Many people already know milk thistle as a medicinal plant – and rightly so. Already in ancient times, it was used against a variety of ailments. Even today, it is highly valued and is particularly well-regarded as a superfood and medicinal plant in naturopathy and modern medicine. In this article, you will learn exactly what is behind milk thistle, what health-promoting properties it possesses, and what the study situation looks like.
Table of Contents
Where does milk thistle actually come from?
At first glance, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is very pretty to look at: its wavy, large, green leaves with white marbling and its purple flowers visually distinguish milk thistle from other thistle species. The thorns help it protect itself from attackers and harmful influences.
Botanically, milk thistle belongs to the daisy family and therefore likes sunny and dry conditions. The medicinal plant originated in the Mediterranean region, although it can now be found on all continents. According to tradition, milk thistle got its Latin name Silybum marianum because Mary, while breastfeeding the baby Jesus, let a few drops of her breast milk fall onto the leaves. According to legend, these drops of milk formed the marbling on the leaves. Milk thistle is therefore also called milk thistle, among other names. Other common names include Frauendistel, Christdistel, Heiligdistel, or Marienkörner.
What makes milk thistle a superfood?
The reason why milk thistle is considered a superfood is very simple: compared to conventional fruits and vegetables, superfoods are known to be particularly rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Due to the high media attention, the hype around superfoods has increased rapidly in a very short time. In this context, the popularity of milk thistle also grew after it was increasingly brought back into focus by the health and nutrition industry. Milk thistle is therefore considered a valuable superfood due to its antioxidant properties and positive effects on the liver and can be consumed in various ways. You can find out more about superfoods and their properties here: Superfoods: Hype or health enrichment?
The most common method of consuming milk thistle superfood is through dietary supplements in the form of capsules or powder. These preparations contain a controlled dose of silymarin – the active ingredient of milk thistle. This allows for optimal dosing and integration into the daily routine. Alternatively, milk thistle can also be consumed as a tea. However, the dosage here is very low. The distinctive taste of milk thistle in the form of cold-pressed oil is also often used in the kitchen to refine salads. The cosmetic industry has also recognized the benefits of milk thistle: many creams and oils contain extracts from milk thistle to provide the skin with important nutrients. Especially the contained vitamin E is known to promote skin health and significantly support skin care. The skin is sufficiently supplied with moisture.
Another exciting way to enjoy the active ingredient of milk thistle is to consume milk thistle seeds and kernels. These can simply be added to bowls or smoothies. If you are considering taking a highly concentrated form of milk thistle, we recommend consulting a doctor beforehand to avoid possible interactions or side effects.
Active ingredient Silymarin
In addition to the leaves and flowers of milk thistle, the seeds are most commonly used in medicine. They contain the majority of the active ingredient silymarin, which is known for milk thistle's liver-protective properties. The main active ingredients of milk thistle belong to the group of flavonoids. Flavonoids are secondary plant compounds. Secondary plant compounds protect plants in nature from external influences and from the animal world. Flavonoids are said to have immune-strengthening and antioxidant properties. The seeds of milk thistle contain the primary flavonoids silybin A and B, silydianin, and silychristin. These flavonoids together form the flavonoid complex silymarin.
Silymarin is associated with the following positive effects:
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant properties
- blood sugar-lowering
- liver-supporting and regenerating
- cholesterol-lowering
- digestive
- blood pressure regulating
Properties and study situation
Numerous studies confirm that milk thistle has protective properties against toxic substances. According to literature, the superfood is considered hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventive. The active ingredient silymarin has the ability to fight against biological toxins such as mycotoxins and bacterial toxins, as well as chemical toxins such as fluoride, metals, and pesticides. 1
In addition to more general studies, there are also numerous specific investigations that deal with the effect of milk thistle on certain diseases. We would like to introduce some of these studies to you now:
Milk thistle and liver
The liver is the primary metabolic organ in our body. Without it, we would not be able to survive. Among other things, it is responsible for detoxifying our body, producing bile, which plays an important role in the digestive process, and for utilizing and storing nutrients.
The active ingredient silymarin has been used for centuries to treat liver diseases. Numerous preclinical data suggest that silymarin can counteract oxidative stress and thus reduce cytotoxicity. This helps to protect intact liver cells or cells that are not irreversibly damaged. Clinical studies have observed these liver-protective effects in patients with alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as in patients with cirrhosis. In one study, treatment with silymarin significantly reduced liver-related deaths. It was also found that in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and diabetes, silymarin could improve glycemic parameters. The optimal time for the treatment of fatty liver disease and other liver diseases with silymarin should be as early as possible. 2
Milk Thistle and Immune System
A study was conducted on quails to show that milk thistle has positive effects on the immune system. Even the consumption of 0.5% and 1% milk thistle powder added to the feed was enough to improve blood values, including albumin (a specific protein produced by the liver) and total protein. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the plasma was improved. Overall, it was observed that silymarin in the quails' diet increased vitamin D3, calcium, and albumin levels, as well as the number of white blood cells. 3 These factors enable an improvement in the immune system.
Milk thistle and digestion
Our digestion is an extremely complex and sensitive process. It helps us to utilize food and the nutrients it contains. The tannins and bitter substances in milk thistle seeds can promote and positively influence digestion. Tannins are considered anti-inflammatory and are used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal inflammation and complaints. The bitter substances contained stimulate the production of stomach and bile acid. Together, they support our digestive function.
Milk Thistle and High Blood Pressure
In this study, the effect of silymarin on high blood pressure was investigated in rats. Rats were administered DOCA-salt, a substance that induces high blood pressure. Subsequently, they received silymarin in two different doses (300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). During this time, blood pressure and heart rate were regularly measured. It was shown that silymarin significantly reduced the heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and basal blood pressure of the rats. 4 In summary, silymarin has the ability to lower high blood pressure. This allows blood pressure to be better controlled and monitored.
Milk Thistle and Blood Sugar
The aim of the following study was to evaluate, using a meta-analysis, the effect of silymarin supplementation on metabolism and oxidative stress in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results clearly showed that silymarin can help to reduce fasting blood glucose, insulin, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and malondialdehyde. The "good" HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, could be increased.5
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Synergy between Milk Thistle and Artichoke
Milk thistle and artichoke are often found in combination in dietary supplements. There's a reason for this: it enhances the synergy of the active ingredients, which can improve the positive properties for digestion and liver. Silymarin supports liver cells and their regeneration, while artichoke promotes bile acid production and facilitates nutrient utilization. Together, these powerful plants can unleash their full combined strength and be used particularly for liver diseases or to support detoxification measures. When should milk thistle preparations not be taken?
Generally, milk thistle intake is considered well-tolerated. In rare cases, however, side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints may occur. These usually subside after the dosage has been reduced. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with liver and gallbladder diseases, should not take milk thistle preparations. If you have any questions, you can consult your doctor. Milk thistle preparations can also interact with liver medications. In addition, milk thistle can enhance the effect of medications responsible for lowering blood sugar. Therefore, here too: caution is better than indulgence!
Conclusion
If you want to actively support your liver, milk thistle - ideally in combination with artichoke - is an optimal option for you. Especially for digestive complaints, to improve liver and gallbladder health, and for high blood pressure, supplementing with a suitable preparation can certainly make sense.
Sources:
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Fanoudi S, Alavi MS, Karimi G, Hosseinzadeh H. Milk thistle (Silybum Marianum) as an antidote or a protective agent against natural or chemical toxicities: a review. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2020 May;43(3):240-254. doi: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1485687. Epub 2018 Jul 22. PMID: 30033764.
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Gillessen A, Schmidt HH. Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther. 2020 Apr;37(4):1279-1301. doi: 10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y. Epub 2020 Feb 17. PMID: 32065376; PMCID: PMC7140758.
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Khazaei R, Seidavi A, Bouyeh M. A review on the mechanisms of the effect of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals. Vet Med Sci. 2022 Jan;8(1):289-301. doi: 10.1002/vms3.641. Epub 2021 Oct 2. PMID: 34599793; PMCID: PMC8788984.
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Jadhav, G.B., Upasani, C.D. Antihypertensive effect of Silymarin on DOCA salt induced hypertension in unilateral nephrectomized rats. Orient Pharm Exp Med 11, 101–106 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-011-0018-2
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Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Mohammadi H, Symonds M, Miraghajani M. The effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:311-319. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.010. Epub 2018 Sep 3. PMID: 30477860.
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