MILK THISTLE

Milk Thistle (Silybrum marianum), particularly its seeds, have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. As early as the first century A.D., the Greek military physician Dioscordes used milk thistle extract in the treatment of mushroom poisoning and snake bite. Other ancient writings recommend its use for liver and gall bladder disorders. Milk thistle is mentioned in 19th century American medical literature and a tincture of the plant was listed in the first United States Pharmacopoeia.

The modern use of Milk Thistle began in 1949 when animal studies showed that it could protect the liver from the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride. In 1968 an active ingredient was isolated and named silymarin. Further study revealed that silymarin actually consists of three major components; silybin (also called silibinin), silycristin and silydianin. Milk Thistle has been the subject of over one hundred clinical trials, primarily for liver disease.

Milk Thistle extract is now used for its protective effects on the liver. It is given as supportive treatment of chronic liver problems such as those seen in alcoholic cirrhosis. It can also be helpful in the treatment of infectious hepatitis. Milk Thistle can protect the liver against toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, galactosamine and iron overload. It can even help in the treatment of Aainita mushroom poisoning and, for this reason, Milk Thistle is a staple in Emergency Departments throughout Europe.