Milk Thistle Action on the Liver

Because FDA in the United States does not regulate herbal and dietary supplements, manufacturers of dietary supplements cannot make any claims about their safety or effectiveness. However, most herbalists suggest that Milk Thistle’s protective action on the liver may occur through the following mechanisms²:

• Milk Thistle may deflect toxins from entering the liver by strengthening the outer protective membrane of liver cells
• Milk Thistle may protect the liver from potentially dangerous free radical damage produced as a result of the body’s basic metabolic functions
• Milk Thistle may stimulate the production of new liver cells to replace damaged cells

Research on Milk Thistle Benefits

Milk Thistle continues to be used today primarily to aid in normal liver function and research trends appear to point to increased effectiveness of Milk Thistle at higher rather than lower doses16. Some of the research findings on Milk Thistle include:

• The active ingredient in Milk Thistle, Silymarin, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells^3,4,5.
• Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and may increase survival in people with alcohol induced liver damage or chronic hepatitis^1,6,7.
• The active ingredient in Milk Thistle, Silymarin, has been found to help protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses^1,8,9.
• There is some evidence to support the potential utility of Milk Thistle in the treatment of viral hepatitis¹⁰ – although Milk Thistle does not appear to have any anti-viral properties, it likely helps with viral hepatitis by helping the body maintain optimal liver enzymes.
• Based on traditional uses, Milk Thistle is used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by Death-Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides). When taken within the first 10 minutes of ingestion, Milk thistle extract is thought to completely counteract the effects of the mushroom and intravenous administration within 48 hours is believed to significantly reduce the risk of liver damage and death^8,9,11.
• Researchers at The Cochrane Collaboration, an international network of people helping healthcare providers and patients make well-informed decisions about their health by preparing, in their review of Milk Thistle, concluded that not only is Milk Thistle perfectly safe, but it provides marked hepato-protective effects.
• Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) approved the use of milk thistle fruit (the part of the plant that contains silymarin) as a treatment for toxic liver disease and a supportive treatment for chronic inflammatory liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver¹².

Ongoing Research on Milk Thistle Uses & Benefits
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institute of Health, the following research studies are currently being undertaken to better understand the relevance, usefulness, and effectiveness of Milk Thistle for liver and other health conditions.

• NCCAM-funded research to better understand the use of milk thistle for preventing and reversing complications of chronic hepatitis C
• NCCAM-funded research to investigate the usefulness of Silymarin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in people who did not respond to conventional antiviral therapy
• NCCAM also supports studies that test the safety and tolerability of different dosages of Silymarin in people with hepatitis C.
• Research co-funded by NCCAM and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases to examine the usefulness of Milk Thistle for chronic hepatitis C and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (a fatty liver disease that occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol)
• Research by the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Nursing Research to explore the role of Milk Thistle in cancer prevention and in the treatment of complications in HIV patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Thistle

How do I know if I need to take Milk Thistle?
Liver is one of the largest organs in our body, second only to the skin, and responsible for over 500 vital functions including, but not limited to, breaking down food, insulin, hormones and medications, synthesizing proteins, metabolizing carbohydrates and lipids (including regulating cholesterol levels), red blood cell production during the first trimester of pregnancy, and emulsifying fats using bile, among others. It follows that, over time, the liver may become tired and sluggish and this can impact overall well being. Taking Milk Thistle as part of a healthy daily regimen can help maintain optimal liver health and protect the liver from free radical cell damage and damages caused by environmental toxins.

What is the active ingredient in Milk Thistle?
The active ingredient in the Milk Thistle plant, the one that is thought to have protective benefits for the liver, is known as Silymarin. Silymarin is actually a group of flavonoids, including Silibinin, Silidianin, and Silicristin, which are thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin has antioxidant properties and is believed to keep new liver cells from being destroyed by toxins and help support healthy inflammation response. This may explain why Milk Thistle is often recommended for people with inflammation of the liver¹. Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant and standardized to contain 80% of the active ingredient, Silymarin.

How long before I notice any benefits?
Herbal medicines are best taken as a dietary supplement on a preventative basis to minimize the risks of developing serious health issues in the future. To enjoy the full spectrum of health benefits that herbal supplements have to offer, please take them at the recommended dosage under the supervision of your health care provider. Depending on the reason(s) for which you plan to take Milk Thistle, it can take, at minimum, 6 weeks or more to notice any benefits.

About Pharma Thistle Gold™

Is Pharma Thistle Gold™ a standardized herbal extract?
Yes. Pharma Thistle Gold™ is a standardized, pure extract of the seeds of the Milk Thistle plant. In fact, Pharma Thistle Gold™ features the only Milk Thistle extract in the world that is standardized to contain all six isomers of Milk Thistle outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia.

Does Pharma Thistle Gold™ have any side effects or interactions?
Pharma Thistle Gold™ features a plant extract and is generally well tolerated. It is approved and prescribed for use in most European countries to treat a host of liver conditions for almost 30 years. In rare cases, a mild laxative action has occasionally been observed, which can be minimized by taking Pharma Thistle Gold™ during or right after a meal.

Pharma Thistle Gold™ should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is possible that taking Pharma Thistle Gold™ with other prescription medications may potentially increase or decrease the effectiveness of those medications and/or increase or decrease side effects associated with prescription medications. Please talk to your healthcare provider first and exercise extreme caution if you are currently taking or planning to take Pharma Thistle Gold™ with one or more prescriptions medications.

Is Pharma Thistle Gold™ safe for long-term use?
Pharma Thistle Gold™ is generally regarded as safe at the recommended dosages and there have been no reports of toxicity when taken over a long period of time.

How does Pharma Thistle Gold™ compare to other standard preparations of Milk Thistle?
Pharma Thistle Gold™ by Nutrigold^® is superior to other standard Milk Thistle preparations in the following ways:

• Pharma Thistle Gold™ is formulated using the most clinically validated Milk Thistle extract in the world. Period!
• Extract used in Pharma Thistle Gold™ has been the subject of over 200 clinical studies
• Two times more bioavailable than competing Milk Thistle extracts currently available
• The only extract to be standardized to all six isomers of Silymarin, consistent with United States Pharmacopeia specifications
• Features the same extract as the one used in a prescribed liver medication approved for therapeutic use to treat a host of liver conditions in many European countries
• Clinical strength formulation of 175 mg in each vegetarian capsule
• Guaranteed purity, potency, stability, solubility, structure, and bioactivity
• Free of GMOs, heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxins, bacteria, and common allergens

Pharma Thistle Gold™ and Health Benefits

Can individuals with alcohol-induced liver damage take Pharma Thistle Gold™?
When alcohol is consumed for extended periods of time, it can produce liver scarring, commonly known as cirrhosis or end-stage alcoholic liver disease. Alcoholic liver disease is often progressive and may eventually lead to liver failure.

The first line of defense against alcoholic liver disease is stopping the consumption of alcohol – this is the only known way to help halt or reverse liver damage. Pharma Thistle Gold™'s antioxidant properties may be beneficial in neutralizing the oxidants generated by alcohol that can potentially damage the liver, but it is always recommended to consult a licensed healthcare provider about your medical condition before taking any nutritional supplements.

Can Pharma Thistle Gold™ be taken for elevated liver enzymes?
Elevated liver enzymes are an indication that your liver is inflamed and there is some damage to the liver cells and their membranes. Damage to liver cells can occur for any number of reasons including, but not limited to, fatty liver, alcohol induced liver damage, prolonged use of OTC drugs or antibiotics, synthetic HRT, viral liver infections, and toxins in our environment including those in the air we breathe, water we drink, and foods we eat.

Pharma Thistle Gold™ may help the body manage elevated liver enzymes by possibly strengthening the outer protective membrane of liver cells and deflecting toxins from entering the liver. However, if you have or suspect your liver enzymes are elevated, please talk to your healthcare provider right away. Elevated liver enzymes is a serious liver condition and self-medication with OTC drugs or nutritional supplements is strongly discouraged.

Can individuals with Hepatitis C take Pharma Thistle Gold™?
Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus or HCV. People who are newly infected have what is called acute hepatitis C and most people with acute hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis C, which can injure the liver over time. While some individuals with acute Hepatitis C show no symptoms for many years, others experience mild or more serious symptoms.

Although there is some evidence to support the usefulness of Milk Thistle for supporting optimal liver function and improving the overall quality of life, always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any nutritional supplements for a medical condition. Supplements, including Pharma Thistle Gold™, are best when taken on a preventative basis as part of a health maintenance program.

Is Milk Thistle helpful for individuals with cancer or undergoing cancer treatments?
While no evidence based on human trials exists to support the usefulness of Milk Thistle in the treatment of cancer, there is some evidence to suggest that Milk Thistle could allow patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer to take potent doses of chemotherapy without damaging their liver¹. So, if you or someone you know is either currently undergoing or needs to undergo chemotherapy, please discuss the option of taking Milk Thistle to help minimize the damage to the liver from the chemotherapy with your healthcare provider.

Milk Thistle Research References

This list is currently being updated. Please check back soon.

*Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of supplementation. The statements and product information on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

How to check for high liver enzyme levels:

How are healthy people evaluated for mild to moderate rises in aminotransferase levels?
Evaluation of healthy patients with abnormal liver enzymes needs to be individualized. A doctor may ask for blood test data from old records for comparison. If no old records are available, the doctor may repeat blood tests in weeks to months to see whether these abnormalities persist. The doctor will search for risk factors for hepatitis B and C including sexual exposures, history of blood transfusions, injectable drug use, and occupational exposure to blood products. A family history of liver disease may raise the possibility of inherited diseases such as hemachromatosis, Wilson's disease, or alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

The pattern of liver enzyme abnormalities can provide useful clues to the cause of the liver disease. For example, the majority of patients with alcoholic liver disease have enzyme levels that are not as high as the levels reached with acute viral hepatitis and the AST tends to be above the ALT. Thus, in alcoholic liver disease, AST is usually under 300 units/liter while the ALT is usually under 100 units/ liter.

If alcohol or medication is responsible for the abnormal liver enzyme levels, stopping alcohol or the medication (under a doctor's supervision only) should bring the enzyme levels to normal or near normal levels in weeks to months. If obesity is suspected as the cause of fatty liver, weight reduction of 5% to 10% should also bring the liver enzyme levels to normal or near normal levels.

If abnormal liver enzymes persist despite abstinence from alcohol, weight reduction and stopping certain suspected drugs, blood tests can be performed to help diagnose treatable liver diseases. The blood can be tested for the presence of hepatitis B and C virus and their related antibodies. Blood levels of iron, iron saturation, and ferritin (another measure of the amount of iron stored in the body) are usually elevated in patients with hemachromatosis. Blood levels of a substance called ceruloplasmin are usually decreased inpatients with Wilson's disease. Blood levels of certain antibodies (anti-nuclear antibody or ANA, anti-smooth muscle antibody, and anti-liver and kidney microsome antibody) are elevated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Ultrasound and CAT scan of the abdomen are sometimes used to exclude tumors in the liver or other conditions such as gallstones or tumors obstructing the ducts that drain the liver.

Liver biopsy is a procedure where a needle is inserted through the skin over the right upper abdomen to obtain a thin strand of liver tissue to be examined under a microscope. The procedure is oftentimes performed after ultrasound study has located the liver. Not everybody with abnormal liver enzymes needs a liver biopsy. The doctor will usually recommend this procedure if 1) the information obtained from the liver biopsy will likely be helpful in planning treatment, 2) the doctor needs to know the extent and severity of liver inflammation/damage, or 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Liver biopsy is most useful in confirming a diagnosis of a potentially treatable condition. These potentially treatable liver diseases include chronic hepatitis B and C, hemachromatosis, Wilson's disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

How about monitoring liver enzyme levels?
What is usually most helpful is serial testing of AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) over time to determine whether the levels are going up, staying stable, or going down. For example, patients undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis C should be monitored with serial liver enzyme tests. Those responding to treatment will experience lowering of liver enzyme levels to normal or near normal levels. Those who develop relapse of hepatitis C after completion of treatment will usually develop abnormal liver enzyme levels again.

Know your Liver:

• Liver is the biggest and the most complex organ in the body with more than 500 functions
• The liver is an "incredible chemical factory," producing many important chemical compounds needed to survive, such as bile, albumin, blood clotting factors, cholesterol, Vitamin E.
• Converts amino acids (proteins) and lipids into glucose, a complex process catalyzed by a series of enzymes
• Plays a major role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, an important source of energy for the brain, heart and muscles.
• Performs numerous other functions such as regulating lipids or metabolizing prescribed and over the counter drugs, alcohol, and many other ingested chemicals such as caffeine, etc.
• Helps digest the food we eat and assists in ridding our body of many toxins.
• Eliminates various harmful chemicals from the body. Treats about 1,300 ml of blood per minute, thereby acting as the body's "garbage disposal."

Liver dysfunctions may take many forms

• 4,000,000 people have Hepatitis C in the United States, causing 10,000 deaths every year.
• Cirrhosis of the liver is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States - kills 25,000 people per year.
• Commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins (e.g. Lipitor), among many other chemical drugs, are known to be toxic to the liver.
• Widely taken OTC medications are not as safe as they seem. For example, Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be toxic to the liver and its toxicity can be accentuated by alcohol.
• The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, notes that in one year, hospitals treated over 26,765 patients for alcohol toxicity and another 16,635 for Acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity.
• Fatigue, aches, and pain in joints and muscles, frequent headaches, stress and appetite fluctuations may be signs of an over-worked liver.