What Are the Benefits of Silymarin?

Milk thistle is a plant that contains three potent liver-protective flavonoids known as silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Collectively, these substances are known as silymarin--a plant that grows naturally in Europe, southern Russia and North Africa. This weed was brought by colonists to North America, where it thrived and spread in many areas of the U.S. Its scientific name is Slybum marianum; it has been used in the last 2,000 years as an herbal medicine.

Early Use

• During the Middle Ages, milk thistle was popularly used to treat diseases of the liver in Europe. It was known to encourage the growth of new liver cells. It has been thought to help people who suffer from liver damage--especially from causes such as alcohol poisoning. Accidental exposure to pesticides and some poisons--as well as hepatitis--has also been treated with the plant since it is believed to keep harmful substances out of the liver cells.

Scientific Research

• Some 300 scientific studies have been done in Europe, and it has been shown that sylimarin has anti-oxidant effects and that it helps the liver repair itself. This herbal medicine works by stabilizing the hepatic cell membrane and changing the structure of the outer cell membrane (hepatocytes), so that liver toxins cannot penetrate to the interior of cells.

HIV

• It is not yet certain if silymarin can be used to directly treat HIV. However, it helps in protecting liver damage caused by antiretroviral drugs ( ARVs) taken by HIV patients. Upset stomach caused by certain medications is also alleviated by silymarin.

Side Effects

• There have been no documented serious side effects in taking this herbal medication. Some patients may suffer from having an upset stomach, diarrhea and bloating due to increased gas in the body. In this case, cutting back on the dosage is recommended. The dosage can then be increased slowly as the body adjusts.