, or Silybum marianum, has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years. It is most commonly used to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Using milk thistle has both advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
Milk thistle stabilizes the membranes within the liver cells and alters their structure so that toxins cannot get inside. Milk thistle also increases the liver's ability to regenerate and form new healthy cells to replace the damaged ones, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Considerations
Although most people tolerate milk thistle with few serious complaints, people who are allergic to thistles, aster plants, daisies, or artichokes may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle. Possible side effects include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, weakness and collapse. Milk thistle lowers blood sugar levels, and should be used cautiously by patients with hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Potential
According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of research studies have examined milk thistle to determine if the herb is useful in treating conditions such as cancer, chronic liver disease, acute viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Although some studies show promising results, as of 2010, the evidence is not clear enough to strongly recommend milk thistle as a treatment for any of these life-threatening diseases.
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