thistle, is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
Studies have shown that silymarin may help people with cirrhosis from alcohol-related liver disease live longer, possibly by protecting the liver from free radicals.
In patients with certain liver conditions, its extracts and isolated forms of silymarin may alleviate signs of inflammation and liver damage.
In addition, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of its products, such as teas, in the treatment of liver problems.
Breastfeeding: Promotes milk supply
In breastfeeding women, milk thistle is believed to promote milk supply by increasing levels of the hormone prolactin.
Diabetes Treatment
The anti-diabetic properties of milk thistle are also being investigated.
According to a systematic review, silymarin supplements significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. However, the current studies were of poor quality and more research is needed.
Diabetes-related inflammation may be reduced and insulin sensitivity may be enhanced.
To further evaluate the effectiveness of these extracts in treating diabetes, larger, well-designed trials are needed.
Bones may be protected
Over time, osteoporosis causes bone loss.
When it develops, bones become weak and fracture easily, even after mild falls.
In experimental test tubes and animal experiments, milk thistle has been shown to increase bone mineralization and protect against bone loss.
Because of this, experts believe it could be a viable treatment for postmenopausal women who want to delay or prevent bone loss.
A human study has not been conducted, so its usefulness is unknown.
Also Read-Milk Thistle: Benefits, Uses, Risks, And Dosage !
Treatment of cancer may be improved
Antioxidant properties of silymarin may have anticancer properties, which could benefit cancer patients.
In animal trials, milk thistle reduced the negative effects of cancer treatment
Moreover, it may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy against certain tumors and even kill cancer cells in some cases.
On the other hand, human studies are scarce and have yet to demonstrate a clinically significant effect.
People may not absorb enough to have a medical impact due to their inability to absorb enough.
There is still a lot of research to be done before silymarin can be proven to be helpful to cancer patients.
Acne Treatment
It can leave scars. It can also be painful, and people may be worried about its effects on their appearance. Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that lasts for a long time.
Acne can be attributed to oxidative stress in the body.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may be beneficial for acne sufferers.
A study found that taking 210 milligrams of silymarin each day for 8 weeks reduced acne lesions by 53%.
Since this is the first and only study of its kind, more high-quality research is needed.
Use of Milk Thistle: Risks & Considerations
It is generally believed that milk thistle is safe to consume by mouth.
Large doses administered for extended periods of time did not cause adverse effects in approximately 1% of individuals.
Milk thistle side effects are usually stomach disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, or bloating.
Some people should be cautious when consuming milk thistle. Here are some examples:
It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid using this supplement because there is no research on its safety.
People with allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants should avoid milk thistle.
Milk thistle’s blood sugar-lowering properties may put diabetics at risk of low blood sugar levels.
Dosage & Side Effects of Milk Thistle
In moderation, milk thistle supplements do not have a standardized dosage or recommended intake.
As a comparison, they are generally tolerated at doses up to 700 mg three times a day for 24 weeks.
Milk thistle can cause stomach trouble, nausea, and diarrhea.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using milk thistle because there isn’t enough information.
If you have diabetes, you should not drink milk thistle tea or take milk thistle supplements.
In conclusion
Thistle has shown promise as a supplementary therapy for a variety of ailments, including liver disease, cancer, and diabetes.
In spite of this, many of the studies are small and have methodological weaknesses, making it impossible to provide solid recommendations or validate the effects of the supplement.Milk Thistle: Benefits, Uses, Risks, And Dosage !
A high-quality study is needed to determine the dosages and clinical effects of this intriguing herb.