Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Pharmaceutical name: Silymarin

Milk Thistle is an herbal product. It works by strengthening and stimulating the liver cells, which prevents toxins from entering the liver cells.

Therapeutic actions:
Pharmacological studies for milk thistle fruit document antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer properties. Additional pharmacological studies include inhibition of lipid peroxidation and stimulation of protein biosynthesis. However, the majority of the literature concerns the hepatoprotective efficacy of silymarin and silibinin in particular against Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning.

What is it used for?:
- stomach and appetite complaints,
- liver problems,
- gallbladder problems,
- as an antidote to death cap (Amanita) mushroom poisoning.

Contraindications and cautions:
- allergy to any ingredient in Milk Thistle;
- history of cirrhosis of the liver.

Be cautious while taking Milk Thisle if:
- you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.

Side effects:
Common: Mild diarrhea.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, throat, mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

Interactions:
There is no any known specific interaction at this time.