Is Milk Thistle Bad for the Liver?

Milk thistle, sometimes referred to as silymarin, has been used medicinally for centuries. According to the Mayo Clinic a flavonoid complex known as silymarin is extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle. Products containing silymarin are used to treat liver disease although no definitive study of the safety or effectiveness of milk thistle has been conducted.

Disorders Treated by Milk Thistle

• According to the Mayo Clinic milk thistle is used for treating gallbladder and liver disorders. Historically it has also been used to increase the flow of breast milk in women.

Effects of Milk Thistle

• Milk thistle may lower blood sugar. Patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia should consult with a medical professional before beginning milk thistle therapy.

Side Effects of Milk Thistle

• Appetite loss, heartburn, diarrhea and impotence are all possible side effects of milk thistle use. The Mayo Clinic considers these side effects as rare and reports milk thistle is usually well tolerated.

Allergies to Milk Thistle

• Anyone with allergies to plants in the aster family, daisies, kiwi, artichokes or common thistles may have an allergy to milk thistle. Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylactic shock, are possible.

Milk Thistle Precautions

• The Mayo Clinic reports milk thistle may have an effect on estrogen levels. Women with conditions affected by hormones should consult a medical professional before consuming milk thistle.