Historically, people have used milk thistle to treat liver and gallbladder problems. It’s also used as a supplement to help with conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes and indigestion.
Historically, people have used milk thistle to treat liver and gallbladder problems. It’s also used as a supplement to help with conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes and indigestion.
But how effective is milk thistle really, and is there enough evidence to back up its health claims?
Milk thistle is a flowering plant from the same plant family as daisy and ragweed. It has purple flowers and white veins, and the stem and leaves of the plant are sometimes eaten in salads.
The seeds of milk thistle and the parts of the plant that live above the ground can be used to make a type of herbal remedy called milk thistle extract. This extract is high in a group of plant compounds known as silymarin, which is reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some research suggests milk thistle might be helpful with the following:
The silymarin found in milk thistle may protect liver cells from damage caused by toxic chemicals and drugs.
The evidence on whether taking milk thistle can help with liver disease in people who drink alcohol is conflicting, and more research needs to be done into this potential benefit.
Research suggests that milk thistle can improve diabetes when taken along with diabetes medication. There is some evidence that milk thistle can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but there isn’t enough evidence to draw definite conclusions about its effectiveness.
A small number of studies have investigated how silymarin might reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. The findings suggest that silymarin may:
There is no defined milk thistle dosage, as this varies from product to product and depends on things like the quality of the supplement and the active ingredients used to make it.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to use milk thistle – and always follow the dosage instructions.
Milk thistle seems to have few side effects, but some people may experience:
If you decide to take milk thistle, there are some important things to be aware of:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.