Description
Milk Thistle is treated by farmers as a noxious weed, and by herbalists as a sacred gift. Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, this plant has become well established in the U.S., Australia, and other parts of the world. Like other thistles it is best known for its thorny spines that discourage close contact. It can be distinguished from other thistles (Carduus spp. and Cirsium spp., etc.) by having white veins on the dark green leaves.

Science
There have been hundreds of studies on the effects of silybin, the most active ingredient in Milk Thistle. Silybin is part of the structure of silymarin, a flavoligan found in Milk Thistle. Most of the studies have shown a decidedly beneficial effect of silybin on the liver. In cases a liver damage due to cirrhosis or hepatitis, silybin has been shown to help heal the damage by stimulating detoxification reactions in the cells through increased concentrations of intracellular glutathione. Moreover, silybin has been shown to protect the liver from environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs and even chemotherapy. Amazingly, silybin has also been used as an antidote to the poison found in the Deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides).

Animal studies have also suggested that Milk Thistle may help protect against non-melanoma skin cancer. In one study, the incidence of new tumors due to Ultraviolet-B light exposure was cut in half in animals receiving silymarin. This may be due to the fact that silybin interferes with the action of a specific enzyme, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) that has been linked to skin cancers. It may also be due to silybin's anti-oxidant properties. Studies have shown that silybin is a stronger anti-oxidant than either vitamin C or E.

Despite these many studies, Milk Thistle has not been shown to have any side effects, and there are no known interactions with other medications.

Dosage
Most Milk Thistles extracts (which are made from the plant's seed) have a potency of 80% silymarin concentration. At this level, 300 to 600 mg is the usual daily dose.

Folklore
There are recorded references to Milk Thistle's medicinal properties going all the way back to the first century A.D., and the plant was undoubtedly well known and used prior to that. It was recognized even in those days as a restorant for the liver. Early Christians dedicated the plant to Mary, hence the Marianus in its scientific title. Herbalists also used this herb to treat vericose veins and as a treatment for depression. It was also said to stimulate breast-milk production, and aid in treating menstrual difficulties.

Common Sense - would dictate that we can all benefit from this herb, which has no known deleterious effects, yet shows such great restorative, preventative and anti-oxidant properties. Those who drink alcohol, have had hepatitis, take medications that can harm the liver, or who are often exposed to the sun's UVB radiation, are especially encouraged to take a regular prophylactic dose of this wonderful herb. The most common capsules or caplets have a low dosage and the makers recommend taking two or three times per day, but if there is no reason to suspect liver problems, one per day may be enough -- just use common sense and adjust the dosage according to your situation!