M I L K T H I S T L E

by Ursla van Lelyveld

Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) – A funny name packing a

serious punch.

Milk thistle is a weedy annual or biennial member of a plant

tribe that also includes the globe artichoke, the floral emblem of

Scotland and numerous other species. Milk thistle has been

used in Europe for at least 2000 years, primarily for its liverprotective

properties, and studies with dramatic results have

proven that silymarin in Milk Thistle seeds protect the liver. This

herbal extract can counter the harm of nasty toxins. German

research from the 1970s onward has found that it can prevent

harm from highly toxic compounds, even preventing severe

liver breakdown after ingesting carbon tetrachloride or death

cap mushrooms, if taken intravenously within 48 hours. It has

also been successfully used to treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Silymarin extracts used in several clinical trials have protected

the liver in chemotherapy patients, including one trial on

children with leukaemia. The research also found that silymarin

does not reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.

Laboratory research indicates that silymarin has significant anticancer

properties. In a 2011 clinical trial, subjects with allergic

rhinitis in Iran had notably fewer symptoms when taking

silymarin extract.

There is evidence that silymarin might help diabetics to control

blood sugar. Three different studies have shown that in people

with type 2 diabetes, it reduces fasting blood sugar, blood

insulin, and insulin resistance. It also reduced both short- and

long-term blood sugar markers. In a trial of 60 people with

diabetes and alcoholic liver damage, it improved insulin

resistance and oxidative stress, reducing the need for insulin

injections over one year.

Silibum marianum is an ingredient in Progast drops, used to

treat a variety of gastrointestinal problems. It is also commonly

used in many heartburn and indigestion medications. It is

believed that bitter herbs reduce indigestion by increasing the

secretion of stomach acids and digestive enzymes.

In a trial of 55 men, a mix of silymarin and selenium reduced

prostate symptoms, improved urine flow, and reduced bladder

fullness. It also reduced blood fats linked to worsening prostate

cancer in men who previously had undergone prostate-removal

surgery.

Some researchers believe that milk thistle can compensate for

low oestrogen levels after menopause. In a study on postmenopausal

mice, it prevented bone loss and helped to rebuild

bones.

Recent reports show that silymarin may contain a

neuroprotective agent against many neurological diseases

including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cerebral ischemia

(restricted blood supply). This is thought to be due to reduced

oxidative stress in the brain, or alternatively, its antiinflammatory

properties. It has been suggested as a treatment

for neurodegenerative diseases.

In preclinical trials with people suffering from ulcerative colitis,

silymarin reduced MPO (enzyme) levels in colon tissues. A

double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial with patients in

remission with ulcerative colitis who received 140 mg of

silymarin once daily for 6 months showed that 35 out of 38

patients in the silymarin group were in complete remission with

no flare-up, compared with 21 out of 32 in the placebo group.

A recent article suggests that milk thistle may help to remove

graphene from the body. It is very interesting to note that when

searching the internet for information on Milk Thistle the first

few results page’s link to articles that downplay or cast doubt

on the effectiveness of the herb. Search terms need to be

narrowed to key words such as "Silybum / Silymarin clinical

trials" in order to find references to the effectiveness of this

plant. In many instances, reference is made to the need for

further trials, and it is unfortunate but not surprising that more

funding is not made available to undertake these trials

considering the considerable potential for improved health.