Benefits of Milk Thistle:

Milk thistle has been a traditional treatment for various illnesses, such as gallbladder and liver disorders, jaundice, neurological disorders, and even, cancer. It was also consumed to promote breast milk production and to protect the liver from alcohol, snake bites, and other environmental poisons. Silymarin, which constitutes more than 60% of milk thistle, is known to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

It is promoted as a dietary supplement having the following evidence-based benefits:

(i) Milk thistle aids in defending the liver against fibrosis, inflammation, and other illnesses, as well as other poisons. Furthermore, it regenerates liver cells and aids in the reduction of liver fat.

(ii) Milk thistle may aid in reducing age-related deterioration in brain function as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it aids in the treatment of depression.

(iii) Milk thistle may help reduce bone loss in women following menopause and has the potential to protect the body's bones.

(iv) Silymarin in milk thistle, which has antioxidant effects, may have some anticancer effects which may help in the treatment of cancer patients. Additionally, it may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in some cancers and even kill some cancer cells in others.

(v) Milk thistle has the potential to produce a milk-producing hormone called prolactin, and thus, may increase breast milk production in lactating mothers.

(vi) Milk thistle possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus, may help in treating acne.

(vii) The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle, may also reduce the risk of kidney diseases.

(viii) Milk thistle helps to control type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar.

(ix) The toxin from dangerous mushrooms can be neutralized by milk thistle.

(x) Varicose veins and enlarged prostate glands may both be lessened by milk thistle.

(xi) Through lowering LDL cholesterol levels, milk thistle may also prove to be advantageous for the heart.

(xii) Additionally, milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for the treatment of cirrhosis, diabetes, hepatitis, jaundice, and other illnesses.

Milk thistle is generally considered safe when consumed orally. However, pregnant women, people allergic to the milk thistle plant, people with diabetes, and people having breast cancer, are required to be cautious while consuming milk thistle supplements.

References :

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12216075/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7140758/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3959115/

https://www.drberg.com/blog/silymarin-in-milk-thistle-is-a-powerhouse-for-the-liver