Milk thistle, a flowering plant native to the Mediterannean regions of Europe, Middle East and Africa, belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). The name is derived from the unique features of its leaves, which contain milk saps. However, the medicinal use of this flower lies in the seeds, which herbalists have been using to treat liver-related diseases for more than 2,000 years. Specifically, silymanin extracted from milk thistle, is the active ingredient that exhibits positive clinical effects against chronic liver disease and toxin-induced liver damage. The seeds come in forms of capsules, extracts and fusions (teas).
The major active consitituent of silymarin is silibinin, which experimentally both in vitro and viro, has suggested not only does it have the ability to protect liver cells but it also demonstrates anti-cancer properties. Some of the cancer cells silibinin is effective against include human prostate adenocarcinoma cells, estrogen-dependent and -independent human breast carcinoma cells, human ectocervical carcinoma cells, human colon cancer cells, and both small and nonsmall human lung carcinoma cells. Silibinin is also incorporated into the injetion treatment of hepatotoxic poisoning such as death cap poisoning. In addition to treating liver-related disease such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, silymarin is used to treat gallbladder disorders, menstrual problems, low breat milk production, depression and even type II diabetes. Silymarin is also often prescribed in conjunction with long-term psychotropic drugs to reduce hepatic damage from the oxidation of lipids by those medications. In the market, milk thistle is incorporated in oral steroids for body builders and hangover-reducing products.
The toxicity of silymarin ingested orally and intravenous has been investigated on various animals. Results show no adverse side effects suggesting that silymarin has a very low acute toxicity. Nonetheless, there are a few side effects generally associated with milk thistle. These mostly include laxative effects, upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, and other allergic reactions.
References: (1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_thistle (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silymarin (3) http://nccam.nih.gov/health/milkthistle/ataglance.htm
