Milk thistle is generally considered a pesky weed–but did you know that this prickly plant contains powerful flavonoids that can promote liver function, enhance metabolic health, and support blood sugar balance?
Discover six milk thistle benefits and learn how to use milk thistle supplements to promote a healthy body.
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle, also known as Mary thistle, is a flowering herb in the Asteraceae family, closely related to daisies, marigolds, dandelions, and artichokes.
This widespread plant has large, spiky leaves and tall stems topped by distinct purple flowers that produce small, mottled seeds.
The milk thistle plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has spread to many parts of the world, where it’s typically considered an invasive weed species.
Milk thistle seeds contain high concentrations of silymarin, a group of bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties linked to several potential health benefits.
Historical records show that milk thistle has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and milk thistle extract was often taken to support liver and gallbladder function.
Watch the video below to learn more about the amazing benefits of milk thistle for liver health.
6 incredible milk thistle benefits
Milk thistle’s long-standing use in traditional and folk medicine has ignited considerable scientific interest.
Increasingly more milk thistle research is being conducted, and studies consistently show that silymarin, a bioactive flavonoid complex derived from milk thistle seeds, can positively affect various physiological functions.
Here are six science-backed benefits of milk thistle.
1. Promotes liver health
Silymarin is a complex of flavonoids, including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, with several potential benefits for liver function.
The liver is responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying metabolic by-products, hormones, alcohol, drugs, toxins, and heavy metals, which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress.
ROS are highly volatile molecules that can affect liver cells and interfere with their normal functions.
Evidence published in Annals of Medicine suggests that silymarin has potent antioxidant properties that can help neutralize ROS, which may enhance detoxification processes and promote overall liver function.1
Because of its potential to support liver cells, taking milk thistle may be particularly beneficial for those seeking to promote liver health, hormonal balance, and metabolic functions.
2. Helps strengthen liver cells
Milk thistle promotes healthy liver function, and it’s also believed that silymarin can help regenerate liver tissue.
Silymarin may increase DNA and protein production in hepatocytes, strengthening the outer membrane of liver cells and supporting the renewal of liver tissue.
A study published in Advances in Therapy investigated the benefits of milk thistle for liver tissue regeneration and overall liver cell function.2
The authors summarize, “Silymarin may augment the generation of glutathione in the liver via an increase in substrate availability for its biosynthesis, which subsequently contributes to the enhancement of its antioxidant capacity in liver tissues.”
3. May enhance insulin sensitivity
Increasingly more evidence suggests that milk thistle may be a natural way to promote balanced blood sugar levels and metabolic health.
The liver plays a critical role in glucose metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Milk thistle promotes overall liver function, which has been linked to better cellular sensitivity to insulin, a critical factor in maintaining blood sugar balance.
Evidence published in Annals of Hepatology reports that silymarin enhanced insulin sensitivity and several other health markers associated with better metabolic health and hormonal balance.3
4. Antioxidant and cellular support
Research published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine notes that milk thistle contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.4
This not only supports liver health but also plays a role in maintaining the normal functions of all bodily cells and tissues, which is associated with overall wellness and healthy aging.
5. Supports vascular function
Evidence published in Pharmaceutical Biology suggests that silymarin enhances the production and activity of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that promotes heart health.5
Nitric oxide promotes vascular health by relaxing blood vessels, which improves blood flow and helps regulate blood pressure.
Supporting the body’s capacity to control blood pressure effectively is vital for circulatory health and cardiovascular functions.
6. Promotes bile flow and gallbladder health
Bile is produced in liver cells and stored in the gallbladder, and it plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
“Optimal gallbladder function is closely connected to the liver,” explains Dr. Berg. “Milk thistle is often used as a traditional herb to support liver cell function, which in turn can play a role in supporting bile flow and overall digestive balance.”
Is milk thistle safe to take?
Milk thistle supplements are generally considered safe when taken in appropriate dosages.
A study published in Integrated Cancer Reviews investigated the safety of milk thistle use and concluded, “Milk thistle extracts are safe and well tolerated, and toxic or adverse effects seem to be minimal.”6
However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions before incorporating this herbal remedy into your wellness routine.
Potential side effects
Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort are the most common side effects of herbal supplements containing milk thistle.
However, these symptoms are usually mild and can typically be managed by taking milk thistle supplements with food.
While allergic reactions are rare, some people are sensitive to milk thistle, and it’s crucial that you seek medical attention immediately if you develop itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking milk thistle-containing products.
Possible drug interactions
Milk thistle can affect a group of liver enzymes responsible for the metabolism and detoxification of certain drugs, including statins, antipsychotics, and immunosuppressants.
In addition, milk thistle has the potential to support balanced blood sugar levels, which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in individuals who are taking antidiabetic medications.
If you are considering using milk thistle supplements, it’s critical to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking prescription medications or have an underlying health condition to minimize the risk of side effects.
Who shouldn’t take milk thistle?
The safety of milk thistle during pregnancy hasn’t yet been well established, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers avoid milk thistle.7
Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae genus, and individuals with a known allergy to other members of this plant family, such as daisies, asters, marigolds, and artichokes, may be at increased risk of allergic reactions to milk thistle.
Milk thistle can have mild estrogenic effects, which may worsen ovarian and breast cancer, and people with a history of hormone-related health conditions should avoid milk thistle products.
How do you take milk thistle?
Milk thistle supplements are widely available and can be taken as capsules, pills, liquid extracts, or powder.
Powders and liquids can be added to smoothies or water, making them an excellent option to incorporate milk thistle into your daily wellness routine.
Capsules and pills, on the other hand, contain pre-measured doses, which helps you know exactly how much milk thistle you are taking.
Determining the best milk thistle dosage for your needs depends on your overall health status, its intended use, and the potency of the milk thistle supplement.
A report released by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) suggests a milk thistle dose ranging between 200 and 400 mg, taken 2 to 3 times daily with food.8
However, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions for the milk thistle product you are using, start with a lower dosage, and gradually increase towards the recommended intake to minimize the risk of side effects.
Key takeaways
Milk thistle plant extracts have been used for centuries to support liver health, cellular functions, detoxification processes, and metabolic balance.
The profound milk thistle benefits for health and well-being are linked to a group of flavonoids found in its seeds, which are associated with supporting liver cells, promoting healthy blood sugar balance, and aiding gallbladder function.
FAQ
What are the top milk thistle benefits?
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a group of phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Silymarin has been found to promote liver health by strengthening liver cells, enhancing detoxification pathways, and stimulating the regeneration of liver tissue.
What does milk thistle do for your body?
Milk thistle is often taken by individuals seeking to promote liver function, support gallbladder health, enhance insulin sensitivity, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support at the cellular level.
Can you take milk thistle every day?
Yes, you can take milk thistle every day. When taken in appropriate doses, milk thistle has been found safe and is generally well-tolerated by most people.
Does milk thistle cleanse the liver?
Milk thistle itself doesn’t cleanse the liver. However, it does support liver function, stimulates the regeneration of liver cells, and fortifies the liver against damage from potentially harmful by-products generated during the detoxification of drugs, hormones, and alcohol.
Are there any downsides to taking milk thistle?
Milk thistle can cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals, and taking milk thistle supplements with foods generally minimizes gastrointestinal side effects.
It’s also important to note that milk thistle may interact with certain prescription medications, and it’s crucial to discuss milk thistle use with a healthcare provider if you are taking antidiabetic medication, statins, immunosuppressants, or antipsychotic drugs.
Who should not take milk thistle?
The safety of milk thistle during pregnancy hasn’t yet been well established, and it’s recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers avoid milk thistle-containing products.
In addition, individuals with a history of allergic reactions to Asteraceae, such as daisies, sunflowers, or marigolds, may be at increased risk of milk thistle allergy.
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to daisies, marigolds, and dandelions.
Milk thistle seeds are rich sources of silymarin, a potent flavonoid complex that has various health benefits, including strengthening liver cells and supporting cardiovascular health.
How do you use milk thistle?
Milk thistle supplements can be taken as pills, capsules, powders, or tinctures. While general recommendations suggest a dose of 200 to 400 mg, taken 2 to 3 times daily, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions of the milk thistle supplement you are planning to use.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9186366/ ?
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7140758/ ?
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1665268120301708?via%3Dihub ?
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8814827/ ?
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13880209.2013.842597 ?
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17548793/ ?
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle ?
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-silybum-marianum-l-gaertn-fructus_en.pdf ?
