4 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle

You might have heard about milk thistle, a prickly herb whose leaves have white veins. It can  help your liver flush out toxins after a night of drinking. It is widely available as a  supplement and is available in powder, capsules, and extract forms. 

Milk thistle is a weed-like plant native to the Mediterranean region that blooms purple. The  fruit extract has the same health benefits as the seed extract. 

Milk thistle has long been used as a natural remedy for liver health and the plant is also  claimed to have other benefits for your health. Why is that? Silymarin is the main active  ingredient in milk thistle dried fruit, which is a flavonoid complex. The antioxidant  properties of silymarin may help prevent the oxidation of healthy cells. Silymarin is a  flavonoids complex composed of silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. It is thought to help fight  free radicals in the liver due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Thistle benefits are  attributed to the active ingredient Silymarin, which is found in milk thistle. 

Here's a look at the science behind these claims to see if there is a reason to boost your  confidence in this supplement. 

Helps Reduce Cholesterol (5) 

A high level of cholesterol can have a negative effect on heart health as well as increase a  person's chances of suffering a stroke. There has been some research suggesting that milk  thistle can reduce blood cholesterol levels, although there is no conclusive evidence to  support this. 

According to one study published in 2006, provides evidence that milk thistle may  contribute to lowering cholesterol levels. The study found that people taking milk thistle to  treat diabetes had lower cholesterol levels than those taking a placebo. 

Promotes Liver Health (3,4) 

Milk thistle is known for supporting the liver and protecting it against harmful free radicals.  A powerful antioxidant compound, silymarin, is believed to protect the liver from free  radical damage. A study done in 2006 confirmed the potential benefits of milk thistle in  improving diet-induced liver damage. One of the largest organs in the body, the liver is  responsible for detoxifying toxic substances. It protects the liver's numerous hepatic cell  membranes and slows toxins from being absorbed into the liver. Milk thistle may protect  your liver from various effects of alcohol. 

Helps Controls Diabetes (1) 

The milk thistle is an herbal remedy that can assist you in managing diabetes on a  complimentary basis. Milk thistle contains several plant compounds proven to improve  insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. The silymarin compound in milk thistle  reduces fasting blood sugars and maintains a normal HbA1C level. Furthermore, milk thistle  has a powerful antioxidant effect that reduces the risk of diabetic kidney disease. According  to a study published in 2014 that looked at both animal and human studies, milk thistle has  "demonstrated beneficial effects on diabetic complications, including diabetic neuropathy,  diabetic nephropathy, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, due mostly to its anti-oxidant properties. 

Promotes lactation (2) 

In lactating women, milk thistle is a proven natural remedy for increasing milk production.  According to two reviews, milk thistle (and fenugreek) is recommended for use as  galactagogues for milk production. Traditional methods for administration include taking 1- 3g of the crushed seeds (encapsulated) or crushing the seeds and preparing tea from them. A single study has been conducted using 420mg of micronized Silymarin which increased  milk production by 64% on day 30 of supplementation compared to 22% in the placebo  group, with increased measurements on day 63 of 86% and 32%. Thus, it has shown to help  improve the lactation and that is why it is also known as a galactogogue.