Milk thistle may help to stop the spread of certain types of cancer. However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its overconsumption. Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now. Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. For this reason, people who take diabetes medication may need to avoid milk thistle. Some research also states that overall, milk thistle may not pose a great risk for drug interactions in humans (13). Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Front Immunol. She was awarded the Presidents Award at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014. How this happens is yet to be studied. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. 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. But it is important to remember that supplement claims are not regulated in the United States. *. The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. It may take one or two weeks for milk thistle to start working. According to researchers, these findings suggest that silymarin may improve diabetes symptoms like oxidative stress and inflammation. People use milk thistle as a natural remedy to treat a range of health conditions. There are other supplements that work similarly to milk thistle. It is not uncommon for supplements to interact with various medications, herbs, nutrients, or even other supplements. A person may use different parts of the milk thistle plant to treat various health conditions. Another 2020 review of research on milk thistle concluded the compound silymarin appears to be a promising substance for the treatment of insulin resistance, including in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Herb-drug Interactions: A Literature Review, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 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. 2011;17(18):2288-2301. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Several studies have suggested that milk thistle has immunomodulatory effects. The common name, milk thistle, is derived from the "milky white" veins on the leaves, which, when broken open, yield a milky sap. Salmi, H. and Sarna, S. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. Biomed Res Int. It is now found throughout the world. hepatitis. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects: summary. 2008;47(2):605-12. doi:10.1002/hep.22044. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Use the same precautions when using milk thistle tea as you would if you were taking milk thistle supplements. What is the daily upper limit for milk thistle? Milk thistle is also available as a tea. Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Han YU, Guo D, Chen Y, et al. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Milk Thistle Capsule to children or the elderly. Some people may be allergic to milk thistle. List Milk Thistle Capsule side effects by likelihood and severity. 2012;308(3):274-82. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. Can Apoaequorin Really Improve Your Memory? The FDA has not approved milk thistle to treat any health conditions. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation in the airways. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. It could also have similar effects on the body to estrogen. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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). However, there is a lack of . Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herbal product widely used in the United States and around the world. Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but are controversial because there is little science to support their use. 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. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy with rich plant compounds. Milk thistle. She was awarded the Pr more, Ravi Teja Tadimalla , Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health, Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. Researchers must carry out more studies on humans to confirm the effects of milk thistle on cognition. Milk thistle may interact with some medications and treatments, including anticancer medications and radiation therapy. Duplication is encouraged. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Oral ingestion of milk thistle has also been linked to abdominal fullness (or abdominal pain), anorexia (a loss of appetite), and changes in bowel habits (1). Available evidence suggests that milk thistle has a modest effect on P-gp, at most. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. That means the amount of active ingredients advertised on the label may not necessarily match the amount actually found in each dose. Who should not take Milk Thistle Capsule? However, more research is needed to understand the benefits of milk thistle on humans. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Please seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle. Generally speaking, the higher the dose, the greater the risk of side effects. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. We explore the potential health benefits of milk thistle below. Gufford BT, Chen G, Vergara AG, Lazarus P, Oberlies NH, Paine MF. A small number of studies have suggested that milk thistle extract might be beneficial for diabetes, but the conclusions about its effectiveness are not definite. 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. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Its not known whether milk thistle is helpful for other conditions. It is native to Mediterranean countries. However, preliminary research suggests it may be worth trying alongside conventional treatments. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). Milk thistle may interact with certain medications. Effect of silymarin on biochemical indicators in patients with liver disease: systematic review with meta-analysis. Use milk thistle as directed to prevent an overdose. You should follow dosage directions to prevent side effects. It also seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Herbal remedies are usually the talk of the town. Evidence and risks, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, protecting the liver, immune system, and kidneys, providing antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. Oxidative stress is a potential cause of Alzheimers disease. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 2020;34(6):1446-1454. doi:10.1002/ptr.6620. Some such drugs may include (12): Since milk thistle affects how well the liver breaks down these medications, it can affect how well these medications can work. Possible side effects of milk thistle include gastrointestinal upset, headache, skin reactions, insomnia, joint pain, cold-like symptoms, and impotence. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. Therefore, it may be best to avoid milk thistle during these life stages. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. increased sweating. It found that cholesterol levels were lower in people taking milk thistle to treat diabetes than those taking a placebo. Another 2020 study in mice concluded that silymarin could help control asthma symptoms by regulating immune responses. The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. For centuries, this herb has been used in fighting hangovers (9). Calm an upset stomach. Silybum (milk thistle) is a genus of two species of thistles in the family Asteraceae. Natural Medicines website. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. 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. People commonly take milk thistle by mouth for diabetes. It will also cover milk thistle side effects, precautions, dosage, and interactions. Monk Fruit: Nutrition, Benefits, And Side Monk Fruit: Nutrition, Benefits, And Side Effects, Seitan Nutrition Benefits, Side Effects, & How To Make It, 12 Health Benefits Of Milk Thistle, Nutrition, & Side Effects, 15 Serious Side Effects Of Ashwagandha & Precautions To Take, 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Buckwheat Tea. ), SAGE Journals. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); February 20, 2022. Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1, Email: info@nccih.nih.gov (link sends email). By Brittany Lubeck, RD Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Before taking milk thistle, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies; or if you have any other allergies. Certain reports also state that milk thistle can cause skin rashes and hives (3). Research states that milk thistle can cause certain abdominal problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. Deng JW, Shon JH, Shin HJ, et al. Milk Thistle View Free Coupon Uses Images Who should not take Milk Thistle? It seems to help lower blood sugar. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. 2015;22(2):290-6. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010. These include: Most research has looked at the benefits of silymarin and silybin. Some of the studies have been of poor quality, too. 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. Because milk thistle is a supplement, the FDA does not regulate it in the same way as it regulates drugs. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. The leaves are wide with white blotches or veins. Inhibition of glucuronidation by milk thistle may be the most likely mechanism for clinically important drug interactions, but supporting clinical data are needed before specific action can be recommended. 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Milk thistle supplements are commonly sold in capsule form but are also available as tablets, soft gels, and liquid extracts. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb loaded with antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Taking it along with estrogen pills might reduce their effectiveness. However, consult your doctor for the best advice. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Milk thistle could play an essential role in supporting bone health. The Effects of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) on Human Cytochrome P450 Activity, Drug Metabolsim and Disposition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Nanjan MJ, Betz J. Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. Researchers think it may also slow down the growth of cancer cells. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Be sure to discard milk thistle supplements once they reach their expiration date listed on the label. 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. One study questioned the benefits of milk thistle for liver diseases. Studies of milk thistle coadministered with various drugs in humans suggest it is unlikely to affect the most common cytochrome, the P450 (CYP450) isozyme. Milk thistle is thought to be safe for most people, but precautions should be taken as side effects are possible. Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects. Researchers need to carry out further studies before professionals can confirm a definitive list of milk thistle benefits. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. However, if you develop an allergic reaction after taking milk thistle, stop use and consult your doctor. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. A double-blind controlled study. However, the extracts in milk thistle could act like estrogen. However, the review's authors warned that the quality of the studies was poor and that more research is needed before milk thistle should be recommended for use. Highly clinically significant. Many milk thistle supplements are also organic and will be indicated as such on the label. The extract of the seeds of milk thistle contains a number of substances, collectively called silymarin. Hepatology. Some of these drugs may include Mevacor, Lescol, Zocor, Pravachol, and Baycol. A 2015 study in worms found that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress. Over-indulging in this powerful herb may do you more harm than you know. 2016;2016:5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468. It also suppressed an overactive immune system to tamp down on chronic inflammation involved in conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. There are no guidelines regarding a standard dose of milk thistle. Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking milk thistle. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. A 2019 study also performed on cells in a lab found that the compounds in milk thistle may protect against the harmful effects of sun exposure, including slowing down skin aging. 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. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. The potential uses of milk thistle may be due to silymarin, an active ingredient found in the herb that is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in those with allergies to plants in the same family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy. The milk may have fallen on the leaves, leaving white marks. Does Milk Thistle Capsule interact with other drugs you are taking? We avoid using tertiary references. What. Silymarin, an active component of milk thistle, has been reported to be safe at doses of 700 milligrams three times a day for 24 weeks. Be best to avoid milk thistle types of cancer missed dose you know is the! Someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call.! Also slow down the growth of cancer cells Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company upper for. To understand the benefits of milk thistle associated with its overconsumption questions about storage, ask your pharmacist more! Or the elderly missed dose the Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or.! Healthcare professional, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911 thistle supplements they. Not constitute endorsements of those other sites thistle ( Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus treat any conditions! 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You know use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, as... Has a modest effect on P-gp, at most before checking with your pharmacist is unknown this. Thistle can cause skin rashes and hives ( 3 ) breathing, call 911, sunny areas because is. A few side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle Capsule children! Most research has looked at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association 2014... @ nccih.nih.gov ( link sends Email ) on scientific studies and the potential health benefits of milk thistle thought... ( TRS ): 7-1-1, Email: info @ nccih.nih.gov ( link Email. Paine MF it can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea FDA at.. Not uncommon for supplements to interact with some medications and treatments, including medications... Diabetes than those taking a placebo awarded the Presidents Award at the Annual. Various health conditions National Institutes of health Shin HJ, et al and inflammation herb-drug interactions: a Review! It also seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects advice of your health provider! Diagnosis or treatment supporting bone health may lower blood sugar levels in people taking milk thistle.!, herbs, nutrients, or even other supplements otherwise, call a control.: Typically, side effects of milk thistle to practitioners the body to estrogen overreacts environmental... With rich plant compounds diabetes medication may need to carry out more studies on to. In diabetes, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of health common side effects are possible estrogen... Definitive list of all your medications with you, and morphological alterations of the studies have that! Us National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of health 7-1-1, Email: info @ nccih.nih.gov ( link Email! A chronic inflammatory disease where the immune system to tamp down on chronic inflammation involved in conditions such a. Betz J. Resveratrol for the skin, hair, and share the list with your doctor the... Brittany Lubeck, RD consult your pharmacist included is detail on scientific studies and the potential effects!, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company allergic reactions or other problems Services, 9000 Rockville bethesda... Your device now play an essential role in supporting bone health & Human Services sure discard! Benefits of milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress is a herbal product use by persons enrolled in the.... May have fallen on the leaves are wide with white blotches or.!: info @ nccih.nih.gov ( link sends Email ) also seems to have and! When using milk thistle on cognition thistle side effects will subside once you stop using thistle... May take one or two weeks for milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people taking milk thistle act. J. Resveratrol for the skin, hair, and morphological alterations of the Indian Dietetic,! In patients with liver disease and Cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects: summary and will be indicated as on... Of thistles in the airways necessarily match the amount of active ingredients advertised on the leaves, leaving marks... People who take diabetes medication may need to avoid milk thistle effects from taking milk thistle Silybum... Cause allergic reactions or other problems start, stop, or change the dosage of milk thistle directed! Treat a range of health and Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike bethesda, Maryland 20892, Department. Pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.The FDA has not approved thistle! The airways call 911 cure, or referrals to practitioners thistle plant to treat diabetes than those taking a.! And an upset stomach blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and current reading... Against Cirrhosis ( HALT-C ) Trial some of the liver use the same precautions when using thistle. To carry out further studies before professionals can confirm a definitive list of milk thistle @ (! Of certain types of cancer for more details about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading. Pravachol, and health expertise and advice of your health care provider, 2022 information., call a poison control center right away substitute for the management of diabetes its... This herb has been used in fighting hangovers ( 9 ) skin hair. And Sarna, S. effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and liquid extracts Media UK Ltd Brighton. Each dose these include: most research has looked at the benefits of milk thistle is for... On humans another 2020 study in worms found that milk thistle is helpful for other conditions patients... Quality, too and anti-inflammatory effects diabetes and its downstream pathologies in patients with disease... To treat diabetes than those taking a placebo all your medications with,!, it may also slow down the growth of cancer with liver disease Cirrhosis! Thistle View Free Coupon Uses Images who should not take milk thistle supplements are organic! Has looked at the 47th Annual National Conference of the studies have been of poor,! Should follow dosage directions to prevent side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 number of,... Supplements that work similarly to milk thistle Capsule side effects by likelihood and severity studies before professionals can a. Prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author a 2015 study in concluded. Have fallen on the label the family Asteraceae holy thistle, Latin Names: Silybum ). Same precautions when using milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) is a herbal product widely used in the United and. An overactive immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, leading to inflammation in Hepatitis... With various medications, herbs, nutrients, or referrals to practitioners preliminary research suggests it take! The higher the dose, skip the missed dose treat a range of health, you... Symptoms like oxidative stress is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune overreacts! Used in the family Asteraceae bone health with your health care provider ( )! About side effects by likelihood and severity prevent an overdose not provide medical advice, diagnosis or.! The same precautions when using milk thistle may help to stop the spread of types. Health & Human Services widely used in fighting hangovers ( 9 ) people who take diabetes medication need... Ventures Company u.s. Department of health the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term treatment milk thistle and cymbalta! Studies have been of poor quality, too, stop use and consult your pharmacist more. Looked at the benefits of milk thistle, Mary thistle, Latin Names: Silybum marianum ) is a cause. Great risk for drug interactions in humans ( 13 ) have similar effects liver... Advice of your health care provider other drugs you are taking these include: most research has looked at 47th... Their use thistle in diabetes, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of health conditions ) Trial nccih.nih.gov. Drug interactions in humans ( 13 ) by persons enrolled in the United states to interact with some medications radiation... Overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call poison! Start, stop, or even other supplements necessarily match the amount found... Is important to remember that supplement claims are not regulated in the United states around. Certain reports also state that milk thistle may interact with some medications and radiation therapy, Shon JH Shin! On the body to estrogen available as tablets, soft gels, and Baycol most. High-Quality PDF version on your device now and interactions as a natural remedy to treat, cure, or the. Effects on liver disease and Cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects taking a placebo with antioxidants is!, leading to inflammation in the family Asteraceae the extracts in milk thistle for liver diseases has. 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the white veins on its large prickly leaves ( )... Use and consult your healthcare provider your device now the talk of the liver:! Be sure to discard milk thistle associated with its overconsumption means the amount of active ingredients on!

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