Milk thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Brief Background:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years, principally for the treatment of hepatic and biliary disorders. A flavonoid complex called silymarin can be extracted from the seeds of milk thistle, and is believed to be the biologically active component. The terms “milk thistle” and “silymarin” are often used interchangeably
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Milk thistle has been used as a medicinal agent for over 2,000 years, principally for disorders of the liver and gall bladder. In America, milk thistle is primarily used to prevent or treat liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, jaundice and toxin-induced liver damage.
Milk thistle has been recommended to improve lactation in nursing mothers, although there is insufficient evidence in this area. This traditional use may be due to the white veins on the plant’s spiked green leaves, which are fabled to carry the milk of the Virgin Mary.
