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Milk Thistle: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk Thistle ( Silybum marinum ) is a tall plant with a thistle-like appearance. Native to Europe, it now grows in North America. Although several parts of the plant may be used in herbal remedies, the active medicinal ingredients are concentrated in the seeds. Silymarin is a term used to describe three similar compounds considered primarily responsible for the plant's medicinal action. Milk Thistle has been used traditionally to treat liver conditions such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
This is a cheap, easily bought herb that contains a substance called sylimarin that is known to help the liver. It is routinely prescribed in other parts of Europe and is believed to help the liver cells regenerate themselves. Many people in the UK take milk thistle to help the liver; it is not believed to have any toxic effects. However it should never be taken while on treatment as it can speed up the liver metabolism meaning the medication doesn't last as long as it should in the bloodstream. ...
The seeds, fruit, and leaves of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) have been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years. The Roman writer Pliny the Elder, who live from A.D. 23 to 79, reported that the juice of milk thistle mixed with honey "could carry off bile. " In Europe, the herb was widely used up through the early twentieth century for the treatment of liver ailments, as well as insufficient lactation.

Is there research on milk thistle?

There have been more than 100 scientific investigations and more than dozen double-blind clinical studies on milk thistle.

What are the active compounds in Milk Thistle?

Milk Thistle fruit contains a mixture of flavonoids referred to as silymarin. The main constituents of silymarin are silybin, silydianin and silychristin. These flavonoids are believed to be the active compounds in Milk Thistle plant material.

What does Milk Thistle do?

Herb- Milk Thistle Herb has been used medicinally by some people for functional disorders of the liver and gallbladder. . It has been considered especially helpful in cases jaundice, colitis, pleurisy, and diseases of the spleen. Fruit- Milk Thistle Fruit has been used by some for the treatment of dyspeptic symptoms, loss of appetite, liver and gall bladder complaints including inflammation of the gall bladder duct, toxic liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis. ...

How does milk thistle work?

Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. We are constantly exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, pesticides, and other chemicals in our air, food, and water. This is in addition to the toxins that our bodies produce as by-products of our own metabolism. All these toxins produce free radicals, which cause cell damage. They can, however, be neutralized by substances called antioxidants. Two major antioxidants produced by the body, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are greatly enhanced by silymarin. ...
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. We are constantly exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, pesticides, and other chemicals in our air, food, and water. This is in addition to the toxins that our bodies produce as by-products of our own metabolism. All these toxins produce free radicals, which cause cell damage. They can, however, be neutralized by substances called antioxidants. Two major antioxidants produced by the body, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are greatly enhanced by silymarin. ...
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. We are constantly exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, pesticides, and other chemicals in our air, food, and water. This is in addition to the toxins that our bodies produce as by-products of our own metabolism. All these toxins produce free radicals, which cause cell damage. They can, however, be neutralized by substances called antioxidants. Two major antioxidants produced by the body, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are greatly enhanced by silymarin. ...

Is Maximum Milk Thistle™ safe?

The German Commission E Monographs (considered by doctors to be the bible of herbal effectiveness and safety) states there are no known contraindications for using milk thistle extract. Additionally, there is no known toxicity level. One study has noted that an ingredient in milk thistle can inhibit the bacterial enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, which helps oral contraceptives work. ...
Clinical studies have shown it to be so non-toxic that it can even be used by pregnant or nursing women with no harmful effects. The German Commission E Monographs (considered by doctors to be the bible of herbal effectiveness and safety) states there are no known contraindications for using milk thistle extract. Additionally, there is no known toxicity level. Although rare, one study noted that an ingredient in milk thistle may inhibit the bacterial enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, which helps oral contraceptives work. ...

How much more absorbable is Maximum Milk Thistle™ compared to milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin?

Clinical studies have shown the Phytosome® form used in Maximum Milk Thistle™ to be eight to ten times more absorbable. This means you would need that much more of the other to achieve the same level of protection in your liver.

What potential benefits does Milk Thistle have on the body?

Flavonoids isolated from Milk Thistle have been shown to have an important role in the maintenance of liver health.

Who manufactures Siliphos®, the active ingredient in MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™?

An internationally respected European medicinal/botanical research company is the developer, patent holder and manufacturer. They have been on the forefront of herbal medicinals since 1921. Each year, they sell more than 2,000 pounds of Siliphos®, the world's most highly effective natural liver protector. We purchase the raw material directly from the manufacturer and encapsulate and bottle MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ in state-of-the-art facilities in the United States.

Are there any contraindications to using Maximum Milk Thistle™?

According to the clinical data, there is no medical reason not to take milk thistle extract of any kind. (See the answer to the first question dealing with safety, especially the information on the German Commission E Monographs).

Can I take milk thistle?

Milk thistle contains a chemical, silymarin, which has potential antioxidant effect. In a few studies of patients with liver disease, these products have resulted in improvement in liver enzymes. Additionally, there is always some concern about impurities that may be contained in food supplements, the manufacture of which is not rigorously regulated. Most hepatologist do not prescribe milk thistle, but allow their patients to use this unproven therapy if they wish.

Do you have a product with milk thistle in it?

Answer New Roots Herbal's Liver formula has 250 mg of milk thistle (80% Silymarin). This is the highest quality, most potent and effective form of milk extract available, standardized with the greatest concentration of naturally balanced active principles. Silymarin neutralizes the toxic effects of alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen overdose and many other toxic substances. Silymarin also enhances protein synthesis and cellular regeneration. It inhibits inflammatory enzymes and is also a potent antioxidant. ...

What do I need to watch out for with Milk Thistle Fruit and Herb?

Read labels carefully before purchasing. There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients needed to be of any therapeutic value. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Is MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ available in health food stores?

MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ is currently available only through LiverSupport.com . That helps us to keep costs down to make the product more affordable for you. You are essentially paying the wholesale price store owners would pay if this were offered for sale through health food stores. You can currenly get products in health food stores that contain the same patented raw material, but they are much more expensive.
Maximum Milk Thistle™ is currently available only through LiverSupport.com (a Natural Wellness® Company). That helps us to keep costs down to make the product more affordable for you. You are essentially paying the wholesale price store owners would pay if this were offered for sale through health food stores. You can currently get products in health food stores that contain the same patented raw material, but they are much more expensive.

Who manufactures Silybin Phytosome, the active ingredient in Maximum Milk Thistle™?

An internationally respected European medicinal/botanical research company is the developer, patent holder and manufacturer. They have been on the forefront of herbal medicinals since 1921. They sell over 2,000 pounds of Silybin Phytosome, the world's most highly effective natural liver protector, each year. We purchase the raw material directly from the manufacturer and encapsulate and bottle Maximum Milk Thistle™ in state-of-the-art facilities in the U.S.A.

Should I take Maximum Milk Thistle™ with meals or between meals?

Other milk thistle products recommend you take them with meals because they hope it will increase absorption. Because Maximum Milk Thistle™ is created through the Phytosome® process (where one molecule of silybin is bound to two molecules of phosphatidylcholine) the body recognizes it as a food and easily assimilates it (takes it in) on its own. We, therefore, recommend it be taken between meals so it can be digested and absorbed on its own for maximum delivery to the liver. ...

How long can I safely take Maximum Milk Thistle™?

The clinical studies showed no detrimental effect from long–term usage. In fact, they indicated a sustained beneficial effect with long–term usage. So, for as long as you want to provide protection to your liver, you can take Maximum Milk Thistle™.

Does any milk thistle extract actually kill hepatitis viruses?

Milk thistle has no anti-viral effects. It has been scientifically shown to protect liver cells from damage and help to regenerate liver cells. For tens of thousands of people worldwide with liver concerns this is reason enough to take milk thistle products on a daily basis.
Milk thistle has no anti-viral effects. It has been scientifically shown to protect liver cells from damage and help to regenerate liver cells. For tens of thousands of people worldwide with liver concerns this is reason enough to take milk thistle products on a daily basis. Can MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ reverse cirrhosis of the liver? Milk thistle is not intended to treat any condition or disease. It has been shown in clinical studies to protect liver cells from damage and help regenerate liver cells. ...

Can Maximum Milk Thistle™ reverse cirrhosis of the liver?

Milk thistle is not intended to treat any condition or disease. It has been shown in clinical studies to protect liver cells from damage and help regenerate liver cells. Cirrhosis is generally considered an irreversible condition that can sometimes be slowed or halted depending upon the severity and cause. For example, cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption can sometimes be stopped in its tracks by the complete removal of alcohol from the diet. This you need to discuss with your primary healthcare provider.

What side effects may I notice from taking Milk Thistle Fruit and Herb?

Side effects from correctly administered Milk Thistle usage are thought to be rare and it is usually considered to have a low toxicity. The following side effect usually does not require medical attention (however stop usage and report it to your health care professional if it continues, is bothersome or worsens): Laxative effect- mild (from increased bile secretion)

Can you tell me a little more about Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is indigenous to the South of Europe however today it can be found growing around the world. It is naturalized in most of Europe and North America. Its usage historically has been as a liver tonic and regenerative. It is an annual or biennial herb that grows to 5 feet high. It is a tenacious herb that can be cultivated easily in sunny gardens. It has an erect stem with alternate wavy, clasping lanceolate leaves at the top and indented-pinnatisect sessile lower leaves. ...

I’ve heard people mention milk thistle, whats it for?

Milk Thistle helps to protect and detoxify the liver, and is highly recommended on any designer steroid cycle. A dose of 800mg-1g per day is recommended throughout the cycle and PCT.

Can I take MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ if I am on Interferon® or Rebetron® therapy?

There are no known interactions with milk thistle and other drugs or herbs. You may want to educate your primary healthcare provider and alert them to the fact that milk thistle has been shown to lower elevated enzyme levels by protecting liver cells. This way they can be aware that MAXIMUM MILK THISTLE™ could very well contribute to lower enzyme levels. They may want to take that into account while evaluating clinical progress.
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