In an observational study of over 1,000 people with hepatitis C, those with the more severe forms of the disease who used silymarin were less likely to experience cirrhosis, but the effect was not clinically significant [25]. In one clinical trial, 60 people with benign polyps in the colon (which often develop into colon cancer) took a herbal blend with milk thistle, a flaxseed antioxidant, and oat fiber for 2 months before colonoscopy. Many studies were only done in animals or in cells. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. The effects of milk thistle on cancer were only researched in animals and cells. They are also looking at its effects on weight-associated genes, such as SIRT1, PPAR alpha, and Pgc-1alpha in cells and tissues [73, 74]. Milk thistle is known to contain a number of flavonolignans. I am Sharing my experience, I consulted few doctors and wasted huge amount, Recently I found one of the specialized forum about ED Solution, They referred one of the best guides and I started to implement all the method and apply their techniques, It helps me to overcome from ED naturally, if you looking for natural solution check this product this will help you. In another trial of 51 people with type 2 diabetes, 4 months of silymarin (600 mg/day) added to standard therapy reduced both short- and long-term blood sugar markers (fasting blood glucose and HbA1C) [8]. Milk thistle with rosemary increased semen quality, boosted antioxidant status, fertility, and sexual performance in rabbits [95]. Most of them fail to pass further animal studies or clinical trials due to a lack of bioavailability, safety, or efficacy. This does not speak to the benefits of milk thistle but more likely shows that people who tend to actively seek ways to improve their health and well-being feel better. Silybin reduced iron absorption in 10 people with a genetic disorder that causes iron buildup and overload (Hemochromatosis) [58]. They are continually monitored by our internal peer-review process and if we see anyone making material science errors, we don't let them write for us again. Silymarin reduced iron overload (in combination with desferrioxamine) in 49 people with β-thalassemia, one of the most common genetic disorders [59]. Purported Health Benefits of Milk Thistle. It’s still uncertain whether milk thistle has any acne-soothing effects. Like some herbs, milk thistle contains trace compounds that can interfere with our hormone, especially estrogen. SelfDecode provides recommendations that are personalized based on YOUR genes to help you stay healthy and avoid infections from viruses like COVID-19! In one clinical trial, silymarin (210 mg/day) for 8 weeks in people on dialysis reduced inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-alpha [2]. Still, no evidence backs them up. In a trial of 14 people, a combination of silymarin (210 mg/day), N-acetylcysteine, and Selenium reduced acne after 8 weeks by 53% [55]. Two rigorously-designed studies found no benefit [5]. Some alternative practitioners claim that occasional detoxes may be helpful even in people not exposed to any specific toxins. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) concluded that little is known about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted [5]. Silymarin (450 mg/day) didn’t affect liver function in a clinical trial of 60 people with alcoholic liver disease after 6 months. Although milk thistle has been used traditionally by pregnant women to increase milk production, the safety of supplementation in pregnant women is unknown. A plus sign next to the number “[1+, 2+, etc...]” means that the information is found within the full scientific study rather than the abstract. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. In a clinical trial of 50 children with leukemia, milk thistle use was linked with potentially reduced liver toxicity after 1 month. No solid evidence backs them up, however. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc.] Animal research is also investigating the effects of silybin on prostate cancer and breast tumors [102, 103, 104, 105]. We evaluated the effect of silymarin, on … Since milk thistle also has estrogen-like effects, its effects on fertility in men would need to be studied well in humans. Silybin sped up wound healing in rats possibly by affecting genes that help the skin rejuvenate. No clinical evidence supports the use of milk thistle for any of the conditions listed in this section. In a survey of 32 people who received liver transplants, those who used milk thistle and other herbal products had better problem-solving skills, considered the supplement investment worthwhile, and reported better overall health [41]. A combination of Milk thistle (Silymarin) and selenium reduced markers of prostate cancer worsening (LDL and total cholesterol) in 19 men who previously had their prostate removed [98]. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please leave a comment or contact us at [email protected]. The liver breaks down and helps eliminate all harmful substances, both from waste products produced in the body and those that enter via food and environment.