Milk Thistle
The reputation involving milk thistle (Silybum marianum) as an herbal
medicinal dates back over 2000 years, with Dioscordes using the extract
to treat mushroom poisoning and snake bite (first century A.D.). The
modern use of milk thistle, according to Ogletree et al. (1997), began
in 1949 when animal studies confirmed that it could protect the liver
from the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride. In 1968, an active ingredient
was isolated and named silymarin. Milk thistle has been the subject
of over 100 clinical trials, primarily for liver disease. More recently,
milk thistle has emerged as a staple in emergency procedures throughout
Europe to treat amanita mushroom poisoning and as a protectant against
toxins found in acetaminophen.
Ogletree et al. (1997) state that the hepatoprotective effects of milk
thistle are accomplished via three main pathways: (1) antioxidant activity,
(2) protection of the hepatocellular membrane, and (3) stimulation of
hepatocytes.
A human study evaluated the effectiveness of milk thistle on occupational
exposure to liver toxins, primarily solvents, paints, and glues. The
study was placebo controlled, with 35 participants receiving 420 mg
per day of milk thistle, while 20 subjects received a placebo. At the
end of the treatment period (15 to 20 days), there was a meaningful
decrease in liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase,
gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase), and bilirubin
in the milk thistle group. There were no improvements observed in liver
function in the placebo group (Boari et al. 1981). Complexing silymarin
with phosphatidylcholine (PC) enhances the bioavailability of the herb,
while PC itself is highly regarded as a hepatoprotective agent.
Supplement
Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per
Serving
Milk Thistle seed extract) (silybum marianum)………..175
mg
(Standardized to 80% Silymarin)
Milk Thistle (herb powder)..........................................275
mg
Other Ingredients: Magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and microcrystalline
cellulose
Detoxifying
herb
