Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle or Silybum Marianum is an annual or biennial thistle like plant. ^{[1, 2]} Milk thistle is also named as Mary thistle, ^{[2, 3, 4]} or Wild Artichoke ^{[2, 3]} or Holy Thistle. ^{[2, 3]} Milk thistle belongs to genus Silybum Adans and family (Asteraceae). Milk thistle is inhabitant to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. ^[5] Leaves of milk thistle plant are green shiny and pointed, while flowers are solitary or not found in bunches and reddish- purple in color. ^[2] Seeds, leaves as well as fruit all are useful for healing purposes ^{[2, 3]} and especially produce pronounced effects on liver health. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

Milk thistle is a leader in historically used and trusted herbs. It is as successful for liver health that it has become a synonym for liver health and production of bile. ^[4] Historical events suggest that seeds of milk thistle are used for 2000 years for liver health. ^[5] Another extensively useful effect of milk thistle is its assistance of milk production in nursing women. ^[2] Active ingredient of milk thistle is Silymarin. ^{[2, 6]}

Milk thistle has used extensively and globally since early years till modern day by million of people and has established its encouraging effects on good health and liver functions. ^[4]

Milk thistle arrives as rescue for liver problems and it is a good supporter for liver health. As food additive, it is liver friendly in many regards.

Most central among liver benefits is that it maintains the level of glutathione that lessens the effect of harmful chemicals in liver. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]}

It also supports liver cell’s regeneration. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]}

Silymarin—the active ingredient of Milk Thistle shows its beneficial effects during harms of liver associated with germs. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]}

It is cooperative for improvement from chemical dependency. Supplementing milk thistle safely removes the accumulated toxins from liver due to any drug abuse. ^{[1, 2, 4, 5, 6]}

It prevents the incidence of acne, blemishes and other skin problems that are due to lack of cleansing thus promotes skin health. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]}

Milk thistle gives digestive support and acts beneficially for release of digestive juice. ^{[1, 4]}

It also provides favorable effects on gallbladder health and bile production. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]}

Milk thistle is a humble herb that maintains bowel movement. ^[3]

Use of milk thistle herb is good for kidney and adrenal problems. ^[3]

Milk thistle also shows its beneficial effects during longstanding problems associated with breast, ^{[3, 5]} prostate ^{[3, 5]} and cervix. ^[5]

Milk thistle herb also gives its wholesome effects during problems of vein. ^[1]

It is also provides support to defense mechanism of body. ^[3]

Milk thistle also gives its beneficial effects on blood sugar level and cholesterol level. ^[5]

1. Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.) (1994) Max Wichtl Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Page No. 122 and 124. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers.
2. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No.244, 245, 246, 267 and 248. New York: Gramercy Books.
3. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 103. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery
4. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 88, 89, 90 and 91. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_thistle
6. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 28, 208 and 376. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
7. DR. Richard Firshein (1998) The Nutraceutical Revolution. Page No. 6, 83 and 197. London: Vermilion.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.

Milk Thistle Extract (60 caps) by Thompson

Milk Thistle Seed (1 Oz) by NOW Foods

Our entire range of Milk Thistle