Milk Thistle Silybum marianum L.

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Milk ThistleSilybum marianum L.

• By Mike Haberman

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Background

• Genus Silybum
• Flowering plants of the daisy family
• Named Milk Thistle by Dioscorides.
• Native to the Mediterranean
• Germans considered it as a religious symbol of
  the Virgin Mary
• Brought to America by early settlers

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Background Cont.

• The entire plant is edible with very little toxic
  potential
• Nutritious and palatable when harvested correctly
• Seeds traditionally used as a coffee substitute
• Now, very common throughout the world
• Has been used medicinally for over 2000 years.

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Medicinal Use

• Herbal treatment for liver disorders
• Liver-protectant from toxins and infection.
• Prescribed for 2000 years by physicians for
  liver ailments
• One of Dioscorides cure-all medicines, but
  primarily used for liver ailments.

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Active Ingredients

• Highest concentrations of active compounds found
  in the seeds and fruits
• Contain compounds collectively called Silymarin,
  consisting of
• silychristin, silydianin, silybin
• These are known as flavonolignans.
• Antioxidant rich

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Mechanisms of Action

• Stabilizes permeability of cell membranes
  preventing toxins from entering the liver
• Highly effective for poisons, such as the Amanita
  death-cap mushroom
• Stimulates protein synthesis
• Accelerates regeneration of damaged liver tissue
• Increases bile production and excretion
• Protects the liver from
• Accidental exposure to chemical pollutants.
• Toxic side effects of medications.
• Liver diseases and ailments caused by hepatitis
  and alcohol.

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Potential mechanisms under research

• Potential silymarin effects
• Anti-inflammatory
• Increase lymphocyte proliferation
• Cytoprotection
• Pancreas protection
• Slows progression of liver fibrosis
• Anticarcinogenic for prostate, breast, skin,
  colon, tongue, and bladder cancers.

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Dosage Side effects

• Takes 70 lbs of seeds to obtain 1 lb of 70-80
  silymarin extract.
• Dosages are given in between 400-480 mg that vary
  according to weight.
• Adverse effects are very rare, but included
• gastro-intestinal disturbance
• mild allergic reactions
• not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding
  women

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Conclusion

• Milk thistle is clinically effective in
  detoxifying and protecting the liver.
• It has been used for over 2000 years as an herbal
  tonic.
• Seems advantageous and a healthy investment for
  college kids who beat up their liver all too
  often.

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Questions?