Milk thistle for liver disease

Recent studies have shown an increase in alcohol-related digestive and liver diseases as alcohol consumption grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients may embrace milk thistle—which has been promoted a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion—to protect from environmental toxins. With hundreds of years history treatment wide range disorders gallbladder problems, thistle become increasingly popular support healthy function. Milk (Silybum marianum, L. Gaertn.), sometimes called wild artichoke, is annual to biennial plant that flowers July August. resembles seed but technically fruit with red-purple milky-white veins leaves. Since 1970s, researchers thistle’s hepatoprotective properties are attributed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic assets. benefits derive silymarin silybin. Silybin belongs flavonoid group flavonolignans, which strong antioxidant reduce proinflammatory mediators through modulation variety cell-signaling pathways. Silymarin down-regulate inhibit expression COX-2, key mediator inflammatory also inhibits transduction cascade controlled by NF-kB, protein complex induces genes responsible encoding cytokines directly involved process. NF-kB regulates survival T cells. result ability free radicals derived metabolism toxic substances such ethanol, acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride. It stimulates synthesis protecting cell membranes radical-induced damage inhibiting radical formation. can act scavenger intracellular content these scavengers. In addition anti-inflammatory properties, serve agent. decrease platelet-derived growth factor–induced DNA cells, transformation stellate hepatocytes into myofibroblasts. decreases myofibroblasts thereby indirectly prevents deposition collagen fibers lead injury progression. Studies demonstrated silybin associated significant reduction TGF-B, regulator pathogenesis fibrosis. A 2020 review Advances Therapy Gillessen Schmidt highlighted clinical patients alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty disease, including found was liver-related deaths. 12-month trial Velussi et al. Journal Hepatology indicated correlated insulin resistance fasting levels. Insulin-treated both diabetes cirrhosis were given 600 mg/day 12 months standard therapy. Efficacy parameters included blood glucose levels, mean daily glucosuria glycosylated hemoglobin, malondialdehyde Results showed levels after 4 group. comparison, control available capsule, tablet, liquid extract, tea. supplements stores, groceries, online, tolerated no adverse effects at doses up 700 mg/day. recognized safe herbal product appears be well-tolerated recommended doses. Although rare, some include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, dermatological reactions, more common among those allergic plants same family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, daisy). should not used pregnant breastfeeding patients.