MILK THISTLE EXTRACT 

(Silybum Adans)

For many centuries extracts of milk thistle have been recognized as “liver tonics”. Milk thistle has been reported to have protective effects on the liver and to greatly improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), toxin-induced liver damage including the prevention of severe liver damage from Amanita phalloides (‘death cap’ mushroom poisoning), and gallbladder disorders.

Beside benefits for liver disease, other unproven treatment claims include:

Lowering cholesterol levels.

Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis

Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers

Used in many products claiming to reduce the effects of a hangover

Reducing liver damaging effects of chemotherapeutic drugs

Clinical study has shown that liver function tests can be improved in active hepatitis patients

Silymarin may have use, potentially, in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy