what are the benefits of milk thistle capsules

Milk thistle supplements are used for cirrhosis

of the liver, hepatitis, alcohol damage, or even for correcting a sluggish liver. In addition, they help slow down brain decline, protect your bones, lower blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes, and many more. Milk thistle supplements are easily available in the market.

Full Answer

What are the health benefits of milk thistle?

Top 6 Benefits

• 1. Liver Detoxification and Health As a liver support and liver aid, milk thistle acts as a powerful liver cleanser by rebuilding liver cells, reducing liver damage and removing toxins ...
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What are the side effects of milk thistle?

Possible interactions include:

• Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates. Taking milk thistle might affect this enzyme and drugs it processes, such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven) and others. ...
• Diabetes medications. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes. ...
• Raloxifene (Evista). ...
• Simeprevir. ...
• Sirolimus (Rapamune). ...

What happens if I take too much milk thistle?

What happens if i take too much milk thistle? In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. Some people are advised to be cautious when taking milk thistle.

Does milk thistle really help the liver?

There is extensive evidence to show that milk thistle improves liver function and may even increase survival in some patients. The herbs anti-fibrotic properties help to prevent scarring in the liver tissues and reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

What does milk thistle do for the body?

It's unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but it's sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Some claim milk thistle may also: Provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels.

How much milk thistle should you take a day?

Dosage forms The available forms of Milk thistle are capsules, tablet, tincture and intravenous solution. Adult dosage in terms of hepatoprotection is 420 mg/day of extract (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) three times a day for 6-8 weeks. Maintenance dose is 280 mg/day.

What are the negative side effects of milk thistle?

Side effects of milk thistle include:Abdominal bloating/pain.Allergic reactions.Diarrhea.Gas.Indigestion.Itching.Loss of appetite.Nausea.More items...

Can you take milk thistle capsules every day?

Our best advice is to stick with it, as it'll benefit you in the long run for sure! As for milk thistle dosage for fatty liver, a 90-day study found that 250-376mg of milk thistle per day helped reduce liver fat.

Can milk thistle detox your liver?

The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production. Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems.

Who should not take milk thistle?

Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle. DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.

Does milk thistle cause weight gain?

One recent study evaluated the effects of using milk thistle extract on mice with obesity. Despite consuming similar quantities of food, the mice that received milk thistle lost about 5% of their weight, while the control group continued gaining weight throughout the study ( 4 ).

Does milk thistle affect sleep?

Sleep quality also improves. The effect of taking milk thistle by itself is not known.

How long does it take for milk thistle to work?

While milk thistle is used for other conditions, most human trials that show effectiveness run for several weeks (5) and most need more human data. While effects on some parameters may be seen in weeks, more than likely, chronic conditions will need to be treated for several months to achieve the best outcome.

How do you know if your liver is detoxing?

Liver detox includes signs such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, tremors, increased heart rate, and more....Liver detoxing is an important step in recovery and includes the following signs:Nausea.Vomiting.Headache.Anxiety.Tremors.Increased heart rate.Increase blood pressure.Confusion.More items...•

Will milk thistle help a fatty liver?

Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease.

Can milk thistle reverse liver damage?

Milk thistle will not reverse existing liver damage, and it will not cure infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Milk thistle should not be used by people who have complications from cirrhosis (such as variceal bleeding or ascites).

Where is Milk Thistle native to?

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle.

What is silymarin used for?

It’s unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but it’s sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. ...

Does milk thistle lower cholesterol?

By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. But studies on heart benefits have only been done in people with diabetes. People with diabetes often have high cholesterol. It’s unclear if milk thistle has the same effects in people without diabetes.

Does milk thistle help with liver disease?

There’s some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. But experts say that the evidence isn’t conclusive.

Can milk thistle be used for any condition?

The best doses of milk thistle have not been established for any condition it may be used to treat. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.

Does milk thistle cause diarrhea?

Side effects. Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using milk thistle.

Can milk thistle cause allergies?

Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle.

How much milk thistle is in a capsule?

Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Generally speaking, the higher the dose, the greater the risk of side effects.

What is milk thistle?

Other Questions. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is a perennial herb believed to have medicinal properties. The seeds contain silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to make milk thistle tonic?

Milk thistle tonic is typically made by steeping a tablespoon of crushed seed in three cups of hot water for 20 minutes. Do not harvest milk thistle plants that have been exposed to pesticides or found along roadways or industrial sites.

What is the most common herbal supplement for hepatitis C?

In fact, a survey funded by the National Institutes of Health reported that 23 percent of 1,145 people with hepatitis C used herbal supplements, with milk thistle being by far the most common. 4 .

How to grow milk thistle?

To grow milk thistle, spread the seeds over the loose soil in the spring or fall. Milk thistle seeds only take only around two weeks to germinate. Since milk thistle grows in clumps, space each cluster of seed s about 12 inches apart. Milk thistle is drought resistant and needs very little watering.

What happens if you take milk thistle?

Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience shortness of breath, rash, hives, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, or swelling of the face, tongue, or neck after taking milk thistle. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, cardiac or respiratory failure, or death.

Does milk thistle lower blood sugar?

Milk thistle may reduce your blood sugar, so it needs to be used with caution as it may trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people on diabetes medications. 7 

Why is milk thistle used for liver problems?

You can see why liver problems and poor liver function can create so many problems! Milk thistle has been historically used for a variety of liver diseases, including: alcoholic liver disease. acute and chronic viral hepatitis. toxin-induced liver diseases.

How long has milk thistle been around?

The milk thistle plant is a popular herb that has actually been used for over 2,000 years. In fact, Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides was the first to describe milk thistle’s healing properties back in the year 40 A.D.

What is the silymarin in milk thistle?

About 50 percent to 70 percent of the silymarin molecules present within milk thistle are the type called silybin , also known as silibinin. This antioxidant stimulates protein synthesis and changes the outside layer of healthy cells, keeping them protected from damage and mutation.

How to grow milk thistle?

If you purchase or grow a milk thistle plant, cut off the entire head and hang the plant upside down for about one week to draw out the seeds. You can then crush the seeds and steep them, along with the leaves, to make tea, eat them raw or dry them into powder form.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Insulin is responsible for managing blood sugar levels in the blood , which is especially important for those with diabetes. 5. May Help Prevent Gallstones. The liver is a major digestive organ, which helps process nutrients and toxins that enter our body through foods, water and air.

What is glutathione used for?

Glutathione’s biggest role is to help fight oxidative stress that leads to such diseases as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It can help prevent damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species, such as free radicals.

Can you eat milk thistle seeds?

There are a variety of milk thistle products available, and the seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant can be consumed either in pill, powder, tincture, extract or tea form. The seeds can actually be eaten completely raw, too, but usually people prefer to take a milk thistle extract or supplement in order to consume a higher dose ...

What is milk thistle used for?

Different parts of the milk thistle plant may be used to treat various health conditions. The most common use of milk thistle is for liver problems. Some claim it can help treat: cirrhosis. jaundice. hepatitis. gallbladder disorders.

Does milk thistle lower cholesterol?

It is mainly used to treat liver problems, but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes. This article explores 10 potential milk thistle benefits and examines whether there is any scientific evidence to support its use.

Does milk thistle help with cancer?

Milk thistle may help to stop the spread of certain types of cancer. A 2016 review#N#Trusted Source#N#found that milk thistle extract inhibited the growth of cancerous cells in colorectal cancer.

Does milk thistle help with inflammation?

The active ingredient in milk thistle can help to reduce inflammation. A 2012 study#N#Trusted Source#N#found that silymarin helped to protect against inflammation in the airways of mice with allergic asthma.

Does milk thistle oil help with skin?

Milk thistle oil may be used topically to improve skin health. Milk thistle may help to promote healthy skin. A 2015 study. Trusted Source. found that milk thistle helped improve inflammatory skin conditions when applied to the skin of mice.

Is milk thistle good for liver?

Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why it is milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems. Until more research is carried out, however, milk thistle is not recommended as the primary treatment option for liver problems. But it may be a helpful complementary treatment to try. 2.

Is milk thistle a plant?

Share on Pinterest. Milk thistle is available in a range of forms, and is most popular as a supplement or in tea. Milk thistle is a flowering plant that comes from the same family of plants as the daisy. It grows in Mediterranean countries and is used to make natural remedies.

What is milk thistle?

Overview. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant's seeds. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract.

Does milk thistle affect osteoporosis?

Milk thistle may affect how your liver processes this osteoporosis medication, causing higher levels of the drug in your bloodstream. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle if you're taking raloxifene. Simeprevir.

Is milk thistle safe to take?

Taken in appropriate doses, oral use of milk thistle appears to be safe. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache. If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar.

Does milk thistle help with diabetes?

Diabetes. Milk thistle might lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Indigestion (dyspepsia). Milk thistle, in combination with other supplements, might improve the symptoms of indigestion. Liver disease.

Can you take simeprevir with milk thistle?

Simeprevir. Taking milk thistle with this hepatitis C medication might increase levels of the drug in your blood plasma. Avoid using milk thistle and simeprevir together. Sirolimus (Rapamune). Taking milk thistle with this immunosuppressant might change the way your body processes the medication. Nov. 19, 2020.

Can milk thistle cause an allergic reaction?

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybmommarianum, is an annual flowering plant with reddish-purple flowers. You may also know milk thistle by any number of other names, depending on where you are in the world, including Marian thistle, Mediterranean, Scotch thistle, and others. [1]

What is the most unique ingredient in milk thistle?

It is from milk thistle seeds that the extract is derived, which includes high concentrations of silymarin, the most unique and active ingredient in the extract. The extract also contains various fatty acids, including linoleic acid.

Does silymarin extract help with cholesterol?

It is an anti- inflammatory, helps lower the cholesterol levels in the body, cleanses the blood, and prevents oxidative stress. The silymarin present in it extract improves the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in the body.

Does milk thistle extract help with heart disease?

Improves Heart Health. Milk thistle extract contains high concentrations of beneficial fatty acids and omega-3s, which are essential for maintaining heart health . Omega-3 fatty acids are able to balance the cholesterol levels in your body, which can prevent atherosclerosis, thereby lowering your risk of experiencing a stroke or a heart attack.

Does milk thistle help with liver damage?

Milk thistle is known for its detoxifying effects on the liver thanks to its flavonoid complex called silymarin. A 2017 study confirms that it can help to speed up the healing process in the liver, undoing much of the damage from excessive drinking or other damaging behaviors on the liver, including cirrhosis.

Can you use milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed?

Weakness. Excess gas. Also, if you are allergic to ragweed, you should avoid using milk thistle, as they are closely related. Finally, women with estrogen deficiencies or endometriosis should avoid this extract, as it can cause estrogen levels to fluctuate. Caution is also advised for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Does milk thistle help with gallstones?

Prevents Gallstones. By purifying the body of metabolic waste, milk thistle helps improve the function of the gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen, thereby preventing the risk of gallstones.

What are the benefits of milk thistle?

For the further explanation, hereby the health benefits of milk thistle: 1. Fight the Cancer. The great health benefit of milk thistle has been known as the cancer fighter . The milk thistle seeds are very rich in antioxidant flavonoid, silymarin. The antioxidant flavonoid such as silymarin has been analyzed in reducing and fighting the cancer cells.

How does milk thistle help the body?

The milk thistle can stimulate the regeneration of damaged cells inside the body. Besides, the milk thistle can also neutralize the toxic inside the cells.

What is milk thistle used for?

The milk thistle is currently being used as the supplement to treat some diseases and health disorders. Since very long time ago the milk thistle has been used as the traditional medicine to treat some illnesses such as digestive problem, increase the bile production and especially reduce the inflammation.

Does milk thistle cleanse blood?

Clean the Blood. As for the medical science stated that the milk thistle is very great in treating the body healthy and keep the diseases at bay including the cleanser for blood. It is still relating to the detoxification function of milk thistle which cleanse the blood from free radicals. 15. Detoxification Function.

Does milk thistle block UV light?

The phytochemicals of silymarin in milk thistle has been analyzed and it is very great to block the UV light and it can heal the stressed skin. This condition will significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. In the same case the silymarin of milk thistle can fix the skin damaged such as radiated skin or skin burnt.

Does milk thistle help with diabetes?

Another great health benefit of milk thistle is that it powerfully treat and even heal the diabetes . According to numerous studies stated that the silymarin that contained in milk thistle will heal the diabetes. The silymarin will work very well with glycemic control associated to diabetes.

Is milk thistle an antioxidant?

There has been numerous discoveries about it including on Milk Thistle potential. Milk thistle is categorized as the great herb which can be the antioxidant and also anti inflammatory agent. The milk thistle has been known as the detoxification agent for the body. It has the scientific name as Silybum Marianum.

Why is milk thistle good for you?

Detoxifying the liver is known as the most important one among the benefits of milk thistle for the health. To be clear, it helps rebuild the liver cells and remove toxins out of the body thereby supporting and improving the functions of the liver and the whole body as well. The liver, as you know, is actually the largest internal organ in the body also responsible for performing essential detoxifying functions or in other words, the condition of transferring blood throughout the body almost depends on the liver health. It is the reason why the liver, a blood purifier, needs nourishing and supporting everyday aid the functions of the body at all.

How long does it take for milk thistle to kill you?

In addition, if milk thistle is taken in within 24 hours, it can also reduce the risks of liver damages and fierce death.

What is the silymarin in milk thistle?

In addition, it is estimated that about 50 to 70% of the silymarin molecules found in milk thistle belong to a type called silybin, an antioxidant stimulating the synthesis of protein and changing the layer of healthy cells, and protecting them from damage and mutation.

Does milk thistle help with viral hepatitis?

Treat Viral Hepatitis. The benefits of milk thistle also include its application for viral hepatitis treatment. This has been proved by several studies before, which makes milk thistle widely used in the treatment of this disease by improving the activity of enzymes.

Does silymarin help with inflammation?

In addition, silymarin substance also encourages the growth of liver cells, reduces inflammation particularly in those with hepatitis and liver inflammation besides its potent antioxidant effects.

Is milk thistle good for diabetes?

In brief, when milk thistle can regulate the insulin and glucose levels in the blood, it is really beneficial in preventing and controlling diabetes. 4. Protect Against Cancer. Not only preventing and controlling the human heart health and diabetes but protecting from cancer is also one of the benefits of milk thistle.

Does milk thistle help the liver?

One of the important benefits of milk thistle for the liver is improving its functions in those who suffer from the alcohol-related diseases. In other words, it helps revoke the harmful effects after consuming alcohol, pesticides in the blood stream, heavy metals in water supply, pollution in the air, and even poisons.

What Is Milk Thistle Used for?

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