Milk Thistle
- Latin
- Silybum marianum
Milk thistle is a European herb best known for silymarin-rich seed extracts marketed for liver support. Human trials in liver disease are conflicting, and the extract should not be treated as a proven treatment for hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or medication-related liver injury.
Also Known As
Latin: Silybum marianum
Traditional Context
Milk thistle is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. Its historical use comes primarily from European herbal medicine.
Primary Actions
- Traditionally used in European herbal medicine for liver and gallbladder complaints
Secondary Actions
- Historically used to support milk production
Classical References
- European herbal medicine tradition
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Silymarin
- Silybin
- Isosilybin
- Silychristin
- Silydianin
Studied Effects
- Liver enzyme and metabolic outcomes in fatty liver disease, with mixed results
- Supportive use during some cancer treatments, with small studies
- Glucose and lipid measures, with limited evidence
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Known allergy to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or related plants
Cautions
- Digestive effects such as bloating, nausea, and gas are the most common reported problems.
- Product quality varies, and some supplements do not contain the labeled amount of silymarin.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety are not well established.
Drug Interactions
Milk thistle may affect CYP3A4 or UGT drug handling, although human findings are inconsistent. Case reports and clinical observations raise more specific concerns with sirolimus, warfarin, and some antipsychotic medicines.
- Sirolimus … Milk thistle may reduce sirolimus clearance and increase adverse effects. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Warfarin … A case report described increased INR after a liver-cleanse product containing milk thistle. (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Haloperidol and risperidone … Pancreatitis cases were reported with concurrent use. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- CYP3A4 and UGT substrate medicines … Laboratory findings suggest altered metabolism, but CYP3A4 results in humans are conflicting. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Milk Thistle used for?
Milk Thistle is traditionally used to Traditionally used in European herbal medicine for liver and gallbladder complaints. Research has investigated its effects on: Liver enzyme and metabolic outcomes in fatty liver disease, with mixed results; Supportive use during some cancer treatments, with small studies.
What are other names for Milk Thistle?
Milk Thistle is also known as Mary Thistle, Holy Thistle, Silymarin. In TCM: Silybum marianum.
Is Milk Thistle safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Milk Thistle during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Milk Thistle?
Milk Thistle should not be used in: Known allergy to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or related plants. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Milk Thistle interact with any medications?
Milk Thistle may interact with: Sirolimus - Milk thistle may reduce sirolimus clearance and increase adverse effects. - (Major severity); Warfarin - A case report described increased INR after a liver-cleanse product containing milk thistle. - (Moderate severity); Haloperidol and risperidone - Pancreatitis cases were reported with concurrent use. - (Major severity); CYP3A4 and UGT substrate medicines - Laboratory findings suggest altered metabolism, but CYP3A4 results in humans are conflicting. - (Uncertain severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.