Date Published: 11th July 2007
Bookmark and Share Republish The Herb Skullcap - Side Effects and Benefits
Author: Alien RSS Views: 2458 PRINT ASK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Other Common Names of Skullcap: Blue, greater, hairy, hooded, american, european western, maddog and side-flowering skullcap. It has also been called helmet flower, blue pimpernel, quaker bonnet, hooded willow flower, mad-dog weed, mad weed, hoodwort or hoodwart.
Habitat: This herb is often found in partially shaded, wetland areas. It prefers light shade to full sun and wet to moist soil with plenty of organic matter. This perennial herb is native to North America and has been cultivated in Europe.
Plant Description: Skullcap grows to a height of 45 to 60 centimeters tall. It has a light green to reddish-green square stem with occasional branches. The leaves measure 7.5 centimeters long by 5 centimeters across and are coarsely serrated around the edges. The blue-lavender flowers are hooded, tube shaped and two-lipped. The upper lip forms a hood and the lower lip has two lobes. This plant blooms from May to August. The flowers are replaced by a two chamber seed pod containing 4 seeds. The roots system consists of a taproot and rhizomes.
Plant Parts Used: The flowers and the leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.
Therapeutic and Tradtitional Uses, Benefits and Claims of Skullcap
* Skullcap was used by some Native American tribes as an emmenagogue to bring young girls into womanhood.
* It was also traditionally used to bring on visions (in large doses) during spiritual ceremonies.
* It was once used as a treatment for rabies and schizophrenia (hence the names maddog skullcap, maddog weed, and mad weed.)
* This plant is also a nervine with sedative qualities and is helpful in the treatment of many nervous conditions such as epilepsy, hysteria, anxiety, and delirium tremens. It has also been found useful in treating symptoms of withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers.
* Medicinal infusions of this herb have been used to promote menstruation.
* An infusion of skullcap may also be helpful in treating throat infections and, due to its anti-spasmodic and sedative effects, it is also great for treating headaches from stress, neuralgia, and from incessant coughing.
* This herb can also be used to induce sleep naturally without the negative effects of many prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.
* Skullcap is gaining some recognition as an alternative treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
* This plant is sometimes used to treat the symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa, fibromyalgia and even mild Tourette’s syndrome.
* Skullcap is also used as a herbal treatment for asthma and as a hiccup and hangover remedy.
Dosage and Administration
Skullcap is available in powder or liquid extract form and as a dried herb. It is commonly sold in capsule form as well. The recommended dosage for adults is 1 to 2 grams of the dried herb, 2 to 3 cups of tea, 2 to 4 mL of the liquid extract three times daily, or 2 to 5 mL of the tincture three times daily. Skullcap may be used in children in small doses. The best method of delivery is a mild tea. The child’s physician should be consulted before use. To make a medicinal tea try adding one pint of boiling water to 1 oz. of the dried herb and steep for 10 minutes. This can be served in ½ cup servings every few hours. For children, add 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp. of dried leaves and steep only 2 minutes, to yield a milder tea.
Potential Side Effects of Skullcap
Overdose symptoms include giddiness, stupor, confusion, irregular heartbeat and twitching. This herb should not be used by women who are pregnant, since it may cause a miscarriage.
Some supplements have been tainted with plants of the Teucrium species, which have been shown to cause liver damage. It is important to seek skullcap from reputable sources.
There have been no documented cases of negative interactions with other herbs or medications, it does have a sedative effect and should not be combined with prescription sedatives.
Alien writes for Aloe vera benefits . He also writes for asthma medication and
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_185327_17.html
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Organic Liquid Lecithin
Botanical Name- Derived from Soy Beans (Glycine max)
Origin- USA
Extraction- Gummed Soybeans
Shelf life- 18-24 months
Notes- No solvents were used in the extraction of this organic liquid Lecithin. It is currently listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as a multi purpose food additive. Stores well under most conditions but extremes in temperature may cause a loss in quality. Ideal storage conditions are no less than 40 degrees and no higher than 100 degrees. Liquid Lecithin is a thick viscous semi solid resembling molasses and it may become further liquefied using a double boiler, microwave oven, or you may set your container in a pot of simmering water for 10-20 minutes. The line of lecithin offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes. Organic Soy lecithin contains a natural mixture of triglycerides, phospholipids and glycolipids with a small amount of carbohydrates.
Specifications
Color- Brown
Odor- Heavy resembling oil fats
Size-
Acetone insolubles- 63.3%
Acid value- 3.5
Hexane insolubles- 0.042%
HLB Value- 4-6
Soybean oil- 37%
Moisture- 0.48%
Peroxide Value- 0.7 meq/kg
Total plate count- 187 cfu/g
Phosphatide Value
Phosphatidycholine- 16.4%
Phosphatidylethanolamine- 10%
Phosphatidylinositol- 10.2%
Phosphatidic Acid- 2.60%
A Brief Introduction
Lecithin is a wonderful ingredient to add to your culinary and body care recipes. It contains many beneficial properties, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, mild preservative, moisturizer, and emollient. Lecithin can be utilized in almost any recipe, and is commonly found in both food and cosmetic products. Cosmetically, it may be added to moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lip balms, and many other products. It is a great alternative to other emulsifying and stabilizing agents, some of which are derived from petrochemical sources. For food use, lecithin is often found in chocolate, baked goods, salad dressing, and many other prepared foods. The organic liquid Lecithin sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is derived from soybeans, making it a much safer ingredient to use for our bodies.
Cosmetic Use
Lecithin is an emollient, which is a softening and soothing agent. In addition, it has magnificent moisturizing properties, and helps to hydrate the skin. The phospholipids naturally present in Lecithin are able to attract water from the air, and in doing so, increase hydration. This makes it an excellent additive for restorative creams, or for products designed for mature, dry, or overworked skin. It also has the unique ability to deeply penetrate the skin, and carry substances directly to the cells and the bloodstream. Because of this, it may assist the body in absorbing other properties as well. If a product is created with natural and healing ingredients, then the addition of Lecithin would actually bring those beneficial properties to the cellular level. Lecithin also has emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, and suspending qualities. With these amazing and varied capabilities, the addition of lecithin could assist in the therapeutic and medicinal properties of your body care products.
Liquid Lecithin may be easily added to your products by simply blending it into your recipe. The amount of Lecithin used depends upon the recipe type and size, and on the product thickness desired. However, a general rule is 1/2-1 Tablespoon for a 19 oz batch of cream. We recommend experimenting with the amount in small batches.
Culinary Use
Made from organic soybeans, our Lecithin is a healthful and invaluable culinary ingredient. Lecithin is utilized throughout the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer, and mild preservative. It is often present in vegan or low fat cooking as an alternative to fat in baked goods, and improves moisture and texture at the same time. It may be added to a variety of baked items including breads, cakes, casseroles, and cookie dough as an anti-caking, pan release, and moisturizing agent. Bakers also employ Lecithin for its ability to help dough rise, create uniformity and suspension in the batter, and to lessen the dough’s tendency to be sticky while kneading. In addition, Lecithin is commonly used for its emulsifying properties in mayonnaise, margarine, shortening, salad dressing, and other water-oil combinations. For the same suspending and emulsifying properties, it is added to various sauces, gravies, soups, nut butters, and gravies. Lecithin is an important ingredient in chocolate, caramels, confectionary coatings for spattering control, to prevent crystallization, and as an emulsifier. In addition, it is also wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying tool for powdered products, such as cake mixes, cocoa powder, and instant powder mixes.
Medicinal Applications
Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid, and is an excellent source of choline. Lecithin physically is made in our liver, and is necessary for every cell in our bodies. Without choline, the membranes of our cells would harden, which would prevent nutrients from entering and leaving the cell. Lecithin also helps cholesterol deposits from forming in our blood vessels, and is involved in the process of moving cholesterol through our bodies. Soy Lecithin chemically binds with cholesterol, and in this manner reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstreams, and may lower cholesterol levels. It also assists with the neurotransmitters crucial for memory, muscle control, and brain function. Research suggests that Lecithin may be helpful for repairing liver damage, and protecting against liver damage. In addition, it may assist with the following:
* Improves memory and cognitive functions
* Menopause and post-menopausal conditions - (contains estrogen like compounds)
* Poor nutrition and anemia
* Diabetes
* Neurologic disorders
* Cardiovascular health
* Improves energy and physical performance
* Assists with the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E, and K
* Psoriasis
* Gallstones
* Eases digestion
* Promotes overall health and physical performance
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Summary
Because of its many health and cosmetic benefits, this is truly an amazing ingredient. Lecithin may be easily added to your culinary or cosmetic recipes. We recommend that you try this wonderful product yourself, as it may prove to be a key ingredient for your overall health and well-being.
Return to Organic Liquid Lecithin
Origin- USA
Extraction- Gummed Soybeans
Shelf life- 18-24 months
Notes- No solvents were used in the extraction of this organic liquid Lecithin. It is currently listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as a multi purpose food additive. Stores well under most conditions but extremes in temperature may cause a loss in quality. Ideal storage conditions are no less than 40 degrees and no higher than 100 degrees. Liquid Lecithin is a thick viscous semi solid resembling molasses and it may become further liquefied using a double boiler, microwave oven, or you may set your container in a pot of simmering water for 10-20 minutes. The line of lecithin offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes. Organic Soy lecithin contains a natural mixture of triglycerides, phospholipids and glycolipids with a small amount of carbohydrates.
Specifications
Color- Brown
Odor- Heavy resembling oil fats
Size-
Acetone insolubles- 63.3%
Acid value- 3.5
Hexane insolubles- 0.042%
HLB Value- 4-6
Soybean oil- 37%
Moisture- 0.48%
Peroxide Value- 0.7 meq/kg
Total plate count- 187 cfu/g
Phosphatide Value
Phosphatidycholine- 16.4%
Phosphatidylethanolamine- 10%
Phosphatidylinositol- 10.2%
Phosphatidic Acid- 2.60%
A Brief Introduction
Lecithin is a wonderful ingredient to add to your culinary and body care recipes. It contains many beneficial properties, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, mild preservative, moisturizer, and emollient. Lecithin can be utilized in almost any recipe, and is commonly found in both food and cosmetic products. Cosmetically, it may be added to moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lip balms, and many other products. It is a great alternative to other emulsifying and stabilizing agents, some of which are derived from petrochemical sources. For food use, lecithin is often found in chocolate, baked goods, salad dressing, and many other prepared foods. The organic liquid Lecithin sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is derived from soybeans, making it a much safer ingredient to use for our bodies.
Cosmetic Use
Lecithin is an emollient, which is a softening and soothing agent. In addition, it has magnificent moisturizing properties, and helps to hydrate the skin. The phospholipids naturally present in Lecithin are able to attract water from the air, and in doing so, increase hydration. This makes it an excellent additive for restorative creams, or for products designed for mature, dry, or overworked skin. It also has the unique ability to deeply penetrate the skin, and carry substances directly to the cells and the bloodstream. Because of this, it may assist the body in absorbing other properties as well. If a product is created with natural and healing ingredients, then the addition of Lecithin would actually bring those beneficial properties to the cellular level. Lecithin also has emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, and suspending qualities. With these amazing and varied capabilities, the addition of lecithin could assist in the therapeutic and medicinal properties of your body care products.
Liquid Lecithin may be easily added to your products by simply blending it into your recipe. The amount of Lecithin used depends upon the recipe type and size, and on the product thickness desired. However, a general rule is 1/2-1 Tablespoon for a 19 oz batch of cream. We recommend experimenting with the amount in small batches.
Culinary Use
Made from organic soybeans, our Lecithin is a healthful and invaluable culinary ingredient. Lecithin is utilized throughout the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer, and mild preservative. It is often present in vegan or low fat cooking as an alternative to fat in baked goods, and improves moisture and texture at the same time. It may be added to a variety of baked items including breads, cakes, casseroles, and cookie dough as an anti-caking, pan release, and moisturizing agent. Bakers also employ Lecithin for its ability to help dough rise, create uniformity and suspension in the batter, and to lessen the dough’s tendency to be sticky while kneading. In addition, Lecithin is commonly used for its emulsifying properties in mayonnaise, margarine, shortening, salad dressing, and other water-oil combinations. For the same suspending and emulsifying properties, it is added to various sauces, gravies, soups, nut butters, and gravies. Lecithin is an important ingredient in chocolate, caramels, confectionary coatings for spattering control, to prevent crystallization, and as an emulsifier. In addition, it is also wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying tool for powdered products, such as cake mixes, cocoa powder, and instant powder mixes.
Medicinal Applications
Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid, and is an excellent source of choline. Lecithin physically is made in our liver, and is necessary for every cell in our bodies. Without choline, the membranes of our cells would harden, which would prevent nutrients from entering and leaving the cell. Lecithin also helps cholesterol deposits from forming in our blood vessels, and is involved in the process of moving cholesterol through our bodies. Soy Lecithin chemically binds with cholesterol, and in this manner reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstreams, and may lower cholesterol levels. It also assists with the neurotransmitters crucial for memory, muscle control, and brain function. Research suggests that Lecithin may be helpful for repairing liver damage, and protecting against liver damage. In addition, it may assist with the following:
* Improves memory and cognitive functions
* Menopause and post-menopausal conditions - (contains estrogen like compounds)
* Poor nutrition and anemia
* Diabetes
* Neurologic disorders
* Cardiovascular health
* Improves energy and physical performance
* Assists with the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E, and K
* Psoriasis
* Gallstones
* Eases digestion
* Promotes overall health and physical performance
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Summary
Because of its many health and cosmetic benefits, this is truly an amazing ingredient. Lecithin may be easily added to your culinary or cosmetic recipes. We recommend that you try this wonderful product yourself, as it may prove to be a key ingredient for your overall health and well-being.
Return to Organic Liquid Lecithin
The Power of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle
Overview:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.
Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed.
Liver disease from alcohol
Milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. But scientific studies show mixed results. Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. But problems in the design of the studies (such as small numbers of participants and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy) make it hard to draw any real conclusions.
Viral hepatitis
Milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C). But studies show mixed results. Some found improvements in liver function, while others did not. None of the studies compared milk thistle with interferon or other medications for viral hepatitis.
Mushroom poisoning
Based on traditional use, milk thistle has been used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Animal studies have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours, it significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.
Cancer
Early laboratory studies also suggest that silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. These substances appear to stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, shorten their life span, and reduce blood supple to tumors. More studies are needed, however, to show whether milk thistle has any effects in the body (not just test tubes).
Plant Description:
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region, and is now found throughout the world. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. The spiny stems branch at the top, and reach a height of 4 to 10 feet. The leaves are wide, with white blotches or veins. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white fluid that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. The flowers are red-purple. The small, hard-skinned fruit is brown, spotted, and shiny. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures quickly, in less than a year.
What's It Made Of?:
The active ingredient -- the one that protects the liver -- in milk thistle is known as silymarin. Silymarin is actually a group of flavonoids (silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin), which are thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin also keeps new liver cells from being destroyed by these same toxins. It reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis), and is a strong antioxidant.
Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant. Most preparations are standardized to contain 70 - 80% of silymarin.
Available Forms:
* Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120 - 140 mg silymarin)
* Liquid extract
* Tincture
* Silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex
A few studies show that a silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex may be absorbed more easily than regular standardized milk thistle. Phosphatidylcholine is a key element in cell membranes. It helps silymarin attach easily to cell membranes, which may keep toxins from getting inside liver cells. Alcohol extracts should be avoided by anyone with alcohol-related liver disease.
How to Take It:
Pediatric
There are no studies showing whether it is safe to give milk thistle to a child. Liver problems can be serious and should be diagnosed by a physician. Talk to your doctor before giving milk thistle to a child.
Adult
If you think you have a liver problem, you should see a doctor. Liver disease can be life threatening.
* Recommended dose: 280 - 450 mg per day in divided doses or silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex 100 - 200 mg two times per day.
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
Milk thistle is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are usually mild and may involve stomach upset and diarrhea. Some people may get a rash from touching milk thistle plants.
Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast and uterine cancer and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle.
Possible Interactions:
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without first talking to your healthcare provider.
* Antipsychotics -- includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)
* Phenytoin(Dilantin) -- a medication used for seizures
* Halothane -- a medication used during general anesthesia
Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:
* Allergy drugs -- such as fexofenadine (Allegra)
* Drugs for high cholesterol -- including statins such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor)
* Anti-anxiety drugs -- including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
* Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- including clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin)
* Some cancer drugs
Alternative Names:
Silybum marianum; St. Mary's thistle
* Reviewed last on: 3/22/2009
* Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Supporting Research
Agarwal R, Agarwal C, Ichikawa H, Singh RP, Aggarwal BB. Anticancer potential of silymarin: from bench to bed side. Anticancer Res. 2006 Nov-Dec;26(6B):4457-98. Review.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, evidence report/technology assessment: number 21, September 2000.
Asghar Z, Masood Z. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of silymarin and its potential to inhibit peroxyl radicals in vitro. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2008 Jul;21(3):249-54.
Barve A, Khan R, Marsano L, Ravindra KV, McClain C. Treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Ann Hepatol. 2008 Jan-Mar;7(1):5-15. Review.
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:257-263.
Ferenci P, Scherzer TM, Kerschner H, Rutter K, Beinhardt S, Hofer H, et al. Silibinin is a potent antiviral agent in patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy. Gastroenterology. 2008 Nov;135(5):1561-7.
Gazak R, Walterova D, Kren V. Silybin and silymarin -- new and emerging applications in medicine. Curr Med Chem. 2007;14(3):315-38. Review.
Giese LA. A study of alternative health care use for gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2000;23(1):19-27.
Gordon A, Hobbs DA, Bowden DS, Bailey MJ, Mitchell J, Francis AJ, Roberts SK. Effects of Silybum marianum on serum hepatitis C virus RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well-being in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Jan;21(1 Pt 2):275-80.
Hoh C, Boocock D, Marczylo T, Singh R, Berry DP, Dennison AR, et al. Pilot study of oral silibinin, a putative chemopreventive agent, in colorectal cancer patients: silibinin levels in plasma, colorectum, and liver and their pharmacodynamic consequences. Clin Cancer Res. 2006 May 1;12(9):2944-50.
Jiang C, Agarwal R, Lu J. Anti-angiogenic potential of a cancer chemopreventive flavonoid antioxidant, Silymairn: inhibition of key attributes of vascular endothelial cells and angiogenic cytokine secretion by cancer epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000;276:371-378.
Köksal E, Gülçin I, Beyza S, Sarikaya O, Bursal E. In vitro antioxidant activity of silymarin. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2009 Apr;24(2):395-405.
Low Dog T. Traditional and alternative therapies for breast cancer. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001;7(3):36-47.
Mayer KE, Myers RP, Lee SS. Silymarin treatment of viral hepatitis: a systematic review. J Viral Hepat. 2005 Nov;12(6):559-67. Review.
Najm W, Lie D. Dietary supplements commonly used for prevention. Prim Care. 2008 Dec;35(4):749-67.
Rainone F. Milk thistle. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Oct 1;72(7):1285-8. Review.
Ramasamy K, Agarwal R. Multitargeted therapy of cancer by silymarin. Cancer Lett. 2008 Oct 8;269(2):352-62. Review.
Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Iaquinto G, Gluud C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases – a systematic cochrane hepato-biliary group review with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Nov;100(11):2583-91. Review.
Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:266-271.
Saller R, Brignoli R, Melzer J, Meier R. An updated systematic review with meta-analysis for the clinical evidence of silymarin. Forsch Komplementmed. 2008 Feb;15(1):9-20. Review.
Zielinska-Przyjemska M, Wiktorowicz K. An in vitro study of the protective effect of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive oxygen species. Phytother Res. 2
Overview:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.
Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed.
Liver disease from alcohol
Milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. But scientific studies show mixed results. Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. But problems in the design of the studies (such as small numbers of participants and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy) make it hard to draw any real conclusions.
Viral hepatitis
Milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C). But studies show mixed results. Some found improvements in liver function, while others did not. None of the studies compared milk thistle with interferon or other medications for viral hepatitis.
Mushroom poisoning
Based on traditional use, milk thistle has been used as an emergency antidote to poisoning by deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). Animal studies have found that milk thistle extract completely counteracts the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours, it significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.
Cancer
Early laboratory studies also suggest that silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. These substances appear to stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing, shorten their life span, and reduce blood supple to tumors. More studies are needed, however, to show whether milk thistle has any effects in the body (not just test tubes).
Plant Description:
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region, and is now found throughout the world. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. The spiny stems branch at the top, and reach a height of 4 to 10 feet. The leaves are wide, with white blotches or veins. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white fluid that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. The flowers are red-purple. The small, hard-skinned fruit is brown, spotted, and shiny. Milk thistle spreads quickly (it is considered a weed in some parts of the world), and it matures quickly, in less than a year.
What's It Made Of?:
The active ingredient -- the one that protects the liver -- in milk thistle is known as silymarin. Silymarin is actually a group of flavonoids (silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin), which are thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin also keeps new liver cells from being destroyed by these same toxins. It reduces inflammation (which is why it is often suggested for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis), and is a strong antioxidant.
Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant. Most preparations are standardized to contain 70 - 80% of silymarin.
Available Forms:
* Capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120 - 140 mg silymarin)
* Liquid extract
* Tincture
* Silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex
A few studies show that a silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex may be absorbed more easily than regular standardized milk thistle. Phosphatidylcholine is a key element in cell membranes. It helps silymarin attach easily to cell membranes, which may keep toxins from getting inside liver cells. Alcohol extracts should be avoided by anyone with alcohol-related liver disease.
How to Take It:
Pediatric
There are no studies showing whether it is safe to give milk thistle to a child. Liver problems can be serious and should be diagnosed by a physician. Talk to your doctor before giving milk thistle to a child.
Adult
If you think you have a liver problem, you should see a doctor. Liver disease can be life threatening.
* Recommended dose: 280 - 450 mg per day in divided doses or silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex 100 - 200 mg two times per day.
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
Milk thistle is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are usually mild and may involve stomach upset and diarrhea. Some people may get a rash from touching milk thistle plants.
Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast and uterine cancer and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle.
Possible Interactions:
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use milk thistle without first talking to your healthcare provider.
* Antipsychotics -- includes butyrophenones (such as haloperidol) and phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and promethazine)
* Phenytoin(Dilantin) -- a medication used for seizures
* Halothane -- a medication used during general anesthesia
Milk thistle may interfere with the following medications, because both milk thistle and these medications are broken down by the same liver enzymes:
* Allergy drugs -- such as fexofenadine (Allegra)
* Drugs for high cholesterol -- including statins such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor)
* Anti-anxiety drugs -- including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
* Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- including clopidogrel (Plavix) and warfarin (Coumadin)
* Some cancer drugs
Alternative Names:
Silybum marianum; St. Mary's thistle
* Reviewed last on: 3/22/2009
* Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Supporting Research
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