Milk thistle is a commonly used herbal supplement believed to have liver protective effects, among other health benefits. This herb extract is easy to find at most health food stores and natural food markets. Some people choose to use this supplement with the hope that it will protect their liver from the toxic effects of alcohol or other drugs or because they’ve been diagnosed with viral hepatitis, a condition which causes liver inflammation. Are the health benefits of milk thistle legitimate?

What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle comes from a flowering plant with deep red flowers that’s a member of the daisy family. When the leaves are crushed, a milky white fluid is released, providing inspiration for its name. This plant grows indigenously in the Mediterranean, but is now found throughout the world. An extract is made from the seeds of this plant and used as an herbal supplement. The health benefits of milk thistle appear to arise from a group of flavonoids collectively known as silymarin.

What About the Health Benefits of Milk Thistle?

The silymarin found in milk thistle extract is believed to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which enable it to protect against and even repair liver damage related to exposure to toxins, medications, and alcohol. Milk thistle extract is used as therapy in Germany for the treatment of various forms of liver toxicity. It’s also used as an antidote for mushroom poisoning induced by the deathcap mushroom. Preliminary studies also suggest that it may have anti-cancer effects.

Do Studies Support the Health Benefits of Milk Thistle?

Unfortunately, studies looking at the health benefits of milk thistle for preventing and treating liver disorders have been mixed. In animals, milk thistle appears to protect the liver from the effects of a variety of toxins, including alcohol, but human studies have shown a mixed picture, with some suggesting a small benefit and others none. Studies looking at its effects on viral hepatitis have also not been convincing. The most recent study conducted in Denmark showed no real benefit of milk thistle for treating viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease. In terms of its anti-cancer effects, there are ongoing studies looking at this issue.

Is It Safe?

The good news is milk thistle appears to be safe with the most common side effect being mild digestive upset. It doesn’t appear to interact with the majority of medications.

The Health Benefits of Milk Thistle – The Bottom Line

Although safe, there’s little convincing evidence from human studies that milk thistle has a significant effect on viral or toxin induced liver disease. Hopefully, the cancer studies will be more promising.