What Is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, and scientifically as Silybum marianum, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has spread to other areas, including North America. This prickly plant, with its vibrant purple flowers, belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. The name “milk thistle” comes from the milky white fluid found in its stems, which sometimes appears as white veins on the leaves. Various parts of the plant, such as seeds, leaves, roots, young stalks, and flowers, can be consumed for their health benefits. Milk thistle is available as capsules, liquid supplements, or tea.
What Are the Active Compounds in Milk Thistle?
The primary extract from milk thistle is called silymarin, which includes several compounds like silychristin, silydianin, and silybin (also known as silibinin). Silybin is the most abundant and beneficial component, constituting about 50 to 70 percent of silymarin.
How Does the Body Use Silymarin?
Silymarin has a bioavailability of 30 to 50 percent, meaning that this percentage of flavonolignans is utilized by the body. In healthy individuals, silymarin is quickly converted to other chemical byproducts with no biological activity, peaking in effect one to two hours after consumption. However, in patients with liver dysfunction, silymarin and its flavonolignans remain in the bloodstream longer and at higher concentrations, suggesting it helps protect and support liver function. Silymarin stabilizes cell membranes, stimulates protein synthesis, promotes cell regeneration in the liver, and prevents the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation.
How Milk Thistle Provides Liver Support
Milk thistle, and particularly its active components, support liver health by counteracting toxin-related damage and reducing inflammation. Its benefits include:
– Protecting against toxic substances
– Defending against harmful organisms
– Promoting normal liver function
– Reducing iron overload in thalassemia patients
– Boosting glutathione levels
– Potentially promoting weight loss
Silymarin blocks toxins from entering liver cells, preventing premature cell death. It acts as an antioxidant, reducing irritation, and preventing scar tissue formation in the liver and other parts of the body.
Protects Against Toxic Substances
Milk thistle protects the liver from various toxins, including those from drug use, viral hepatitis, death cap mushroom poisoning, and acetaminophen. It prevents toxic compounds from entering liver cells, thereby preserving their function. This protective effect extends to individuals exposed to high amounts of hydrogen sulfide.
Defends Against Harmful Organisms
Silymarin can slow and prevent infections by inhibiting viral entry, fusion, and RNA and protein synthesis. Intravenous silymarin can protect against viral proliferation without causing side effects, effectively stopping the spread and growth of harmful organisms like viruses.
Promotes Normal Liver Function
Milk thistle extract promotes normal liver function by supporting the regeneration of healthy liver tissue. In individuals with severe liver conditions, silymarin normalizes bilirubin levels and liver enzymes, leading to improved liver health and increased lifespan.
Reduces Iron Overload in Thalassemia Patients
Thalassemia, a common genetic disorder, causes anemia and requires regular blood transfusions, leading to iron overload. Silymarin treatment over nine months has shown to improve liver function and reduce iron overload in thalassemia patients.
Boosts Glutathione Levels
Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant abundant in the liver, bonds with toxins to make them inactive and easier to expel from the body. Silymarin boosts glutathione levels, aiding the liver in detoxifying harmful substances.
May Promote Weight Loss
Silymarin not only improves liver function and reduces blood lipids but can also lead to significant weight loss. However, it’s always best to combine supplements with a healthy diet and exercise for optimal weight loss results.
Milk Thistle & Liver Detox
To detoxify your liver, consider adding milk thistle to your daily routine. Whether through supplements or tea, milk thistle offers numerous health benefits. You might also try a 6-day Liver Cleanse Program, which involves avoiding processed foods and toxins while taking a milk thistle supplement. Check out our detailed Liver Cleanse Guide for more information.
Milk Thistle Liver Health Tea Recipe
You can make milk thistle tea using the seeds, which are available in bulk or pre-packaged tea bags.
Ingredients:
– Milk thistle seeds
– Distilled water
– Natural sweetener: organic raw honey, agave, or stevia
Directions:
1. Crush one tablespoon of seeds and place them in a tea infuser.
2. Add the infuser to three cups of boiling water.
3. Steep for about 10 minutes.
4. Sweeten with raw honey, stevia, or another natural sweetener if desired.
Milk Thistle Safety & Side Effects
Milk thistle is generally safe, with no harmful effects found in long-term studies. It may reduce the incidence of liver tumors. However, milk thistle may interact with alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiretrovirals, estrogen, fertility agents, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for heart, stomach, or intestines. Consult with your healthcare provider before using milk thistle.
Milk Thistle Serving Amount
Clinical studies have tested doses ranging from 210 mg to 2100 mg daily, but the typical recommended serving is 420 mg. You can drink up to six cups of milk thistle tea daily.
Best Milk Thistle Supplement
I recommend Liver Health, our herbal liver support liquid supplement. It combines milk thistle seed, yellow dock root, chicory, and ginger, using triple-distilled water and vegetable glycerine as a base instead of alcohol, which can harm the liver.
Points to Remember
Milk thistle offers numerous health benefits, particularly for liver function. The active component, silymarin, and its primary constituent, silybin, are well-documented for their liver-supporting properties. If you’re concerned about liver health or want to detoxify your liver, consider milk thistle supplements, tea, or a full liver cleanse.
Is milk thistle part of your supplemental regimen? What benefits have you noticed?
