Who says flowers are just meant for decorative purposes? Milk thistle, from the genus Silybum Adans, a family of daisies, proves that flowers are also healing wonders of nature. Research about their beneficial effects on human health started in the 1970s and continues to be cast into the glare of publicity by different research facilities all over the world.
Historically, findings claim that this herb has been used to treat disorders of the liver for more than 2,000 years. With modern technology in place, scientists have discovered that its main ingredient, silymarin, is what gives milk thistle - also known as holy thistles or Mary thistles in European culture - its therapeutic effects.
Considered a popular alternative medicine, silymarin is ostensibly used as a cure for menstrual problems, low breast-milk production, liver disorders, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, gall bladder problems and even cancer.
Studies show that milk thistle extracts given to animals suffering from mushroom poisoning completely neutralized the effects of the toxins after only 10 minutes of oral ingestion. Researchers hold this finding true for humans who may have liver cirrhosis and other liver risks.
There have been inconsistent reports of milk thistle extract curing hepatitis C or viral hepatitis, despite professional herbalists recommending it to patients with fatty livers and other liver disorders. The German Commission E, which is the health arm of the German government in dealing with efficacy and safety of herbs, supports the use of milk thistles to fight liver toxins, cirrhosis and liver inflammation.
The same instability of results also shows in studies of milk thistle extract to treat liver problems from alcohol abuse. The reported cases show different results, and the methods of study, including the number of subjects, are questionable according to health experts. Today, scientists are continuously studying the possible involvement of milk thistle and silymarin to halt the growth of cancer cells, but their findings are still inadequate to prove its anti-cancer effects.
Despite studies showing milk thistle being safe for human consumption, there are still cases where ingestion of the herbs may cause the body more harm than good. Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, for example, should not take milk thistle as its effects on their babies are still unknown. Also, people with hormone-based cancers like uterine cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer should avoid taking the herbs. People with allergies to certain drugs that may interfere with milk thistle should consult with their physicians before ingestion of silymarin.
While there have been reported cases outside the US where patients had significant liver improvements after taking milk thistle orally, scientists are still validating their reports, as they discovered certain flaws in the study design and reporting. That being the case, proponents of the positive effects of milk thistle should still consider asking medical advice and supervision before taking these alternative medications. Now that milk thistle extracts have been commercialized, people must be vigilant to read the labels and strictly follow the recommended dosage prescribed by medical practitioners to be safe.
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