This article will explore the potential uses of milk thistle. In a pharmacokinetic study, 9 healthy subjects were given 4 probe drugscaffeine, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and midazolam— to test for the effect of milk thistle on CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.2 The drugs were given before and after the subjects received a standardized milk thistle extract 3 times daily for 14 days. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. 2012;308(3):274-82. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265. Eighteen clinical trials of 1,088 participants were assessed. Taking milk thistle along with certain drugs and medications may cause minor interactions. Who should not take Milk Thistle Capsule? Seeff LB, Curto TM, Szabo G, et al. World J Gastroenterol. Also known by its scientific name, Silybum marianum, milk thistle grows mostly in California, although it can be grown in many other warm climates as well. 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. Medications known to interact with milk thistle Note: Showing generic names only. These combination supplements may list health claims on the label. The name milk thistle is associated with the legend of Mother Mary. Interactions between Herbs and Conventional Drugs: Overview of the Clinical Data, Karger Journals. 2014;10(1):31-35. doi:10.17925/EE.2014.10.01.31. However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its overconsumption. This may help ease symptoms from liver . Adv Ther. Take your next dose at the regular time. An important part of taking supplements is proper storage. Some people claim it can help to treat: cirrhosis. All rights reserved. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Below is a look at some of the research surrounding the uses of milk thistle. Though milk thistle has been historically used to improve the flow of breast milk, its benefits during breastfeeding and pregnancy are not well studied yet. One of milk thistle's traditional uses is easing indigestion. Milk thistle is most often used for various liver conditions, like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Can Apoaequorin Really Improve Your Memory? Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects: Summary, AHRQ Evidence Report Summeries, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Milk thistle purportedly has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. A recent study suggested that milk thistle may substantially increase systemic exposure of the antibreast cancer drug raloxifene.1. Cymbalta side effects (more detail) This is not a complete list of possible side effects. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It may take one or two weeks for milk thistle to start working. Some research has found that milk thistle can impact blood cholesterol levels, although it is not conclusive. Merlin has conducted various weight management programs, prepared diet Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. Milk thistle can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. We avoid using tertiary references. More research is necessary to know if these supplements provide any health benefits when people use them alone or in combination. 2007;2007(4):CD003620. What is the daily upper limit for milk thistle? Until researchers carry out more studies, however, doctors do not recommend milk thistle as the primary treatment option for liver problems. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant that comes from the same family as the daisy. Rev Diabet Stud. Though there are some serious side effects associated with milk thistle, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb provide several benefits for your health. However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its excess intake. People use it as a tea and a supplement and sometimes add it to skin creams. Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but are controversial because there is little science to support their use. Kazazis CE, Evangelopoulos AA, Kollas A, Vallianou NG. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. The effects of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on human cytochrome P450 activity. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. Silymarin, an active component of milk thistle, may improve liver function and reduce symptoms of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. Email this report to a friend, doctor, or patient. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted. Milk thistle is a plant named for the white veins on its large prickly leaves. In some studies, silibinin, an active component of milk thistle, has been shown to have estrogen-like effects. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Effect of continuous silymarin administration on oral talinolol pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. In: StatPearls. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Oxidative stress is a potential cause of Alzheimers disease. Please seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle. Dosage: How Much Milk Thistle Should I Take? 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. Learn more about the other negative effects of this herb and what research says about them. It is lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties and several health benefits. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Substances in milk thistle may reduce blood sugar. Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience these and other side effects to find out the best way to proceed. 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. [1] Silymarin is a standardized preparation extracted from the fruits (seeds) of milk thistle. Front Immunol. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Vegetable Oil: Nutrition Facts And Differences. Of the total drug interactions, You can buy milk thistle online in the supplement form. There are no guidelines regarding a standard dose of milk thistle. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). Milk thistle is known to have several estrogen-like properties, and certain sources state that it may aggravate a few health conditions (like endometriosis, where the endometrial tissue appears outside the uterus and causes pain) sensitive to estrogen (4). Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Doctors mainly use the plant to treat liver problems, but some people claim it can lower cholesterol and help manage type 2 diabetes. Calm an upset stomach. Studies of milk thistle coadministered with various drugs in humans suggest it is unlikely to affect the most common cytochrome, the P450 (CYP450) isozyme. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. Its seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. Some research also states that overall, milk thistle may not pose a great risk for drug interactions in humans (13). Follow all directions on the product package. Dosage is also typically listed on the nutrition label of supplements. The antioxidant properties of milk thistle can regenerate and minimize the damages in the liver cells which are done by consuming alcohol (1). 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. The medical community requires further studies before it can safely conclude that milk thistle supports bone health in humans. The terms "milk thistle" and "silymarin" are often used interchangeably. Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser. 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. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Con Soy Protein Vs. Whey Protein: Pros And Cons + Which Is Better. Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. Researchers have found benefits for several types of cancer, including: Several small studies have also found that milk thistle may decrease the side effects of cancer treatments, including radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking milk thistle. This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Silybum marianum is a species of thistle.It has various common names including milk thistle, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle (though not to be confused with Onopordum acanthium or Cirsium vulgare).This species is an annual or biennial plant of the family Asteraceae. Milk thistle is thought to be safe for most people, but precautions should be taken as side effects are possible. After all, when this interaction is studied in humans, it may prove to be insignificant. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. Several studies have suggested that milk thistle may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. Milk thistle side effects (more detail) However, there are a few side effects of milk thistle associated with its excess intake. jaundice. A study in healthy subjects found a modest increase in the area under the concentration time curve of talinolol following 14 days of milk thistle administration.4 Because talinolol is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) substrate, this might suggest that milk thistle is a P-gp inhibitor. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Milk Thistle Capsule? Milk thistle. Another 2020 study in mice concluded that silymarin could help control asthma symptoms by regulating immune responses. JAMA. Fried MW, Navarro VJ, Afdhal N, et al. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. Phytother Res. 3. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Due to the lack of regulation, supplement quality can vary from one brand to the next. Milk thistle (PDQ) patient version. Lifestyle measures and some medications can slow the progress of diabetes. Common Names:milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle, Latin Names:Silybum marianum, synonym Carduus marianus. Milk thistle could play an essential role in supporting bone health. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. Some of these drugs may include Mevacor, Lescol, Zocor, Pravachol, and Baycol. 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). The active ingredient in milk thistle is called silymarin. It found that cholesterol levels were lower in people taking milk thistle to treat diabetes than those taking a placebo. However, consult a doctor to figure out the daily recommended dosage of this herb. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Store milk thistle supplements in a cool, dry place. The Natural agonist of estrogen receptor silibinin plays an immunosuppressive role representing a potential therapeutic tool in rheumatoid arthritis. 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. However, consult your doctor for the best advice. Minimally clinically significant. Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. 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. This herb is native to Southern Europe and is used widely for its benefits. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Milk thistle may help to stop the spread of certain types of cancer. A double-blind controlled study. Although research is still emerging, milk thistle may be beneficial for conditions relating to the liver and gallbladder. Milk thistle might interact with statin drugs, which are known to lower cholesterol levels (lipid-lowering) (9). There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging. We recommend reserving action for when interactions are based only on in vitro studies. Milk thistle: early seeds of potential, The Lancet Oncology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. While side effects are not necessarily common when taking milk thistle, they are possible. Legend of Mother Mary copyrighted and is in the public domain away if you severe. Publication is not intended to treat liver problems of health, new drug approvals, alerts and.... For conditions relating to the liver has a good anti-liver injury effect can! Your healthcare provider if you experience these and other side effects sometimes add it to skin creams to a,... No supplement is intended to treat: cirrhosis complete list of side effects ( more detail ) is! Severe side effects are not necessarily common when taking milk thistle is milk thistle and cymbalta silymarin promise to the! 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