Milk thistle extract is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a compound thought to have liver-protective properties.
Recent studies have shown that milk thistle extract may also help improve gut health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage.
So if you’re looking for a natural way to boost your health, milk thistle extract is definitely worth considering. The following article will detail the benefits of milk thistle, how to use it, and possible side effects.
What is milk thistle extract?
Milk thistle, known for the distinctive white veins on its prickly leaves, contains an active ingredient called silymarin. This natural compound is a powerful antioxidant and has been extracted from the plant’s seeds into an extract that offers between 65-80% concentrated silymarin. People use this supplement as a treatment option for liver conditions.
Health benefits of milk thistle
Milk thistle has been widely investigated for its potential ability to aid liver health. Supplements are often consumed to treat cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Trial results show improved liver function in those with liver diseases that have taken milk thistle supplements. This implies a possible positive effect on inflammation and damage to the organ. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical applications of milk thistle supplementation.
Milk thistle is an important herbal supplement for health and beauty. A 2015 study examined its effects on the skin of mice, finding improvements to some inflammatory conditions. Milk thistle may also be beneficial in other ways; it’s been linked to improved insulin resistance and slowed tumor growth.
How to take milk thistle extract?
Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet, and liquid extract. Milk thistle dosage is usually 1 capsule taken 2 to 3 times a day, preferably half an hour before a meal with a big glass of water. It’s recommended to take milk thistle daily for at least a month, preferably three months or more for best results.
It’s important to note that you should always consult with a medical professional before taking any herbal supplements. Your doctor can also discuss any possible side effects and drug interactions with you.
Potential side effects of milk thistle extract
Milk thistle is generally well tolerated and its side effects are mild when taken for extended periods of time. Nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating may occasionally be reported as side effects. It is important to speak with your physician if you take medication regularly as there could be potential interactions with milk thistle.
What possible medicine interactions come with milk thistle?
Milk thistle may interact with certain medications. Possible interactions include:
Patients should be aware that certain drugs processed by the CYP2C9 enzyme may interact with milk thistle, potentially leading to side effects or diminishing drug effectiveness. This includes medications such as diazepam (Valium), warfarin (Jantoven), and others. Before taking milk thistle, it is recommended to speak to a doctor about any medications that may be affected.
Milk thistle has been suggested as a potential natural remedy for people with type 2 diabetes. Before taking milk thistle supplements, however, those who are also taking diabetes medications should speak to their doctor and closely monitor their blood sugar levels. Taking both medications together may impact how each medication works in the body.
It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking milk thistle if you’re taking the osteoporosis medication raloxifene (Evista). The way that milk thistle affects your liver can lead to increased levels of this drug in your blood. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you.
Patients taking the prescription medication Simeprevir should exercise caution when using milk thistle concurrently, as it may increase the amount of drug present in the blood plasma. It is advised to avoid concurrent use of Simeprevir and milk thistle.
Sirolimus (Rapamune): Caution should be taken when consuming milk thistle while taking this immunosuppressant as it may alter the metabolism of the medication.
It is essential to consult a doctor before ingesting milk thistle if you are taking any medications regularly.
Conclusion
Milk thistle extract is derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant and contains a high amount of silymarin, an antioxidant compound. It is commonly used as a complementary therapy for liver conditions and has several potential health benefits. Milk thistle is generally safe to use but may interact with certain medications so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking it.
