INFO: Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

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Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) A great deal of research has been conducted using this herb for a variety of liver diseases. There has been very little done specifically targeting HCV. Currently there is no solid evidence for or against the use of milk thistle for liver disease. It has been approved by Germany’s Commission E for liver inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis. It is important to note that the Commission E denied approval for “maintaining health, for stimulation and functional disorders of liver.” Three ingredients in milk thistle are of scientific interest because of their potential therapeutic value and capacity to protect the liver. These ingredients are silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin, collectively known as silymarin. Attention for Liver Disease: May lower liver function tests. Safety Information: If used as recommended, milk thistle is generally safe. Reported side effects are mild laxative, gastric complaints, itching and lowered blood sugar levels. Safety has not been established for children, pregnant or nursing mothers. Interactions: May interact with any cytochrome p-450 metabolized substances (see About Cytochrome P-450 below). Silymarin has the potential to interact with many drugs, herbs and dietary supplements. A few are hormones, methadone, antibiotics, anti-seizure, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, organ transplant-rejection, cardiac, lipid-lowering drugs and sleeping pills. Lab Notes: May alter liver function tests and blood sugar levels. http://www.hcvadvocate.org/library/herb_glossary.asp#m