Herb Profile: Milk Thistle

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Milk Thistle, a herb celebrated for its remarkable healing properties for the liver, anti-inflammatory benefits, and anti-cancer effects. For centuries, Milk Thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, has been revered as a natural remedy for various liver ailments, earning it the title of "liver herb." However, its benefits extend beyond liver health, with emerging research highlighting its potential in colon cancer prevention and blood sugar regulation. We will delve into the science behind Milk Thistle, exploring its historical uses, medicinal compounds, and how it could support your well-being. Whether you're seeking to boost liver function or explore its anti-cancer properties, Milk Thistle may hold the key to enhancing your health naturally.

LIVER FUNCTION

The largest regenerating organ of the body is the liver which comes with a lot of responsibility. The primary function of the liver is to change food into energy while it neutralizes and detoxes toxic substances in the body. Your digestion doesn’t stand a chance of having a normal function without a healthy liver producing the necessary bile. 

Milk Thistle is high in chromium, healthy fat, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, tin, and zinc. Studies have shown that people who suffer from liver disease, and especially those who are alcoholics, are low on vitamin D. You can get vitamin D by getting some healthy exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D helps your liver properly convert and store various phosphorus compounds for proper liver function. This particular function helps the liver manage glucose. When the liver has excessive glycogen the lipid levels increase and clog the liver. Vitamin D is also responsible for regulating calcium and cellular integrity in the body. Foods High in Vitamin D are; cod liver oil – 1 T per day, herring or Mackerel – 3 oz., sardines – 3 oz., tuna 3- oz., milk - 1 cup, and eggs – 1 large.

LIVER HEALTH RISKS

Many health risks can affect the liver; viruses such as hepatitis, drugs, alcohol, poisons, and cancer. Liver disease can scar liver tissue causing cirrhosis of the liver in which at least 80% of the cases are preventable. A sure sign that the liver is sick is the yellowing of the skin also known as jaundice.  Nearly 10 out of 100,000 die from chronic liver disease and it is avoidable. More than 2 million Americans have alcohol-related liver disease. That works out to about 30,000 deaths annually from the disease. We’re told there are 3.5 million suffering from hepatitis C causing approximately 12,000 deaths annually when some within scientific medicine say there is no such thing as Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B affects 46,000, increases the risk of liver cancer by 100% and causes roughly 5,000 deaths annually. 

A very disturbing statistic is that liver transplants are on the rise for children. If you contract hepatitis, your physician can only advise you to rest and refrain from anything that can further damage the liver; such as drinking alcohol or taking prescription or recreational drugs. If you have cirrhosis of the liver the most your doctor can do is offer relief from complications. If you eat something poisonous, such as amanita mushrooms, all your doctor can do is wait until the fatal consequences have run it’s course. Luckily Milk Thistle has been used as an aid to the liver for centuries.

MILK THISTLE FOR INFLAMMATION

Scientific medicine often prescribes chemotherapy to people with liver cancer and in 2009 a study revealed that Milk Thistle herb reduces the inflammation in the liver and protects it from further damage from chemo. However, scientific medicine looks over the healing properties of Milk Thistle and recommends potent doses of chemotherapy that can do more harm than good to our bodies. This study made it into the journal Cancer and American Cancer Society.

“Chemotherapy drugs cause inflammation in the liver and often doctors have to discontinue treatments. Despite limited knowledge of Milk Thistle herb, medicine has begun to use the herb to reduce inflammation.” Dr. Kara Kelly, NY Presbyterian Hospital

SKIN CANCER STUDY

Another study by the University of Colorado in 2013, found that Milk Thistle kills skin cells that have been mutated by UVA radiation and helps protect the skin from damage. This research and another similar study were published in the journal Molecular Carcinogenesis.

“When you have a cell affected by UV radiation, you either want to repair it or kill it so that it cannot go on to cause cancer. We show that the Milk Thistle that contains silibinin does both.” Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, Cancer Prevention and Control CU Cancer Center 

ANTI-CANCER HERB

In 2007, a research team discovered that Milk Thistle has an anti-cancer effect. The plant’s compounds (silibinin) suppress the growth of cancer cells in the liver. The study results were published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Researchers are trying to isolate Milk Thistle's compounds to make a drug for Hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Of course, the whole-food version of Milk Thistle does not have any adverse side effects like pharmaceutical options. Here is what the report observed on the action Milk Thistle had towards cancer cells:

• Reduced number of cancer cells
• Stopped the spread of cancer cells
• Stopped the replication of cancer cells
• Altered the cell structure and increased the death of cancer cells

“We discovered that Milk Thistle with silibinin; a biologic compound, has been a widely used folk remedy for liver disease for centuries and it is safe and well-tolerated by the body. It protects the liver from drug and alcohol injury. We are looking to manufacture a defined chemical from Milk Thistle for prescription use.” Dr. Ke-Qin Hu,  physician of hepatology, University of California  

“I am convinced that the scientific results show that Milk Thistle can be used to PREVENT liver cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide. This has opened our minds to the possibility of testing other herbal supplements for possible cancer treatments.” Dr. Ke-Qin Hu,  physician of hepatology, University of California  

In 2015, research began at the Max Planck Institute in Munich on using Milk Thistle for brain tumors. Researchers were looking for a non-invasive way to treat brain tumors, especially cancer of the pituitary gland. They discovered that harmless silibinin in Milk Thistle has no side effects and avoids poisoning the patient with chemodrugs. The research was published in the journal Nature Medicine.

“The silibinin in Milk Thistle is the major active compound and has an outstanding safety profile in humans, which is already being used in the treatment of liver disease.” Marcelo Paez-Pereda, scientist,  Max Planck Institute in Munich

In 2016, St. Louis University studied the effects of Milk Thistle on colon cancer. The researchers discovered that the compound silymarin in Milk Thistle inhibits the spread of colon cancer cells and increases their cell death. The research was published in the Journal of Cancer. In this study, curcumin was added to the Milk Thistle and it seemed to magnify the healing properties of Milk Thistle.

“The combination of the herbs phytochemicals inhibited the cancer cells from multiplying and spreading. In addition, the cancer cells underwent a high amount cell death to kill the cancer. This is an alternative therapeutic approach to cancer treatments to avoid the toxicity of chemotherapy. I do believe that these plant chemicals can be an effective treatment in preventing colon cancer.” Uthayashanker Ezekiel, PhD Biomedical Sciences, St. Louis University

MILK THISTLE AND DIABETES

In 2006, research was underway to discover the health benefits of Milk Thistle for those with diabetes. The research was published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal. The scientists focused on the antioxidants in the plant (silymarin) which they found significantly lowers sugar that binds to the blood and reduces fasting blood sugar levels. The researchers used medical texts from the John Wiley & Sons archives, which is a resource for medical texts, journals, and other educational materials.

“We don’t know the exact mechanism of action in the Milk Thistle but the research shows that silymarin can play an important role in treating type II diabetes.” Fallah Huseini, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Iran

ANCIENT USE

In the 17th-centruy the British herbalist Nicholas Culpeper used Milk Thistle herb for jaundice and liver disease. The 1st-century Roman physician Pliny published writings about how amazing milk thistle was in helping the body “carry off bile” aiding both the liver and gall bladder in their functions. Homeopaths have used small amounts of milk thistle for liver disorders, gallstones, and varicose veins.  

PAIRINGS

There is a difference between the quality of Milk Thistle and isolated chemicals from Milk Thistle and users should investigate where Milk Thistle is sourced from. We recommend a certified Tilth Standard organic, whole-food tincture of Milk Thistle that was produced with no heat and is naturally aged for the highest quality and potency.

It has been a long understanding that it is usually more than one medicinal herb or natural therapy that helps the body bounce back and heal itself. For instance, science is discovering when you use Milk Thistle with other herbs it can magnify its action. You can do the same with immune system-boosting herbs. We recommend these herbs to pair with Milk Thistle:

• Astragalus Root
• Dandelion Root
• Diabetic Formula and Fenugreek Formula

In conclusion, Milk Thistle stands as a botanical powerhouse with an array of healing properties, offering support for liver health, anti-cancer effects, and even aid in managing diabetes. Its rich history as a medicinal herb is reinforced by modern scientific research, which continues to unveil its therapeutic potential. Whether you're seeking to fortify your liver against the stresses of modern life, explore natural approaches to cancer prevention and treatment, or manage diabetes more effectively, Milk Thistle presents itself as a valuable herb on your journey to optimal health. Embracing the benefits of this versatile herb could be a significant step towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

Give your liver the support it needs with our Milk Thistle.

*The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Seek medical advice from a licensed medical physician before using any product or therapy.*

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130130143636.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215172325.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071114111149.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160722154454.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061030071127.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124022.htm