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Milk Thistle
Description: Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for over 2000 years to treat conditions relating to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. It is known to regenerate damaged liver cells,1 and has long been used to counteract liver damage caused by alcohol.2
Milk Thistle is often used by lactating women to increase milk supply. It is also safe for use during pregnancy, and can help ease itching caused by poor gallbladder function.3
Milk Thistle flavonoids appear the most effective herb in the treatment of hepatitis.4 When combined with Phosphatidyl Choline, it appears even more effective.
The Milk Thistle flavenoid, which is called Silymarin, must be taken in a minimum dosage of 240 mg daily.5 It may help decrease the rate of liver damage.6 However, silymarin may not be helpful in the treatment of hepatitis C.7

Useful in treatment of: hepatitis, pregnancy and Post Partum.

Recommended Dosage: 240 mg daily. Alternatively, 12 to 15 grams steeped into a tea.

Contraindications: None.

References:

1Sonnenbichler J, Zetl I. Stimulating influence of a flavonolignan derivative on proliferation, RNA synthesis and protein synthesis in liver cells. In Assessment and Management of Hepatobiliary Disease, ed. L Okolicsanyi, G Csomos, G Crepaldi. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1987, 265–72.
2Leng-Peschlowe. Alchohol-related liver diseases-use of Legalon®. Z Klin Med 1994;2:22–27.
3Reyes H. The spectrum of liver and gastrointestinal disease seen in cholestasis of pregnancy. Gastroert Clin N Am 1992;21:905–21.
4Magliulo E, Gagliardi B, Fiori GP. Results of a double blind study on the effect of silymarin in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis carried out at two medical centres. Med Klin 1978;73:1060–65 [in German].
5Vailati A, Aristia L, Sozze E, et al. Randomized open study of the dose-affect relationship of a short course of IdB 1016 in patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis. Fitoterapia 1993;64:219–27.
6Buzzelli G, Moscarella S, Giusti A, et al. A pilot study on the liver protective effect of silybinphosphatidylcholine complex (IdB 1016) in chronic active hepatitis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1993;31:456–60.
7Lirussi F, Okolicsanyi L. Cytoprotection in the nineties: Experience with ursodeoxycholic acid and silymarin in chronic liver disease. Acta Physiol Hung 1992;80:363–67.
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