Use for: Milk Thistle is used for liver disease and some liver damage such as toxin-induced liver damage, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. It is also used for gallbladder disease, dyspepsia, nephrotoxicity, hypercholesterolemia, etc.
Concerns: Milk Thistle is mostly well tolerated in appropriate doses with some occasional gastrointestinal discomforts. Silymarin ingredient in Milk Thistle may reduce the glucose level in type2 diabetes. Herbs and supplements that contain the properties of reducing the glucose level such as alpha-lipoic acid, ginseng, chromium, etc. may show the additive hypoglycaemic effects on concomitant use.
Silymarin in Milk Thistle binds to estrogen receptor beta and may show the estrogenic properties. Women with hormone sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids should avoid using Milk Thistle.
Person who is allergic to marigolds, ragweed, chrysanthemums and daisies may show allergic reaction to Milk Thistle.
Avoid using on pregnancy and lactation due to little information.