Milk Thistle Benefits

Milk thistle is a plant that grows in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. The seeds from this plant, also sometimes called holy thistle, produce a substance called silymarin. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that milk thistle provides a number of health benefits when used as an herbal supplement (see Resources).

Forms

Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules.

Lower Cholesterol

According to the NCCAM, studies have shown that some people who take milk thistle have drops in their cholesterol levels.

Slows Cancer

Milk thistle has antioxidant properties that protect healthy cells in your body and also heal sick cells. This herb has been shown to slow the growth of several reproductive cancers, including those of the breast, cervix and prostate.

Helps Diabetics

Diabetics who are insulin resistant may experience a decrease of their resistance with the addition of milk thistle to their daily regimens.

Additional Studies

Trials are underway with NCCAM and other governmental agencies to determine the benefits of milk thistle in relation to liver damage and HIV. According to NCCAM, some preliminary studies show that there may be a link between milk thistle and hepatitis C.

Resources

• NCCAM's information about milk thistle

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