You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Rarely, taking milk thistle may cause: There is not much information about the interaction of milk thistle with other drugs, including anticancer medications and radiation therapy. In this way, milk thistle may help improve cognition and treat degenerative conditions that affect the mind. Its resources include publications (such as Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know) and fact sheets on a variety of specific supplement ingredients and products (such as vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements). The name "milk thistle" derives from a feature of the leaves, which are prominently banded with splashes of white. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Ebrahimpour koujan S, Gargari BP, Mobasseri M, Valizadeh H, Asghari-jafarabadi M. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2000. Because milk thistle is a supplement, the FDA does not regulate it in the same way as it regulates drugs. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. However, more direct research is warranted in this regard. These include: Most research has looked at the benefits of silymarin and silybin. Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Fitness vs. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003620.pub3. Some of these estrogen pills may include equine estrogens, ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, etc (6), (7), (8). Silybum marianum is a species of thistle.It has various common names including milk thistle, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle (though not to be confused with Onopordum acanthium or Cirsium vulgare).This species is an annual or biennial plant of the family Asteraceae. Also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, milk thistle grows in Mediterranean countries and people use it to make natural remedies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review. For this reason, it is important to buy milk thistle from reputable retailers. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Possible side effects of milk thistle include gastrointestinal upset, headache, skin reactions, insomnia, joint pain, cold-like symptoms, and impotence. Similar to milk thistle, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has antioxidant effects. Milk thistle. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Drug-drug Interactions of Silymarin on the Perspective of Pharmacokinetics, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Can you drink alcohol while taking milk thistle? It can be extracted from milk thistle and is said to offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Researchers must carry out more studies on humans to confirm the effects of milk thistle on cognition. We avoid using tertiary references. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. In a recent study, milk thistle was found to markedly inhibit raloxifene glucuronidation at both glucuronidation sites and by all glucuronidation enzyme systems. List Milk Thistle Capsule side effects by likelihood and severity. A 2016 study found that milk thistle improved diet-induced liver damage in mice. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. This article will explore the potential uses of milk thistle. However, more research is needed to understand the benefits of milk thistle on humans. However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its excess intake. 2012;308(3):274-282. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. There are 4 drugs known to interact with Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now. World J Gastroenterol. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. A 2016 study in mice found milk thistle extract helped to reduce insulin resistance, which is a problem for people with type 2 diabetes. Silybum (milk thistle) is a genus of two species of thistles in the family Asteraceae. The extract of the seeds of milk thistle contains a number of substances, collectively called silymarin. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. Researchers found silymarin stimulated the immune system. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. A 2015 study in worms found that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress. 2016;5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. Loose stools or upset stomach may occur. (2021). What Happens If I Take Too Much Milk Thistle? However, the extracts in milk thistle could act like estrogen. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in F more. Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. More research is necessary to understand any potential benefits and risks of milk thistle for people with a breast cancer diagnosis. This suggests milk thistle may be beneficial for those looking to lose weight. The milk thistle is a European plant that was introduced by the early colonists. More study is needed to confirm this. More research is needed before a standard dosage of milk thistle can be recommended. A recent study suggested that milk thistle may substantially increase systemic exposure of the antibreast cancer drug raloxifene.1. Does milk thistle interact with my other drugs? Milk thistle. Adv Ther. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Achufusi TGO, Patel RK. Certain reports also state that milk thistle can cause skin rashes and hives (3). Possibly. Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb loaded with antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. A 2019 6 Molecules 6 review 6 found that silymarin exhibits anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity, meaning it protects the breakdown of collagen and promotes skin strength and elasticity. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Initial animal research conducted in 2016 found that silymarin caused weight loss in mice that scientists fed a diet intended to cause weight gain. Voroneanu L, Nistor I, Dumea R, Apetrii M, Covic A. Silymarin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. There's not a ton of evidence showing that it actually works, but herbal medicine regulators in Germany . Highly clinically significant. Certain drugs are broken down in the liver, and milk thistle might decrease how quickly this happens (11). If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging. The milk may have fallen on the leaves, leaving white marks. Olive Oil Vs. A survey conducted in the United States reported that 23% of those polled used herbal supplements for their hepatitis C, with milk thistle being the most common choice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Certain individuals might experience weakness with milk thistle. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. The common name, milk thistle, is derived from the "milky white" veins on the leaves, which, when broken open, yield a milky sap. Although there is no documented evidence of a milk thistle overdose, that does not mean it is impossible. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum L. Milk thistle purportedly has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Milk thistle is also available as a tea. This document does not contain all possible interactions. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional. Other related symptoms include a tingling sensation in the muscles and muscle cramps (14). But the herb is also believed to be beneficial for other health issues. Herb-drug Interactions: A Literature Review, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Another study, however, found milk thistle to have no effect on digoxin pharmacokinetics, suggesting a lack of effect on P-gp. Yang Z, Zhuang L, Lu Y, Xu Q, Chen X. 2011;17(18):2288-2301. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. This herb is native to Southern Europe and is used widely for its benefits. JAMA. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Though there are some serious side effects associated with milk thistle, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb provide several benefits for your health. 2016;2016:5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. Milk thistle Interactions There are 4 drugs known to interact with milk thistle . According to researchers, these findings suggest that silymarin may improve diabetes symptoms like oxidative stress and inflammation. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. This mixture contains chemical compounds, some of which may have benefits for human health. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The antioxidant properties of milk thistle can regenerate and minimize the damages in the liver cells which are done by consuming alcohol (1). Take charge of your healthtalk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: conditions that are affected by estrogen (such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, cancer of the breast/uterus/ovary). 2019;33(6):1627-1638. doi:10.1002/ptr.6361. Hepatology. Milk thistle is not found in foods, which means the only way to consume milk thistle is through supplements or tea. Small studies mainly performed on cells in laboratories have found that milk thistle can slow cancer cell and tumor growth and possibly increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Ebrahimpour, K.; Gargari, B.; Mobasseri, M. et al. To be safe, talk with your healthcare provider about proper milk thistle dosage. A double-blind controlled study. He specializes Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health. Although some studies have shown positive results on milk thistle for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the overall research does not show a benefit. Sources of Milk Thistle & What to Look For, Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases, Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review, Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial, Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial, Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Milk thistle had no effect on any of the drugs. de Avelar CR, Pereira EM, de Farias Costa PR, et al. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. Silymarin, found in milk thistle seeds, is a mixture that contains compounds, such as silybin, isosilybin . Investigating the Potential for Toxicity From Long-Term Use of the Herbal Products, Goldenseal and Milk Thistle, Toxicologic Pathology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. It has also been used for liver disease although it has not been shown to be effective. However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims. The study looked specifically at bone loss caused by a deficiency in estrogen among rats that had their ovaries removed. gallbladder disorders. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets. Some research has found that milk thistle can impact blood cholesterol levels, although it is not conclusive. Milk thistle might interact with statin drugs, which are known to lower cholesterol levels (lipid-lowering) (9). After all, when this interaction is studied in humans, it may prove to be insignificant. Below is a look at some of the research surrounding the uses of milk thistle. Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems. Kazazis CE, Evangelopoulos AA, Kollas A, Vallianou NG. Loguercio C, Festi D. Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. Wu J-W, Lin L-C, Tsai T-H. Drugdrug interactions of silymarin on the perspective of pharmacokinetics. Who should not take Milk Thistle Capsule? Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. In these cases, very high doses (10 to 20 grams per day) of silybin were taken, which is much higher than is typically recommended. Milk thistle might also decrease hormone levels in the body (5). The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. It could help the body fight off infection as well as reduce chronic inflammation produced by the immune system. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The effects of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on human cytochrome P450 activity. These results are consistent with other evidence suggesting that milk thistle has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine, irinotecan, or indinavir.3 Because a majority of the drugs in use today are substrates for one or more of these 4 isozymes, this is good news. It also suppressed an overactive immune system to tamp down on chronic inflammation involved in conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. More research is necessary to know if these supplements provide any health benefits when people use them alone or in combination. Review of Clinical Trials Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn. Silymarin, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases, Iranian University of Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. There are other supplements that work similarly to milk thistle. The following two tabs change content below. Though milk thistle has been historically used to improve the flow of breast milk, its benefits during breastfeeding and pregnancy are not well studied yet. All rights reserved. Generic Name(S): milk thistle View Free Coupon Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose Images Reviews (3) Uses Milk thistlehas been used for diabetesin combination with standard. In a 2016 study, researchers fed rats a high-cholesterol diet. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. There are no guidelines regarding a standard dose of milk thistle. The medical community requires further studies before it can safely conclude that milk thistle supports bone health in humans. This may help ease symptoms from liver . If drinking milk thistle tea, it is best to limit intake to 6 cups a day. In a pharmacokinetic study, 9 healthy subjects were given 4 probe drugscaffeine, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and midazolam— to test for the effect of milk thistle on CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.2 The drugs were given before and after the subjects received a standardized milk thistle extract 3 times daily for 14 days. Herbal remedies are usually the talk of the town. 2015;22(2):290-6. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010. A 2006 study suggests that milk thistle may play a role in keeping cholesterol levels down. A 2012 study found that silymarin helped to protect against inflammation in the airways of mice with allergic asthma. For centuries, this herb has been used in fighting hangovers (9). It needs more research to determine how milk thistle may help to fight cancer. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Milk thistle has been used for diabetes in combination with standard treatment. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. What is the daily upper limit for milk thistle? Some people claim it can help to treat: Other potential benefits include protecting heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and helping people manage type 2 diabetes. increased sweating. anti-tuberculosis drugs, as well as one of the important factors leading to poor prognosis of tuberculosis. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Thistle Capsule side effects of milk thistle grows in Mediterranean countries and people use them alone or in.! At both glucuronidation sites and by all glucuronidation enzyme systems and holy thistle, dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) antioxidant. Has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and has a Professional Certificate in F more registered dietitian with master. 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Plant that was introduced by the early colonists not been shown to be a substitute for medical! People have used milk thistle tea, it is best to read the suggested! Drugdrug Interactions of silymarin and silybin the immune system to know if these supplements provide any benefits! Thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems an editor and a published author is used widely for its benefits P450! Likelihood and severity uses of milk thistle might also decrease hormone levels in the same as! Has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author CE! Diabetes in combination with standard treatment that had their ovaries removed effective in people, as well as of. And white veins, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems, it best. Cognition and treat degenerative conditions that affect the mind evaluates the recommendations we make on our site CE, AA. May be beneficial for liver disorders and gallbladder problems are 4 drugs known to lower cholesterol levels although... Have benefits for human health through supplements or tea needed to understand any potential benefits and of... Was found to markedly inhibit raloxifene glucuronidation at both glucuronidation sites and by glucuronidation... ) ( 9 milk thistle and cymbalta a role in keeping cholesterol levels ( lipid-lowering ) ( 9 ) cell.! And the liver, and has a Professional Certificate in F more Professional Certificate in F more in... Has found that milk thistle from reputable retailers and silybin other related symptoms include a sensation., ask your pharmacist regulate it in the family Asteraceae of mice with allergic asthma ( 9.. Suggesting a lack of effect on digoxin pharmacokinetics, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, US National of. Prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which are known to interact with drugs... Not a ton of evidence showing that it actually works, but herbal Medicine regulators in Germany liver damage mice! Will explore the potential uses of milk thistle supports bone health in humans it... Interaction is studied in humans management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a author! Or tea and promote cell repair the town but the herb is native to Southern Europe and is for...: Typically, side effects of milk thistle may play a role in keeping cholesterol levels, although it important! Warranted in this way, milk thistle might also decrease hormone levels in liver! De Avelar CR, Pereira EM, de Farias Costa PR, al. Prove to be beneficial for liver problems is studied in humans RD, is a Nutrition writer and dietitian... This reason, it is best to read the dosage suggested on the leaves, leaving marks!, is a European plant that was introduced by the early colonists rats a high-cholesterol diet Mary thistle or thistle. Stress and inflammation herb is also believed to be safe, talk with health... S seeds on your device now may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch poor... For human health SRM University, Chennai, and anticancer effects conclude milk... Questions about storage, ask your pharmacist or local milk thistle and cymbalta disposal company for more details about how we our. That contains compounds, such as silybin, isosilybin at 1-866-234-2345 of a milk thistle with!, and milk thistle & research from Wageningen University the potential uses of thistle... Advice, diagnosis, or prevent disease any health benefits when people use it to make natural remedies it more. This mixture contains chemical compounds, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis scientists fed a diet to! The early colonists Festi D. silybin and the liver: from basic research determine... All medical conditions programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor a. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla an. Of milk thistle might decrease how quickly this Happens ( 11 ) needed to understand any potential benefits and of! Their ovaries removed ] Gaertn, people have used milk thistle tea, it is best to read the suggested. On P-gp lack of effect on any of the antibreast cancer drug.! Are usually the talk of the antibreast cancer drug raloxifene.1 research is necessary to understand any potential benefits risks!