Milk thistle is a plant known for a very long time, although in our region it has only been gaining more and more popularity in recent times.
It is used both in medicine and in health supplements, as well as in cooking, as an addition to various dishes, salads, and even bread. What makes it so special in the context of health? Check it out!
Milk thistle – introduction
Milk thistle is a plant from the Asteraceae family and, like thistle, it is characterized by purple flowers. For this reason, it is very often confused with the mentioned weed. Milk thistle, however, has leaves decorated with white spots. It originates from the Mediterranean region.
In traditional medicine, the properties of the herb have been used for a very long time, although it only began to gain popularity relatively recently. Even so, very few people are still aware of its effects and its potential use to benefit the body.
The main active substance of the plant is considered to be silymarin, used mainly for liver conditions. Therefore, it is no coincidence that milk thistle has gained a reputation as an excellent detoxifying agent, used for problems and damage to the organ caused by toxins.
Milk thistle and the benefits of taking it
The use of milk thistle is associated with its good antioxidant effect. It therefore protects the body against the destructive action of aggressive free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS).
This is all the more important because an imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant processes - in favor of the latter - may, over time, manifest itself in cell damage. For example, it can lead to the clumping of erythrocytes (red blood cells), which in turn leads to their destruction. Milk thistle, or more precisely the silymarin present in it, reduces oxidative stress and helps maintain balance.
Even so, the plant is valued primarily for its detoxifying properties. It has been used for liver damage caused by toxic factors.
An undeniable benefit is the stimulation of liver glutathione synthesis by silymarin. It is worth mentioning that this compound includes silybin, silychristin, and silydianin – three flavonoids that enhance detoxification of the liver.
Studies confirm that it is able to protect the liver parenchyma and liver cells against dangerous toxins, considered poisons. For example, it protects against and speeds up the removal of the amatoxin of the death cap mushroom from the body.
Interestingly, it works similarly in the case of alcohol and has been used in therapies for people struggling with diseases and damage caused by alcohol abuse. It also stimulates the production of new liver cells. It should also be mentioned that milk thistle has been used for detoxification purposes and liver regeneration also in the case of other problems, such as:
- drug / medication abuse,
- drugs,
- improper use of antibiotics,
- effects of pesticides,
- fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
What is more, the regenerative and protective effect of milk thistle is not limited only to the liver, although that is mainly what silymarin is known for. It also concerns kidney cells and the functioning of the organ. Its use also slows down aging processes and reduces the risk of gallstones by improving bile flow / circulation.
Interestingly, some sources indicate that milk thistle is indirectly able to reduce the risk of uterine fibroids thanks to stabilizing the hormonal balance disrupted as a result of liver problems. It also has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system – it is attributed with antihemorrhagic action and strengthening of blood vessel walls. Its use may reduce the risk of clot formation.
It is also worth mentioning its beneficial effect on glycemia, which unfortunately many people have problems with. Using milk thistle may increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin and contribute to better renewal of pancreatic beta cells.
Silymarin may be a good option in diabetes therapies and
insulin resistance. Studies have noted improvement in parameters in people who cannot take high doses of statins and who struggle with glycemic problems.
In addition to its strong antioxidant potential, it has anti-inflammatory effects and has a beneficial effect on the immune system. What other properties are worth highlighting?
- beneficial effect on the digestive system,
- it is attributed with anticancer effects,
- it improves the condition and appearance of the skin,
- it lowers cholesterol levels,
- by affecting the liver, it improves fat metabolism,
- it alleviates PCOS symptoms,
- it reduces side effects resulting from strong pharmacotherapy.
Finally, it should be mentioned that people taking statins should approach milk thistle supplementation with caution. The same applies to blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Some sources confirm that silymarin reduces the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes.
