Milk thistle has been used since the time of Dioscorides, who used it to treat snake bites. Its importance throughout history is such that it appears in biblical texts and is sometimes known as “Saint Mary thistle”.
This common plant that can be found in open fields, has accumulated a great amount of empirical evidence over the years, mainly for its use in liver and biliary conditions.
Today, thanks to scientific advances, we can confirm what empirical evidence has indicated: milk thistle is a great ally for the liver.
Components
The "secret" of this plant's properties is found in its seed-shaped fruits: silymarin. This flavolignan complex includes silybin, which is especially interesting.
Prominent effects
Hepatic protection against toxins. It has proven to be useful in poisoning by certain drugs, alcohol or even by ingestion of Amanita phalloides.
Liver regeneration: It stimulates protein synthesis and contributes to the formation of new liver cells.
Powerful antioxidant. It acts as a free radical scavenger and increases liver glutathione levels.
Stimulates the synthesis and secretion of bile.
In animals, a reduction in hepatic cholesterol has been observed.
When choosing a milk thistle supplement, it is important to consider the amount of silymarin or silybin it contains, as its bioavailability is low. In addition, its consumption in the form of an infusion is not recommended because silymarin is poorly soluble in water.
If you want me to help you find your natural balance, do not hesitate to make an acupuncture and naturopathy appointment with me.
I remind you that this information is for informative purposes only, and that I am not a medical doctor :)
References used in this article:
Federico, A., Dallio, M., & Loguercio, C. (2017). Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years. Molecules, 22(2), 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22020191
Bijak, M. (2017). Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaernt.)—Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism. Molecules, 22(11), 1942. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111942
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