Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. 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. Abdulghani A, Poghosyan M, Mehren A, Philipsen A, Anderzhanova E. Front Mol Neurosci. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Silymarin: not just another antioxidant - PubMed And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. But experts say that the evidence isnt conclusive. If you choose to use milk thistle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Summary The active ingredients in milk thistle have been shown in animals to improve the effects of some cancer treatments. There's limited evidence, though, for the role of milk thistle in bone health. Feng N, Luo J, Guo X. Silybin suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Hepatology. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! 1982;17:51721. Silibinin ameliorates anxiety/depression-like behaviors in - PubMed Milk thistle is not recommended for children. Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Studies on cancer cell lines (done in the laboratory) have found that elements in milk thistle: Researchers also are looking at how milk thistle might complement traditional care and treatment in people diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers. Milk Thistle (and liver cleansing) has two workings: it supports the liver and it lowers the inactive rT3 in favour of the active T3. Swimming and L-arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorates aging-induced neuron atrophy, autophagy marker LC3, GABA and BDNF-TrkB pathway in the spinal cord of rats. 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. In this study, the effect of silibinin on A-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors in rats was investigated. It can be consumed in supplement form or as a tea. Song X, Zhou B, Zhang P, Lei D, Wang Y, Yao G, Hayashi T, Xia M, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. Dosage and side effects. 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. 1. Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health. 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. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Nevertheless, pregnant women, those allergic to the Asteraceae family of plants, those with diabetes and anyone with an estrogen-sensitive condition should seek medical advice before taking it. Milk thistle may be useful in treating liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Version: 2.01. It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Moreover, its unclear whether milk thistle is well enough absorbed in people to allow adequate amounts to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Type 2 Diabetes According to research published in Phytomedicine in 2015, silymarin improved antioxidant capacity in the body and decreased inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes by beating the placebo in a triple blind trial. It can help prevent elevation of liver enzymes, which can be a side effect of the medication. 7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle - Healthline Users are advised to seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Pain in . For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed. 2012;308(3):274-282. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265, Ebrahimpour koujan S, Gargari BP, Mobasseri M, Valizadeh H, Asghari-jafarabadi M. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. 2020;34(6):1446-1454. doi:10.1002/ptr.6620. J Med Assoc Thai. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It may have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. and depression. Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for years for various health benefits. 2023 Jan 26;15:997054. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.997054. . Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations. This article reviews what milk thistle is and, Milk thistle tea is said to protect the liver, stimulate breast milk production, and lower blood sugar levels. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Do not use extra milk thistle to make up the missed dose. Epub 2013 Oct 14. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Written by Cerner Multum. People may also find it painful and worry about its effects on their appearance. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. Natural Medicines website. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. Milk thistle - Mayo Clinic Milk Thistle is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, gallbladder problems, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatitis (chronic), hepatotoxicity (chemical/drug-induced), jaundice, pleurisy, prostate cancer, and spleen diseases, and used as an appetite stimulant.. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). Milk Thistle. Zargani M, Ramirez-Campillo R, Arabzadeh E. Pflugers Arch. Milk thistle. Eur Endocrinol. Phytomedicine. 10 Supplements You Should Be Taking After Menopause It could interact with many drugs, including some that treat high cholesterol, infections, insomnia, and blood pressure. Milk thistle is taken by mouth most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, and chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused by Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis. However, its currently unclear if it has the same beneficial effects in humans. However, the results from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease. Before taking milk thistle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Prasad RR, Paudel S, Raina K, Agarwal R. Silibinin and non-melanoma skin cancers. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. eCollection 2023. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Over the Counter & Complementary Therapies | Parkinson's Foundation Neuroprotective potential of silymarin against CNS disorders: insight into the pathways and molecular mechanisms of action. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. Silibinin, a flavonoid derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been used as a hepato-protectant in the clinical treatment of liver diseases. Also notable is the fact that, of the 40 subjects that completed this trial, none had any adverse events or side effects with milk thistle supplementation (7). See additional information. Adv Ther. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1, Email: info@nccih.nih.gov (link sends email). Drug class: Herbal products. However, as this is the only study, more high-quality research is needed. Milk thistle Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com The flavonoid complex silymarin in preclinical studies has been found to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the cortex. metabolic syndrome, depression, cardiovascular diseases and thalassemia, in addition to its photoprotective activity in in vitro tests and preclinical studies. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Its thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting milk thistle to make sure it is the right supplement for you. 7 likes, 2 comments - lyndsey | nutrition + fertility + herbalism + birth (@rooted_in_ritual) on Instagram: " Ways to Prepare for Ovulation Ovulation is the . Phytother Res. The review went on to say that silymarin may be linked to lower rates of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and liver disease. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. To ensure quality and potency in your herbal remedies, why not grow your own? Fluoxetine is whats known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which aims to increase serotonin levels in the brain. 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. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Milk Thistle & Silymarin Benefits & Uses (incl. Liver Detox) Milk thistle is sometimes used to treat skin conditions including mild psoriasis. However, the evidence is conflicting. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. Phytother Res. Milk thistle may be a useful complementary therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes. In reducing oxidative stress, milk thistle is believed to be neuroprotective by helping prevent decline in brain function. 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. 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. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Milk thistle., Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Milk thistle.. Combining silybin with phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids enhances the absorption of milk thistle's active compounds, providing powerful liver health support. I think milk thistle is often used in combo with NAC to enhance it's beneficial effects. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant traditionally used as a liver tonic. Questions? 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. While not dangerous, it can cause scars. Trigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek)also is used for this reason. Call 911 or seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle. privacy practices. A survey conducted in the U.S. reported that 23% of those polled used herbal supplements for their hepatitis C, with milk thistle being the most common choice. Nouri-Vaskeh M, Malek Mahdavi A, Afshan H, Alizadeh L, Zarei M. Effect of curcumin supplementation on disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis: a randomized controlled trial. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age. You should not use this product if you are allergic to milk thistle or if you have: past or present cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary; or. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. PMC 2011;17(18):2288-2301. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288. 2015;26(5):475486. . 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). edeka3 Brain Fog (anxiety, depression, ADHD), lots of medications. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Silibinin-treatment up-regulated the function through BDNF/TrkB pathway and attenuated autophagy in the hippocampus. People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Well go over some of its most well-known benefits, Many people are interested in herbal supplements to support their liver health. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The 10 Best Herbs for Liver Health: Benefits and Precautions, How to Get Rid of Acne: 14 Home Remedies for Pimples. 2015;22(2):290-6. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010. However, one area of milk thistle research focuses on how it affects bone marrow, which contributes to overall bone health but also has implications in treating diseases like multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Other SSRIs on the market include Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxatine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft) (3). Epub 2023 Mar 4. Is There a Reason Your Milk Thistle Isn't Working? Some studies also show milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. Can You Get Milk Thistle Naturally From Foods? There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Multiple Myeloma vs. Leukemia: What Are the Differences? This is especially important if you are taking any other medications for menopause or any blood thinners, such as statins. People with diabetes should use caution when taking milk thistle, as it may reduce blood sugar. Generic name: milk thistle [MILK-THIH-sull] . How Long Does It Take for Milk Thistle to Work? - LiverSupport.com Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. National Library of Medicine (US); 2022. Some of the studies have been of poor quality, too. However, human studies are limited and havent yet shown any beneficial effects. Experts believe silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb. ; Extensively studied; effective in treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis, chemical- or . The Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area composite tool is a simple alternative to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index for assessment of psoriasis: post hoc analysis from PRISTINE and PRESTA. But the herb is also believed to be beneficial for other health issues. Moreover, silibinin was able to attenuate the neuronal damage in the hippocampus of A1-42-injected rats. The research on milk thistle's use in cancer patients is promising, although more research is needed to determine its benefits. Similar supplements to milk thistle include: Please talk with your healthcare provider about the best supplement for you. The benefits of milk thistle can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Neuroplasticity to autophagy cross-talk in a therapeutic effect of physical exercises and irisin in ADHD. 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). Although rare, milk thistle may trigger a number of common and mild side effects. 2014;10(1):31-35. doi:10.17925/EE.2014.10.01.31. Milk thistle. Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Large-scale, properly-designed studies are needed. Mastron JK, Siveen KS, Sethi G, Bishayee A.Silymarin and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic, comprehensive, and critical review. From aloe to honey, you might be surprised what basic ingredients can help improve breakouts. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted One human trial found it to work as well as fluoxetine to manage OCD symptoms. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the 2. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Milk thistle. This article looks at the evidence to, Whats the life expectancy of someone with cirrhosis of the liver? While milk thistle is considered a noxious weed in various parts of the United States, it has little oral consumption value and is best absorbed in tablet or capsule supplement form, but can also be consumed as a tea or oral tincture. Learn to concoct simple home remedies with easy-to-grow medicinal herbs, Some are looking to alternative medicines to help prevent or treat diseases like cancer. However, many of these potential benefits are not backed by science. Tadaah, perhaps a partly explanation for your experience? Closer to a Cancer Cure? (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Silymarin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women's health, Silymarin and hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic, comprehensive, and critical review, Silymarin (milk thistle extract) as a therapeutic agent in gastrointestinal cancer. Silymarin is an active component of milk thistle, which is not found in foods. Some people may be allergic to milk thistle. Its been suggested that the antioxidant effects of silymarin may have some anticancer effects, which could be helpful for people receiving cancer treatment (9). Tajmohammadi A, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Call our friendly customer service team at 1-800-569-4994 Weekdays 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm EST, Get health news, exclusive offers, and more. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. While more research into milk thistle, silymarin, and its effectiveness in treating OCD is definitely needed, there is a wealth of information supporting the other health benefits of milk thistle for a host of ailments: Liver Health It is believed that milk thistle and silymarin bolsters liver function by prohibiting toxic substances from binding to liver cells (6). Uses of Lavender: Everything You Need to Know, 11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold, Natural Remedies for Alcohol Use Disorder, The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes, 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. Duplication is encouraged. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 2007 Sep;10(9):1089-93. doi: 10.1038/nn1971. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. National Library of Medicine Learn. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions. A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. Thats an alarmingly high percentage, leaving roughly 1.1 million people of the 2.2 million OCD sufferers in the United States seeking alternative treatment options (2) and natural remedies. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 2018;8:65-74. doi:10.2147/PTT.S169333. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle. eCollection 2022. By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. Click here for an email preview. Its also unknown what doses would need to be prescribed for it to have a beneficial effect (18). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. These side effects may be mild or severe. Natural Medicines. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. However, research is not conclusive on its uses. Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Summary Milk thistle may increase breast milk production in women who are lactating, though very little research has been done to confirm its effects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. People sometimes use milk thistle for hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions. 2020 Feb;47(2):302-312. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.13201. Nanjan MJ, Betz J. Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. doi:10.1097/CAD.0000000000000211, Fallah M, Davoodvandi A, Nikmanzar S, et al. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Milk Thistle Benefits: 15 Ways This Super Herb Can Improve - Organixx As a result of excessive alcohol consumption, my liver was fattened and my enzymes increased. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its herbal remedy is known as milk thistle extract. Milk Thistle Benefits - Verywell Health Milk thistle has been used for a range of psychiatric disorders including methamphetamine abuse and obsessive compulsive disorder. Theres some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. Risks. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Protective Effect of Silibinin on Learning and Memory Impairment in LPS-Treated Rats via ROS-BDNF-TrkB Pathway. 2007;2007(4):CD003620. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. And Selenium too. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, theres currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. . Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, even when taken for several years. Milk thistle. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003620.pub3, Gillessen A, Schmidt HH. Researchers believe that silymarin reduced the oxidative stress traditionally attributed with diabetes (7). Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds. lyndsey | nutrition + fertility + herbalism + birth on Instagram Its not known whether milk thistle is helpful for other conditions. Benefits. This may be because people arent able to absorb enough to get a medicinal effect. Milk Thistle: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More Other studies looking at milk thistle for cirrhosis have found conflicting results.