Re: A Rash from Milk Thistle?:::reply:::

[Guest guest]

Hello barb1283@...,

In reference to your comment:

Has anyone gotten a rash from milk thistle? I started taking milk

thistle yesterday and got a rash in thin skin of my inner arm. It

seems every time I take something to either kill yeast or fungus I get

a rash.

********I have been doing volunteer work in the Hepatitis communities for 10

years and never have I ever heard of someone getting a rash from Milk

Thistle....Who told you that Milk Thistle kills yeast or fungus? I have never

heard of that. Milk Thistle is to help the liver function and process and to

dump toxins....it releases toxins from the liver, it doesn't kill to my

knowledge.....the rash could possibly be a herxing reaction where toxins are

trying

to leave the body, but IMHO I wouldn't call it an allergic reaction by any

means....

Angel Huggzz

or Angel

MILK THISTLE

Silybum num or milk thistle is a medicinal plant known since

ancient times, and widely used in traditional European medicine.

Since 1975, silymarin and its main constituent silybin in particular,

have been the subject of numerous experimental, pharmacological and

clinical studies, which have provided support for its current

clinical use in Europe in the treatment of liver disease.

Silybum marianum is a member of the aster family, to which the

artichoke plant also belongs (see below). The plant is native to the

Mediterranean area, where it has been in common use for more than

2000 years. Currently it is grown commercially throughout the Unites

States as well as in Africa and South America. The name " milk

thistle " is surrounded with several myths, but could simply be due to

its characteristic spiked leaves with white veins. The active extract

of milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of flavolignans, including

silydianin, silychristine, and silybin, with the latter being the

most biologically active. Silymarin has proven to be one of the most

potent liver-protecting substances known, although the mechanisms are

not yet fully understood. Its main routes of protection appear to be

prevention of free radical damage, stabilization of plasma membranes

and stimulation of new liver cell production.

Silymarin acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, many

times more potent than vitamin E. (Hikino H et al. 1984). It has been

shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation and to prevent glutathione

depletion induced by alcohol and other liver toxins and even increase

the total glutathione level in the liver by 35% over controls

(Valenzuela et al. 1989). Silymarin has also been shown to inhibit

the formation of liver-damaging leukotrienes by being a potent

inhibitor of the enzyme lipoxygenase. This enzyme is a needed

catalyst for the transfer of oxygen to polyunsaturated fatty acids

(Fiebrich F et al 1979, Dehmlow C, 1996). Silymarin has furthermore

been reported to decrease the activity of tumor promotors (Agrawal R

et al.1994, Zi X et al 1997) and protect against radiation-induced

suppression of hepatic and splenic DNA and RNA synthesis (Hakova H et

al. 1993). Perhaps the most interesting effect of silymarin on the

liver is its ability to stimulate protein synthesis (Sonnenbichler J

et al., 1986), which results in production of new liver cells to

replace damaged old ones. Interestingly, silybin does not have a

stimulatory effect on malignant hepatic tissue.

Experimental liver damage in animals can be produced by numerous

toxic chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride and ethanol. Silymarin

has been shown to be very effective in protecting the liver from

these toxins. Most interesting is its effect against the poisoning of

Amanita phalloides (the toadstool mushroom). The toxins in this

mushroom are the most powerful liver-damaging substances known, and

ingestion causes severe poisoning and leads to death in approximately

30% of the cases. In experimental models silymarin was 100% effective

in preventing toxicity, when it was administered before amanita

poisoning, Even if given 10 minutes after the amanita toxin, it

completely counteracted the toxic effects. If given within 24 hours,

silymarin would still prevent death and greatly reduce the amount of

liver damage. (Vogel G et al., 1984; Desplaces A et al., 1975).

Observation of human cases with Amanita poisoning has demonstrated

similar results. In 60 patients who were treated with silybin 20

mg/kg/day starting 24-36 hours after ingestion of the mushroom, the

survival rate was 100% (Vogel G 1977). Another European trial

involving 220 patients resulted in a mortality rate of 12.8%, versus

a 22.4% in patients who had not received silymarin therapy.

The effectiveness of silymarin to protect the liver against chemical-

induced damage is true also for alcohol. In a double blind trial of

patients who chronically abused alcohol and had histologic

documentation of chronic alcoholic hepatitis, the patients were given

silymarin 140 mg twice a day for 6 months. Several liver function

tests normalized and others decreased significantly, as compared to

the levels in the control group (Feher J, 1989). Positive effects on

histology, lymphocyte proliferation and lipid peroxidation were also

described.

Another study involving ninety-seven patients with persistent liver

function test abnormalities after one month of alcohol abstinence,

showed impressive results. The patients were given either silymarin

or placebo for a period of 4 months. At the end of therapy mean serum

levels of AST and ALT had fallen by 30% and 41% respectively in the

silymarin group, compared to an increase of 5 % and 3% respectively

in the placebo group. Significantly more patients returned to a

normal bromsulphalein retention with treatment, and there was

significantly more reversal of tissue damage (histological injury)

(Salmi HA, 1982).

Ferenci P et al. (1989) asked 170 patients (92 alcoholic and 78 non-

alcoholic) with biopsy-confirmed cirrhosis (the most severe form of

liver scarring) to abstain from alcohol. He then treated 87 with

silymarin 140 mg three times a day and 83 with placebo for a period

of 2-6 years. The study showed a reduction of mortality in the

treated group, particularly in the patients with cirrhosis of

alcoholic origin. Silymarin has also been shown to improve immune

function in patients with cirrhosis, the mechanism of which has yet

to be determined (Deak G, 1990).

Silymarin is also reported to be effective in both acute and chronic

viral hepatitis. A study of 29 patients with acute viral hepatitis

(Magliulo E et al., 1978) showed a significantly higher rate of

normalized laboratory parameters in the silymarin group after 3 weeks

of treatment compared to the placebo group. In a study on chronic

viral hepatitis, silymarin treatment resulted in a remarkable

improvement (Berenguer J et al. 1977). Used in a dose of 420 mg/day

for 3-12 months the effects achieved were: reversal of liver cell

damage (as noted by biopsy), increase in plasma protein levels, a

lowering of liver enzymes and improvement of common hepatitis

symptoms.

Interestingly, some studies on phophatidylcholine-bound silymarin

indicate an even greater effectiveness, which most likely is due to

enhanced absorption across the gastrointestinal mucosa (Barzaghi N et

al. 1990). In a small short-term study of 20 patients with chronic

hepatitis due to either virus or alcohol, phosphatidyl-bound

silymarin was given for two weeks with significant decrease in

bilirubin and liver enzyme levels. (Vailati A et al. 1993)

In animal studies it has recently been demonstrated that silymarin

from milk thistle can inhibit the development of diet-induced

hypercholesterolemia (Krecman V et al. 1997) as well as inhibit

cholesterol biosynthesis (Skottowa et al 1998.). This potential

characteristic is not surprising, as the same is known to be true for

artichoke, which is a close relative to the milk thistle.

[Guest guest]

I have gotten hayfever-type reactions including very itchy skin from milk

thistle. I've seen similar information to this on several sites:

Side effects from milk thistle happen only rarely, but may include stomach pain,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash or other skin reactions, joint pain,

impotence, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes

throat tightness, shortness of breath, and, possibly, loss of consciousness.)

The last two reactions listed are extremely rare.

Of course like it says they only happen rarely, but it is possible. Pretty much

anything you can ingest can cause some type of reaction because everyone is

different.

I am thinking of trying milk thistle again at this time to see if I react to it

because I think it would be helpful for me right now.

Lori

[Guest guest]

Here is what I found at University of land Medical Center

website for Milk Thistle. According to references at end, seems to

be well researched supplement. It says doesn't work well for people

with severe liver disease. --I hope that doesn't mean me!!

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/MilkThistlech.html

Overview

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman

times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly

liver problems. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries physicians

in the United States used milk thistle seeds to relieve congestion

of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Today, several scientific studies

suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly

silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins,

alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the

counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also

called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large

quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the

prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including

viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use,

and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon

tetrachloride.

Mushroom Poisoning

Milk thistle has also been used as a preventive and/or antidote to

poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Animal studies

have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts the

toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of

ingestion. If given within 24 hours of ingestion, the herb

significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.

Liver disease from alcohol

A comprehensive review by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research

and Quality (AHRQ) recently identified 16 scientific studies on the

use of milk thistle for the treatment of various forms of liver

disease. A European standardized extract of milk thistle was used in

most of the trials.

Problems in study design (such as small numbers of participants,

variations in the causes of liver disease, and differences in dosing

and duration of milk thistle therapy) made it difficult to draw any

definitive conclusions. However, five of seven studies evaluating

milk thistle for alcoholic liver disease found significant

improvements in liver function. Those with the mildest form of the

disease appeared to improve the most. Milk thistle was less

effective for those with severe liver disease such as cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring and permanent, non-reversible

damage to the liver. It is often referred to as end-stage liver

disease.

Viral hepatitis

Despite the fact that milk thistle is widely used in the treatment

of hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C), results from four viral

hepatitis studies were contradictory. Some found improvements in

liver enzyme activity while others failed to detect these benefits.

None of the studies compared milk thistle with interferon or other

medications for viral hepatitis.

Cancer

Preliminary laboratory studies also suggest that active substances

in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. One active substance

known as silymarin has strong antioxidant properties and has been

shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate, breast, and cervical

cancer cells in test tubes. Further studies are needed to determine

whether milk thistle is safe or effective for people with these

forms of cancer.

High cholesterol

One animal study found that silymarin (an active compound in milk

thistle) worked as effectively as the cholesterol-lowering drug

probucol, with the additional benefit of substantially increasing

HDL ( " good " ) cholesterol. Further studies in people are needed.

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Plant Description

Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean, but is now widespread

throughout the world. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny

areas. The stem branches at the top, and reaches a height of 4 to 10

feet. The leaves are wide, with white blotches or veins. The flowers

are red-purple. The small, hard-skinned fruit is brown, spotted, and

shiny. Milk thistle is easy to grow, and it matures quickly, in less

than a year.

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What's It Made Of?

The active ingredient, or liver-protecting compound in milk thistle

is known as silymarin. This substance, which actually consists of a

group of compounds called flavonolignands, helps repair liver cells

damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin also keeps

new liver cells from being destroyed by these same substances,

reduces inflammation (important for people with liver inflammation

or hepatitis), and has potent antioxidant effects.

Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations extracted

from the fruits (seeds) of the plant. Most preparations are

standardized to contain 70% to 80% of flavonolignans (silibinin,

silychristin, and silydianin), collectively known as silymarin.

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Available Forms

Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120

to 140 mg silymarin)

Liquid extract

Tincture

Silymarin phosphatidyl choline complex

The silymarin in milk thistle seeds is difficult to absorb. The more

concentrated the solution of silymarin, the more easily it is

absorbed and the more readily it enters the bloodstream.

Standardized capsules are the most concentrated form and, therefore,

should be used whenever possible. Silymarin-phosphatidylcholine

complex may be absorbed even more easily than regular standardized

milk thistle. In clinical trials, the silymarin-phosphatidylcholine

complex has worked better than silymarin by itself for treating

liver disorders. A key element in cell membranes,

phosphatidylcholine helps the silymarin attach easily to the cell

membranes. This may keep toxins from getting inside liver cells.

Alcohol extracts may be less effective and, therefore, should likely

be avoided.

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How to Take It

Pediatric

Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight.

Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150

lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 to 25

kg), the appropriate dose of milk thistle for this child would be

1/3 of the adult dosage.

Adult

Recommended dose: Generally 12 to 15 g dried herb (200 to 400 mg

silymarin) per day or silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex 100 to

200 mg two times per day.

For liver protection: 120 mg silymarin (about 2 capsules), two times

daily

To treat liver damage (from alcohol, drugs, or chemicals): 120 mg

(about 3 capsules), three times per day

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Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the

body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances

that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs,

supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be

taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner

knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

Side effects from milk thistle happen only rarely, but may include

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash or other

skin reactions, joint pain, impotence, and anaphylaxis (a life-

threatening allergic reaction that causes throat tightness,

shortness of breath, and, possibly, loss of consciousness.) The last

two reactions listed are extremely rare.

Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following

medications, you should not use milk thistle without first talking

to your healthcare provider.

Similar to its ability to protect against damage to the liver from

alcohol and acetominophen, as discussed in the Overview, milk

thistle may also protect against liver damage from the following

medications:

Antipsychotics: This group of medications used for schizophrenia

includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines

(such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)

Phenytoin: a medication used for seizures

Halothane: a medication used during general anesthesia

Other medications that may interact with milk thistle include:

Aspirin

One animal study found that milk thistle may enhance the

effectiveness of aspirin in rats with liver cirrhosis. Whether this

herb-drug combination has the same effect in people is not known at

this time.

Chemotherapy medications

Preliminary research suggests that silybin may enhance the tumor

fighting effects of cisplatin and doxorubicin when tested against

breast and ovarian cancer cells.

In addition, milk thistle may protect the kidneys against toxic side

effects associated with cisplatin and cyclosporine, two medications

that are commonly used to treat cancer.

On the other hand, a different laboratory study revealed that the

anticancer effect of cisplatin and ifosfamide was diminished in the

presence of milk thistle. More research needs to be done to assess

how milk thistle and cancer-fighting agents interact.

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Supporting Research

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk thistle: effects on

liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary,

evidence report/technology assessment: number 21, September 2000.

Accessed at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/milktsum.htm on April 15,

2002.

Bhatia N, Zhao J, Wolf DM, Agarwal R. Inhibition of human carcinoma

cell growth and DNA synthesis by silibinin, an active constituent of

milk thistle: comparison with silymarin. Cancer Lett. 1999;147(1-

2):77-84.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded

Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine

Communications; 2000:257-263.

Bokemeyer C, Fels LM, DunnT, et al. Silibinin protects against

cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising cisplatin on

isosfamide anti-tumor activity. Br J Cancer. 1996;74:2036–2041.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed.

Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:103-104.

Campos R, Garrido A, Guerra R, et al. Silybin dihemisuccinate

protects against glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation

induced by acetaminophen on rat liver. Planta Med. 1989;55:417–419.

Feher J, Deak G, Muzes G, Lang I, Neiderland V, Nekan K, et al.

Hepatoprotective activity of silymarin therapy in patients with

chronic alcoholic liver disease. Orv Hetil. 1990;130:51.

Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, H., Benda L, Lochs H, et

al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients

with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol. 1989;9:105-113.

Fintelmann V. Modern phytotherapy and its uses in gastrointestinal

conditions. [Review]. Planta Med. 1991;57(7):S48-52.

Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

for the therapy of liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 1998;93:139–

43.

Gaedeke J, Fels LM, Bokemeyer C, et al. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity and

protection by silibinin. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1996;11:55–62.

Giese LA. A study of alternative health care use for

gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2000;23(1):19-27.

Jiang C, Agarwal R, Lu J. Anti-angiogenic potential of a cancer

chemopreventive flavonoid antioxidant, Silymairn: inhibition of key

attributes of vascular endothelial cells and angiogenic cytokine

secretion by cancer epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.

2000;276:371-378.

Krecman V, Skottova N, Walterova D, Ulrichova J, Simanek V.

Silymarin inhibits the development of diet-induced

hypercholesterolemia in rats. Planta Med. 1998;64(2):138-142.

Low Dog T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer.

Altern Ther Health Med. 2001;7(3):36-47.

Luper S. A review of plants used in the treatment of liver disease:

part 1. [Review].

Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(6):410-421.

Mourelle M, Favari L. Silymarin improves metabolism and disposition

of aspirin in cirrhotic rats. Life Sci. 1988;43:201–207.

Palasciano G, Portincasa P, Palmieri V, Ciani D, Vendemiale G,

Altomare E. The effect of silymarin on plasma levels of malon-

dialdehyde in patients receiving long-term treatment with

psychotropic drugs. Curr Therapeut Res. 1994;55(5):537-545.

Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Philadelphia,

PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:266-271.

Scanbia G, De Vincenzo RD, Ranelletti FO, et al. Antiproliferative

effect of Silybin on gynaecological malignancies: synergism with

cisplatin an doxorubicin. Eur J Cancer. 1996;32A(5):877-882.

Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle). Alt Med Rev. 1999;4(4):272-274.

Valenzuela A, Lagos C, Schmidt K, et al. Silymarin protection

against hepatic lipid peroxidation induced by acute ethanol

intoxication in the rat. Biochem Pharmacol. 1985;34(12):2209–2212.

von Schonfeld J, Weisbrod B, Muller MK. Silibinin, a plant extract

with antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties, protects

exocrine pancreas from cyclosporin A toxicity. Cell Mol Life Sci.

1997;53(11–12):917–920.

White L, Mavor S. Kids, Herbs, Health. Loveland, Colo: Interweave

Press; 1998:22, 36.

Zi X, Feyes DK, Agarwal R. Anticarcinogenic effect of a flavonoid

antioxidant, silymarin, in human breast cancer cells MDA-MB 468:

induction of G1 arrest through an increase in Cip1/p21 concomitant

with a decrease in kinase activity of cyclin-dependent kinases and

associated cyclins. Clin Cancer Res. 1998;4(4):1055-1064.

Zi X, Mukhtar H, Agarwal R. Novel cancer chemopreventive effects of

a flavonoid antioxidant silymarin: inhibition of mRNA expression of

an endogenous tumor promoter TNF-alpha. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.

1997;239(1):334–339.

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Review Date: April 2002

Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include:

A. Hart, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley

Hospital, Harvard University and Senior Medical Editor Integrative

Medicine, Boston, MA; Kracoff, RPh (Pediatric Dosing section

February 2001), Drugs, Natick, MA; Ottariono, RPh,

Veteran's Administrative Hospital, Londonderry, NH; Winston,

Herbalist (April 1999), Herbalist and Alchemist, Inc., Washington,

NJ; Tom Wolfe, P.AHG (April 1999), Smile Herb Shop, College Park,

MD. All interaction sections have also been reviewed by a team of

experts including ph Lamb, MD (July 2000), The Integrative

Medicine Works, andria, VA;Enrico Liva, ND, RPh (August 2000),

Vital Nutrients, Middletown, CT; T Sanderoff, PD, BS in

Pharmacy (March 2000), Clinical Assistant Professor, University of

land School of Pharmacy; President, Your Prescription for

Health, Owings Mills, MD; R. Lynn Shumake, PD (March 2000),

Director, Alternative Medicine Apothecary, Blue Mountain Apothecary

& Healing Arts, University of land Medical Center, Glenwood, MD;

Ira Zunin, MD, MPH, MBA (July 2000), President and Chairman, Hawaii

State Consortium for Integrative Medicine, Honolulu, HI.

Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of

the information or the consequences arising from the application,

use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including

any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of

product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed

or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No

claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently

marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a

guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the

information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other

authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information

(including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings,

interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug,

herb, or supplement discussed herein.

>

> I have gotten hayfever-type reactions including very itchy skin

from milk thistle. I've seen similar information to this on several

sites: