Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 29, 2022. Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Available for Android and iOS devices. UltraThistle, the highest potency milk thistle formula, has been scientifically proven to be up to 10x more absorbable and up to 20x more effective than other standardized milk thistle formulas. 2020;31(4):/j/jbcpp.2020.31.issue-4/jbcpp-2019-0206/jbcpp-2019-0206.xml. One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases. Seeff, L.; Curto, T.; Szabo, G. et al. J Med Assoc Thai. Its regularly used as a complementary therapy by people who have liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and even liver cancer (1, 5, 6). Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of developing AD. Eur Endocrinol. Milk thistle is now found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. According to the International OCD Foundation about half of OCD patients stop taking their medications due to negative side effects. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our. What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? About curcumin, it isn't usually a problem but if you're on IMAOs you may like to read a bit before taking high doses. Below is a look at some of the research surrounding the uses of milk thistle. Abstract Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Would you like email updates of new search results? 2014;11(2):167-74. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167, Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Gluud C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases. Milk thistle. 1. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/meds/, International OCD Foundation, Medications for OCD, By By Michael Jenike, MD, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 2. https://theoakstreatment.com/blog/ocd-facts-and-statistics/, The Oaks Treatment, OCD Facts and Statistics, Published June 18, 2018, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 3. https://www.psycom.net/ocd-medication-guide/, Psycom.net, OCD Medication Guide, By Kathleen Smith, PhD, Last Updated September 21, 2018, 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545, Phtotherapy Research, Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future, Published October 24, 2010, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 5. https://www.drugs.com/npp/milk-thistle.html, Drugs.com, Milk Thistle, Last updated on Mar 1, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-milk-thistle-88325, VeryWellHealth.com, The Benefits of Milk Thistle, By Kathee Wong, Updated March 08, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 7. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944711315000227, Phytomedicine, Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Questions? Ask your doctor for advice. OCD symptoms usually revolve around irrational fears, repeated thoughts, and compulsions. Malaria. ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Milk thistle contains compounds that may support skin, liver, and bone health and enhance weight loss. 2007;2007(4):CD003620. Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. By Brittany Lubeck, RD Depression. An official website of the United States government. But experts say that the evidence isnt conclusive. What Are the Side Effects of Milk Thistle? Its also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested (7, 8). health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. Song X, Zhou B, Cui L, Lei D, Zhang P, Yao G, Xia M, Hayashi T, Hattori S, Ushiki-Kaku Y, Tashiro SI, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. It may be effective in mild to moderate depression, but two studies reported no benefit in major depression . Theres some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. Recent research has explored the use of milk thistle. Neurological Disorders Milk thistle has long been used to alleviate the inflammation commonly associated with a host of neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons Disease (8). Tadaah, perhaps a partly explanation for your experience? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Hepatology. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Follow all directions on the product label and package. A study from 2012 confirmed that milk thistle might not have true beneficial effects on hepatitis C. In the study, patients who took silymarin, an active component of milk thistle, daily for 24 weeks had no significant improvements in liver enzymes or other measures compared to those who took the placebo. The benefits of milk thistle can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. There are no other food sources of this herb. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Luckily, more and more experts are turning to natural remedies to answer that question and circumvent the litany of side effects. Antidepressive Effect of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Targeting BDNF-TrkB in Gut-Brain Axis. 5 It was found that there was no significant difference between milk thistle and Prozac for OCD symptoms. Milk thistle supplements, for . 2018;9:1903. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.01903, Soleimani V, Delghandi PS, Moallem SA, Karimi G. Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review. Take charge of your healthtalk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Other SSRIs on the market include Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxatine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft) (3). Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Bookshelf Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Closer to a Cancer Cure? Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. https://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Multiple Myeloma vs. Leukemia: What Are the Differences? Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy best known for its liver-protecting properties. Dosage and side effects. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is an herbal remedy used mainly to protect and detoxify the liver. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key part of type 2 diabetes. The data is very limited, but one randomized controlled study found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo (37). Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. One small clinical trial showed an increase in breast milk formation in humans using milk thistle, but researchers caution that more studies are needed. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Keep in mind that supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Copyright 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Summary Milk thistle may increase breast milk production in women who are lactating, though very little research has been done to confirm its effects. In test-tube and animal studies, silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, which could help prevent mental decline (16, 17). Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. People may also find it painful and worry about its effects on their appearance. Small Business Research Grant Program (SBIR), About Research Training and Career Development, Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process, Integrative Medicine Research Lecture Series, Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH, Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH, Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact, Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article, How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed, Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. Nanjan MJ, Betz J. Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. Liver Detoxification and Health. Milk thistle often is used as a galactalogue, a food or supplement that people who are chest feeding take to improve milk production. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. In reducing oxidative stress, milk thistle is believed to be neuroprotective by helping prevent decline in brain function. Biomed Res Int. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional stories say were caused by a drop of the Virgin Marys milk falling onto its leaves. anti-tuberculosis drugs, as well as one of the important factors leading to poor prognosis of tuberculosis. Advanced milk thistle extract contains phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress and support liver health. Biomed Pharmacother. Also known as Silybum marianum, milk thistle is a perennial herb native to many continents and countries across the globe, including Southern Europe, Southern Russia, Asia Minor, Northern Africa, and the Americas. It is also unknown whether milk thistle is safe for children. Several studies have suggested that milk thistle may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). Bookmark the permalink. Phytomedicine. 2013 Nov;19(11):847-53. doi: 10.1111/cns.12175. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (14, 15). NCCIH has provided this material for your information. Its thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. However, few of these claims are supported by solid evidence. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle may be a useful supplement for people with acne. 2012;308(3):274-82. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. Keywords: Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. The survey revealed anecdotal evidence of the improved quality of life among those who took milk thistle, despite having no measurable improvements in hepatitis symptoms like liver inflammation. Some supplements are close to chemicals in efficacy like saffron (standardized extract) for depression and magnolia bark extract for anxiety. Digestion and Depression . The site is secure. It is not certain whether milk thistle is effective in treating any medical condition. 5th ed. eCollection 2023. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. New Treatments That May Change the Game, The Latest Research on Advanced Prostate Cancer. information submitted for this request. Scan J Gastroenterol. They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition (21). Generic name: milk thistle [MILK-THIH-sull] Subjects were assessed with the National Institute of Mental Health Trichotillomania Severity Scale (primary outcome), the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale, and measures of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial . Milk thistle is a traditional Chinese medicine extract derived from the mature fruit of Silybum marianum. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Milk Thistle Tea: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age. In one such study, a 45-day course of silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, increased antioxidant capacity and reduced generalized inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with a placebo. Epub 2016 Dec 22. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Silibinin is one of the main flavonoids produced by milk thistle, which is reported to inhibit the inflammatory response by suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) pathway. Just amazing and timely information at your fingertips. Depression, Milk Thistle, Mood, Silibum Marianum (milk thistle), Silymarin. Some researchers have suggested milk thistle benefits when treating osteoporosis after menopause, and it's a commonly used supplement in the U.S. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant traditionally used as a liver tonic. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting milk thistle to make sure it is the right supplement for you. The irony of this list of side effects being associated with drugs intended to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD is not lost on us, and ultimately begs the question, What naturally helps OCD?. All rights reserved. . Clinical practice shows that milk thistle has a good anti-liver injury effect and can be used to prevent anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Milk thistle has been an important natural remedy for centuries of folk medicine practitioners. FOIA In some cases it may be useful in treating these cancers, but studies have yet to fully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of milk thistle use. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. 2020;10(3):236-244. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.003. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. However, this review also noted that the quality of the studies was not very high, so more studies are needed before its possible to make any firm recommendations (44). 2020;34(6):1446-1454. doi:10.1002/ptr.6620. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! ", National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): "Milk Thistle," Herbs at a Glance: Milk thistle., Medicinenet.com: "Generic Name: Milk Thistle Oral.". Read our. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. JIN_FK8R Please rate my stack I know I'm Fxxked up for now. Its unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but its sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. If you or anyone you know is living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), proclaiming the symptoms of this mood disorder as debilitating is a vast understatement. Milk thistle is not recommended for children. Song X, Zhou B, Zhang P, Lei D, Wang Y, Yao G, Hayashi T, Xia M, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. The benefits of milk thistle are believed to come from silymarin, an anti-inflammatory compound present throughout the entire plant, but highly concentrated in milk thistle seeds (4). (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Trigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek)also is used for this reason. Milk thistle can cause severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Milk thistle and its antioxidant properties are promising in managing OCD symptoms but it may also be beneficial to explore other herbs for OCD treatment to bolster and round out a supplement regimen. More research is needed before a standard dosage of milk thistle can be recommended, so check with your healthcare provider. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. However, evidence suggests that milk thistle extracts might be useful in the treatment of mood disorders. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for . In a mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin, published in 2017, researchers went so far as to say that silymarin promotes the inhibition of the inflammatory response generated during neurodegeneration.. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional. Zhang Z, Wu H, Qi S, Tang Y, Qin C, Liu R, Zhang J, Cao Y, Gao X. Int J Environ Res Public Health. People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Milk thistle may be a useful complementary therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes. In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects (1). 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). Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with milk thistle does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. The terms "milk thistle" and "silymarin" are often used interchangeably. Matutino Santos P, Pereira Campos G, Nascimento C. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Natural Medicines. Milk thistle has been shown in experimental test-tube and animal studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss (22, 23). Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted.