As a liver support andliveraid, milk thistle acts as a powerful liver cleanser by rebuilding liver cells, reducing liver damage and removing toxins from the body that are processed through the liver. Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. Solhi H, Ghahremani R, Kazemifar AM, Hoseini Yazdi Z. Silymarin in treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized clinical trial. Something important to keep in mind, however, is that existing studies on possible heart benefits of milk thistle have only been done involving people with diabetes, who tend to have high cholesterol levels. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Eating raw garlic may protect against liver cancer. Many herbs, including some on this list, may be unsafe for those with certain liver conditions. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. According to the National Institute of Health, theres some compelling research that shows that taking silymarin, the main chemical found in milk thistle, along with conventional treatments, can help control symptoms of type 2 diabetes by promoting better blood sugar control. Artichoke leaves and roots contain compounds that stimulate bile flow and reduce fat concentration. These noninvasive imaging tests look for hardening or stiffening of the liver. Milk thistle. Wah Kheong C, Nik Mustapha NR, Mahadeva S. A randomized trial of silymarin for the treatment ofnonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This article reviews what milk thistle is and, Milk thistle tea is said to protect the liver, stimulate breast milk production, and lower blood sugar levels. This is problematic because they can become more solid and get lodged in the inner lining of your gallbladder. are clickable links to these studies. Agents that suppress VEGF are called angiogenesis inhibitors and, according to a study published in the April 2006 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, green tea is one of them. Its green leaves have white streaks on them and if crushed, they discharge a milky white liquid . Silymarin is considered an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil is a potent antiseptic that has been shown to be effective in reducing cysts. There may be no symptoms until adulthood. Ginger root is a popular culinary ingredient and also commonly used as a medicinal treatment for many health conditions, including liver disease. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Still, its unclear whether these cases were due to the contamination of curcumin products or the products themselves (40). If you purchase or grow a milk thistle plant, cut off the entire head and hang the plant upside down for about one week to draw out the seeds. The Truth Behind the Top 10 Dietary Supplements. Because milk thistle is categorized as a supplement rather than a drug, its not subject to the same oversight and quality control from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that standard drugs are. This is a somewhat high dose that can act as a natural liver detox. These include ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. While drinking green tea is considered safe for most people, in rare cases, green tea extract supplements have been linked to acute liver injury (32). We have 11 reasons why you should add it to your. Studies show that silymarin may helpease inflammation and promote cell repair. Often, a target heart rate is 60% to 80% your maximum heart rate, so it would be 102-136 for the 50 year-old in the example. In test-tube and animal studies, silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, which could help prevent mental decline (16, 17). Swallow the capsule or pill with a glass of water. The silymarin found inmilk thistle can also protect against depletion of glutathione, which is a master antioxidant thats extremely useful at helping prevent disease formation. The actual leaves of the plant also have a spotted white pattern that makes them look as if theyve been dunked in milk. It was also observed that the curcumin treatment significantly improved NAFLD severity, compared with the placebo group (39). Eating it can lead to liver damage and even liver failure. Ginseng may help protect against liver damage and is generally considered safe. Although it isnt technically an herb, green tea and its main polyphenol compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are often included in literature reviews focusing on herbal remedies for liver conditions (28). Plus, ginger may help protect your liver against toxins like alcohol (48, 49). Myths and facts about this essential organ. Its loaded with medicinal compounds, including saponins, isoflavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have powerful therapeutic properties (56). Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. diarrhea vomiting How to get rid of gallstones naturally Although there is no reliable evidence that these remedies work, the following treatments are popular natural alternatives to medical. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. The active complex of MT is a lipophilic extract from the seeds of the plant and is composed of three isomer flavonolignans (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin) collectively known as silymarin. 236 likes, 3 comments - Dr. Vincent Esposito (@drvincentesposito) on Instagram: "Everything you put in your body must go through the liver at one point or another. 2018;67(1):328-357. doi: 10.1002/hep.29367, Stine JG, Schreibman I, Navabi S, et al. However, other studies dont show any effect against another liver disease: hepatitis C, which is a viral infection. People with NAFLD who supplemented with 2 grams of ginger for 12 weeks experienced significant reductions in ALT, GGT, inflammatory markers, and fat accumulation in the liver, compared with a placebo group (47). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Treatment with milk thistle appears to be safe and well tolerated. However, there are currently no human studies, so its effectiveness remains unclear. Do not take dandelion preparations without talking to your doctor if you have diabetes, use antacids, or take antibiotics or medications for bipolar disorder because of possible herb-drug interactions. Use 5-7 drops 1x per day. Although research on this topic is limited, because of milk thistles ability to increase bile flow, protect against liver conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and promote liver detoxification, it may be useful in the prevention of gallstones. But the evidence is limited, and some research methodologies are flawed, so it's difficult to confirm these. A study in 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) found that supplementing with 500 mg of green tea extract per day for 90 days significantly reduced the liver damage markers ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (29). In fact, Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides was the first to describe milk thistles healing properties back in the year 40 A.D. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. To apply tea tree oil, mix a few drops of it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the cyst. Summary Milk thistle may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, though more high-quality studies are needed. Research shows that milk thistle extracts are nontoxic inhibitors to cancer cell cycles, effectively blocking cancer growth. Diabetes and Liver Disease: What Is the Relationship? Whats more, 51% of the participants in the garlic group showed improvements in the severity of liver fat accumulation, compared with just 16% of the control group (42). Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb native to Europe, Asia Minor and Northern Africa that has been used widely to treat liver disease. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle. . This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Its generally considered safe and hasnt been associated with liver injury. 2020;18. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100560, Wijarnpreecha K, Thongprayoon C, Ungprasert P. Coffee consumption and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines: Thomas Brendler, et al. AST and ALT are important markers of liver damage, so lower levels of liver enzymes indicate a healthier liver. Polycystic liver disease (PLD): This is a genetic (inherited) disease occurring in around 1 in 10,000 people. In the May 2010 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology, scientists discuss the effects of two polysaccharides from dandelion that significantly decrease the activity of certain enzymes responsible for producing inflammation and liver lesions. Although more research is needed on how it works, milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Yes, fatty liver can be reversed or at least controlled, but the treatment will vary based on the cause. Fortunately, there are some fatty liver home remedies that may help to slow progression of the illness and reverse some of the damage, even if they do not cure it. Its herbal remedy is known as milk thistle extract. Review/update the Milk thistle. Often occurring in people who are overweight or obese, fatty liver has been linked to diabetes, high levels of blood fats, and insulin resistance. Another 12-week study in 80 people with NAFLD observed that those who took 500 mg of green tea extract daily experienced significant improvements in AST, ALT, and inflammatory markers, compared with a placebo. Its sometimes called silymarin, which is one of the main components of the plants seeds. Thanks to the antioxidant content of milk thistle, the herb may actually help slow the aging process. Raw garlic and garlic powder have liver-protective properties and may improve liver health in those with NAFLD. The most common side effects arent serious and include gastrointestinal upset, such as a mild laxative effect. But exercise appears to help NAFLD and NASH, even without significant weight loss. An allergic reaction is more common in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. When you just have excess fat stored in your liver, it is referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects (1). Milk thistle may be useful in treating liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. These include: Summary Milk thistle is generally considered safe. A study in people with NAFLD demonstrated that daily treatment with 500 mg of a curcumin product for 8 weeks significantly reduced liver fat content and levels of AST and ALT, compared with a placebo group (38). Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) is a flowering plant that comes from the same family . As a liver support and aid, milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier. Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. 2013;5:11-16. doi: 10.2147/HMER.S41258. More studies are needed before it can be determined how silymarin might be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It's estimated that rates of NAFLD may be 90% in obese people and 50% in people with diabetes. The evidence that milk thistle is an effective treatment for liver disease is conflicting . You can see why liver problems and poor liver function can create so many problems! Its been discovered that one of the compounds in milk thistle may work similarly to some diabetic medications by helping improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar (43). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. The main active component in licorice root is the saponin compound glycyrrhizin, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to treat many ailments, including liver disease (33). Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. George ES, Forsyth A, Itsiopoulos C, et al. Summary Milk thistle extract may help protect the liver against damage caused by disease or poisoning, though more research is needed. 1. It also holds free radicals in check. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. information submitted for this request. Foods with high amounts of sugar or alcohol can contribute to fatty liver disease. However, how it affects humans is currently unknown. However, this is the only clinical study available. Liver disease is treated in a number of ways, including medication, nutritional therapy, immunotherapy, lifestyle change, surgical resection, and even liver transplant in end stage liver disease (6, 7, 8, 9). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Ask your healthcare provider before stopping any medication, starting a supplement, or starting an exercise plan. ( 94 , 146-148) A 12-week study in 46 people with NAFLD found that supplementing with 1,500 mg of ginger powder per day significantly reduced ALT, total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP), compared with placebo treatment (46). Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage (9). Milk thistle might also help prevent insulin resistance and slow the growth of cancer, among other benefits. Here are a few key things you can do to keep your liver healthy. include protected health information. Likely a consequence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth, many people with chronic liver disease may have difficulty digesting dairy. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating Itchiness Headache However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims. There are a variety of milk thistle products available, and the seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant can be consumed either in pill, powder, tincture, extract or tea form. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) However, many with liver disease unknowingly fall into the same category. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ginger is generally considered safe, even for those with liver conditions. Interestingly, one study found that people with acne who took 210 milligrams of silymarin per day for 8 weeks experienced a 53% decrease in acne lesions (42). Although raw garlic is generally considered safe, concentrated garlic supplements may induce liver injury in some people (45). Danshen is a substance thats commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. This content does not have an English version. American Liver Foundation. All rights reserved. Limit fructose in processed foods and avoid sweetened drinks. privacy practices. How Does Cirrhosis Affect Life Expectancy? It also inhibits toxins from dwelling in the body, helps with cell renewal and counteracts the harmful effects of pollutants, chemicals and heavy metals that can cause free radical damage. But beware: Many fad detox diets are highly restrictive and may only use smoothies, juices, or other gimmicks. All rights reserved. Whats more, some people are more sensitive to licorice, and the chronic use of licorice products can result in dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure and low blood levels of potassium (36).