Customer question:
Does milk thistle help in liver regeneration? Question from an anonymous forum customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Milk Thistle is a traditional herbal medicine that alleviates dyspepsia and some digestive disorders. Nevertheless, it is not available on the Slovenian market as a medicine but as a dietary supplement.
Ripe fruits and their preparations, mainly highly concentrated dry extracts, are suitable for use. Pharmacologically, the essential active ingredients of Milk thistle are flavonoids, flavonolignans (silymarin), and fatty oil.
The use of standardized milk thistle preparations in chronic inflammatory liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis) and degenerative processes such as liver cirrhosis is scientifically recognized. In the case of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption, liver values normalize faster when taking preparations containing extracts of Milk thistle. In addition, milk thistle in any form of preparation alleviates digestive problems.
The tea made from Milk Thistle's fruits relieves digestion and gall bladder problems. Still, the effect of regenerating the liver and the protective effect have been scientifically confirmed only for the concentrated preparation. The daily dose of the extract is 400 mg at the beginning and 200 mg in the continuation of the treatment.
Can spot thistles be dangerous?
If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding Milk thistle. Namely, milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). People allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are more at risk.
Milk thistle inhibits certain liver enzymes to a lesser extent, but according to the data, it does not affect the metabolism of other drugs. Nevertheless, caution is advised when taking Milk thistle and other medicines simultaneously.
People with diabetes or endometriosis should consult a doctor before using milk thistle. While milk thistle has traditionally been used in pregnant and lactating women, its safety is unknown. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using milk thistle. Milk thistle is not recommended for children.
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