This plant is named for the white stripes that run across its green leaves. If the leaves are torn or crushed, a milky white liquid will come out. You may also hear it called Mary thistle or holy thistle.
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. It is now grown worldwide, including northern Africa, South Australia, and parts of North and South America. It is sometimes called silymarin, which is one of the main components of plant seeds. The terms milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably, although they are not really the same thing.
Silymarin is considered an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In the United States, it is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements for liver problems.
People have traditionally used milk thistle for liver and gallbladder problems. Experts believe silymarin is the main active ingredient of the herb. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound extracted from milk thistle seeds. It’s not clear what benefits, if any, it might have in the body, but it is sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders.
Some claim milk thistle may also:
- Provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels
- Help diabetes in people who have type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis
Is Milk Thistle Good for the Liver?
There is conflicting research on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health. It may have a protective effect on the liver, preventing damage. There is some evidence that milk thistle can treat cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. But experts say the evidence is not conclusive.
Some studies also show milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene.
- Brain function
Milk thistle has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cerebral ischemia for thousands of years. Studies show it can improve symptoms where the problem is oxidative stress or neuroinflammation linked to the development of the disorder. It is also thought to prevent age-related decline in neurological function.
- Skin health
Research shows that milk thistle has skin-repairing benefits; especially where inflammation is the cause of the problem, including disorders such as rosacea. Due to its free radical scavenging properties, it can also help with signs of aging.
- Fights cancer
Although many herbal remedies claim to have cancer-fighting properties, milk thistle has been shown to combat free radicals (which also provide potential dermatological benefits) and help kill malignant cells through a process called apoptosis.
