Zargani M, Ramirez-Campillo R, Arabzadeh E. Pflugers Arch. Substances in milk thistle may reduce blood sugar, a concern for people living with diabetes. Milk thistle products appear to help the skin heal from damage caused by UVB radiation from the sun and may offer benefits in preventing non-melanoma skin cancers. This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional stories say were caused by a drop of the Virgin Marys milk falling onto its leaves. ", National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): "Milk Thistle," Herbs at a Glance: Milk thistle., Medicinenet.com: "Generic Name: Milk Thistle Oral.". Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. Do not use extra milk thistle to make up the missed dose. include protected health information. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. PMC All rights reserved. In trying to determine the proper milk thistle OCD dosage, herbalists and experts tend to recommend 200-400mg divided across two or three doses per day (5). Abstract Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One important detoxifying ingredient is milk thistle. Occasionally, people report various digestive side effects. Silybin suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, The natural agonist of estrogen receptor silibinin plays an immunosuppressive role representing a potential therapeutic tool in rheumatoid arthritis, Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review, Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice, Effect of curcumin supplementation on disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis: a randomized controlled trial, Effects of vitamin E on chronic hepatitis C genotype 3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Resveratrol for the management of diabetes and its downstream pathologies. Reflux Risk and Relief View More . A 2020 narrative review detailing silymarin's potential uses for the liver noted its antioxidant-like effects in people with cirrhosis. Satisfaction. 2018;9:1903. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.01903, Soleimani V, Delghandi PS, Moallem SA, Karimi G. Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review. Before This may be because people arent able to absorb enough to get a medicinal effect. Questions? Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The 10 Best Herbs for Liver Health: Benefits and Precautions, How to Get Rid of Acne: 14 Home Remedies for Pimples. Anxiety; Autophagy; BDNF; Depression; Silibinin. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Milk thistle can cause severe allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Beware that milk thistle can worsen depression, it doesn't act the same on everybody. The terms milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably. Now, one substance that we know can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, although it does it pretty weakly, is saw palmetto [200-500mg/Day, 2-3 . Call 911 or seek help right away if you experience severe side effects from taking milk thistle. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted The irony of this list of side effects being associated with drugs intended to treat anxiety, depression, and OCD is not lost on us, and ultimately begs the question, What naturally helps OCD?. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. This article looks at the evidence to, Whats the life expectancy of someone with cirrhosis of the liver? Consult with your healthcare provider if you experience these and other side effects to find out the best way to proceed. 5 Brain Supporting Supplements Youll Want In Your Medicine, According to the International OCD Foundation, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), UltraThistle, the highest potency milk thistle formula, Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin. . 2020;10(3):236-244. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.003. Moreover, silibinin was able to attenuate the neuronal damage in the hippocampus of A1-42-injected rats. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, including a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The benefits of milk thistle remain unclear for this purpose and the limited research on milk thistle and breast milk has been done primarily in animals. Research shows that the silymarin in milk thistle helps protect the liver from many industrial toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride. 2015;22(2):290-296. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010, Voroneanu L, Nistor I, Dumea R, Apetrii M, Covic A. Silymarin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Milk thistle may be useful in treating liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating Itchiness Headache If you have diabetes, use milk thistle with caution, since the supplement might lower blood sugar. Milk thistle supplements, for . Abdulghani A, Poghosyan M, Mehren A, Philipsen A, Anderzhanova E. Front Mol Neurosci. If we combine this information with your protected Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk of developing AD. Phytomedicine. Some medications have been known to interact with milk thistle negatively. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Milk Thistle Monograph. The data is very limited, but one randomized controlled study found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo (37). Common side effects of milk thistle reported in studies include: Typically, side effects will subside once you stop using milk thistle. People with diabetes should use caution. In 2010, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effects of milk thistle to the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) in treating OCD (600 milligrams of milk thistle vs 30 milligrams of Prozac daily). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle. Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argent, Chardon de Marie, pine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. National Library of Medicine It's also proven useful in treating skin that's been damaged by radiation during breast cancer treatment. If you have breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, consider avoiding milk thistle. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in those with allergies to plants in the same family, like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy. . However, as this is the only study, more high-quality research is needed. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Little is known about whether its safe to use milk thistle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. J Diabetes Res. 2020;31(4):/j/jbcpp.2020.31.issue-4/jbcpp-2019-0206/jbcpp-2019-0206.xml. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Although some studies have shown positive results on milk thistle for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the overall research does not show a benefit. Some people may be allergic to milk thistle. A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. But the herb is also believed to be beneficial for other health issues. However, there is no solid evidence that supports these claims. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. However, its currently unclear if it has the same beneficial effects in humans. 2022 Dec 7;19(24):16426. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416426. Neurological Disorders Milk thistle has long been used to alleviate the inflammation commonly associated with a host of neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons Disease (8). Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. The survey revealed anecdotal evidence of the improved quality of life among those who took milk thistle, despite having no measurable improvements in hepatitis symptoms like liver inflammation. Its unclear what benefits, if any, it may have in the body, but its sometimes used as a natural treatment for things including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. What Is Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health? privacy practices. Advanced milk thistle extract contains phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress and support liver health. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 1, 2020. But even if youve figured out how to manage the symptoms and compulsions, the side effects of many FDA-approved OCD medications can introduce a wide swath of issues and side effects. Milk thistle is a traditional Chinese medicine extract derived from the mature fruit of Silybum marianum. Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age. It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. There is also concern that milk thistle might affect estrogen levels. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Tajmohammadi A, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. 2014;97 Suppl 11:S31-S40. Clinical practice shows that milk thistle has a good anti-liver injury effect and can be used to prevent anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury. Epub 2013 Oct 14. However, this review also noted that the quality of the studies was not very high, so more studies are needed before its possible to make any firm recommendations (44). Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver. Milk thistle contains compounds that may support skin, liver, and bone health and enhance weight loss. Digestion and Depression . Milk thistle. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is an herbal remedy used mainly to protect and detoxify the liver. And, most recently, milk thistle is gaining traction as a natural remedy to help manage the symptoms of OCD. N-Acetylcysteine 2018;8:65-74. doi:10.2147/PTT.S169333. Milk thistle is currently used for the treatment of toxin-induced liver injury, for its inhibition of progressive hepatic fibrosis and the prevention of cirrhosis, for its antifibrogenic effects in alcohol-induced cirrhosis and for modulation of insulin resistance. and depression. Milk thistle may change the way your liver metabolizes certain drugs, like blood thinners, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. These include: Summary Milk thistle is generally considered safe. Milk thistle's main active component is silymarin which works by normalizing levels of both serotonin and dopamine. J Tradit Complement Med. Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy: a randomized controlled trial. The information and products shown on this website should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician evaluation or treatment. 5 It was found that there was no significant difference between milk thistle and Prozac for OCD symptoms. 2012;308(3):274-282. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8265, Ebrahimpour koujan S, Gargari BP, Mobasseri M, Valizadeh H, Asghari-jafarabadi M. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Depression, Milk Thistle, Mood, Silibum Marianum (milk thistle), Silymarin. Duplication is encouraged. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Join 45,000+ subscribers and receive the latest, useful and exclusive health and wellness articles, health tips, special offers and more - delivered direct to your inbox. There is not enough scientific data to say whether or not milk thistle can help liver problems. MeSH Effects and tolerance of silymarin (milk thistle) in chronic hepatitis C virus infection patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. But the evidence is limited, and some research methodologies are flawed, so its difficult to confirm these effects. 8600 Rockville Pike Can Milk Thistle Help People With Diabetes? 2014;11(2):167-74. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.167, Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Gluud C. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases. eCollection 2023. Type 2 Diabetes According to research published in Phytomedicine in 2015, silymarin improved antioxidant capacity in the body and decreased inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes by beating the placebo in a triple blind trial. Would you like email updates of new search results? In one such study, a 45-day course of silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, increased antioxidant capacity and reduced generalized inflammation in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with a placebo. People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Since milk thistle may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking the herb as it may make their blood sugar fall too low. Phytomedicine. Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Pathway and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Mood Disorders: A Review Article. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. A systematic review (summary of medical literature on a specific topic) conducted in 2016 further concluded that using silymarin regularly may reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1C levels, two important factors in diabetes management. 2016;2016:5147468. doi:10.1155/2016/5147468, Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Receive the latest, most useful health and wellness articles, tips, special discounts on nutritional supplements and so much more. All rights reserved. Silybum marianum (milk thistle). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While the cost of most OCD medications currently available on the market is actually quite reasonable, the common side effects that occur are definitely not. Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. It also states that Milk Thistle will lower Ferritin and that iron-supplement is advised. Other SSRIs on the market include Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxatine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft) (3). Neuroplasticity to autophagy cross-talk in a therapeutic effect of physical exercises and irisin in ADHD. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Silymarin (Silybum marianum; SM), popularly known as milk thistle, is an extract that has been used for many centuries to treat liver diseases. If you choose to use milk thistle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. After using 2 tablets a day and 1 month, indigestion and pain in my liver disappeared. a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Feng N, Luo J, Guo X. Silybin suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Antidepressive Effect of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Targeting BDNF-TrkB in Gut-Brain Axis. Research on milk thistle use for specific conditions shows: Milk thistle might play a role in treating certain liver conditions. Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations. And Selenium too. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, cardiac or respiratory failure, or even death. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Small Business Research Grant Program (SBIR), About Research Training and Career Development, Training Grant Application, Review, and Award Process, Integrative Medicine Research Lecture Series, Division of Extramural Research Sponsored by NCCIH, Division of Intramural Research Conducted at NCCIH, Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact, Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article, How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed, Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. However, one area of milk thistle research focuses on how it affects bone marrow, which contributes to overall bone health but also has implications in treating diseases like multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Summary The active ingredients in milk thistle have been shown in animals to improve the effects of some cancer treatments. Rambaldi, A.; Jacobs, B.; 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. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 2015;22(2):290-6. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.010. They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition (21). Milk thistle is generally thought to be safe, but you still may experience side effects when taking it. Its also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested (7, 8). Eighteen clinical trials of 1,088 participants were assessed. Liver Detoxification and Health. According to the International OCD Foundation about half of OCD patients stop taking their medications due to negative side effects. #1: Milk thistle detoxifies the liver. Accessed Oct. 30, 2020. One human trial found it to work as well as fluoxetine to manage OCD symptoms. 1982;17:51721. 1. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/meds/, International OCD Foundation, Medications for OCD, By By Michael Jenike, MD, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 2. https://theoakstreatment.com/blog/ocd-facts-and-statistics/, The Oaks Treatment, OCD Facts and Statistics, Published June 18, 2018, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 3. https://www.psycom.net/ocd-medication-guide/, Psycom.net, OCD Medication Guide, By Kathleen Smith, PhD, Last Updated September 21, 2018, 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545, Phtotherapy Research, Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future, Published October 24, 2010, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 5. https://www.drugs.com/npp/milk-thistle.html, Drugs.com, Milk Thistle, Last updated on Mar 1, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-milk-thistle-88325, VeryWellHealth.com, The Benefits of Milk Thistle, By Kathee Wong, Updated March 08, 2019, Retrieved May 5, 2019, 7. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944711315000227, Phytomedicine, Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Silymarin: not just another antioxidant. 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. 2016 Jul;41(7):1662-72. doi: 10.1007/s11064-016-1881-5. Similar supplements to milk thistle include: Please talk with your healthcare provider about the best supplement for you. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle. Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. OCD symptoms usually revolve around irrational fears, repeated thoughts, and compulsions. Several studies have suggested that milk thistle may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. This herb (also known as Silybum marianum) is native to the Mediterranean region. While not dangerous, it can cause scars. Some, but not all, milk thistle supplements are vegan. The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties (2, 3, 4). Recent research has explored the use of milk thistle. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Epub 2019 Nov 24. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Theres conflicting research on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by progressive bone loss. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, second edition, 2004. Its been suggested that the antioxidant effects of silymarin may have some anticancer effects, which could be helpful for people receiving cancer treatment (9). Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. We know little about whether milk thistle is effective in people, as only a few well-designed clinical studies have been conducted. Unexpected effects from milk thistle. Milk thistle has long been utilized as an anti-inflammatory agent offering numerous benefits to our liver, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, menopause symptom relief, and even gallbladder disorders. However, research is not conclusive on its uses. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. About curcumin, it isn't usually a problem but if you're on IMAOs you may like to read a bit before taking high doses. Summary Initial test-tube and animal studies have shown that milk thistle has some promising characteristics that could make it useful for protecting brain function. Risks. Song X, Zhou B, Zhang P, Lei D, Wang Y, Yao G, Hayashi T, Xia M, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T. Neurochem Res. However, the evidence is conflicting. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. More research is needed before a standard dosage of milk thistle can be recommended, so check with your healthcare provider. It could interact with many drugs, including some that treat high cholesterol, infections, insomnia, and blood pressure. Careers. Milk thistle is a safe supplement that shows potential as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including liver disease, cancer and diabetes. 2015;26(5):475486. ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for . Interactions. Natural Medicines. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. In one clinical trial, 60 people with benign polyps in the colon (which often develop into colon cancer) took a herbal blend with milk thistle, a flaxseed antioxidant, and oat fiber for 2 . Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Further, while liver-related mortality was significantly reduced by milk thistle, this was not seen in any of the high-quality trials. These studies have also seen that milk thistle may be able to reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals with Alzheimers disease (18, 19, 20). Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. There is not enough known about the safety of milk thistle for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. ; Extensively studied; effective in treatment of cirrhosis, hepatitis, chemical- or . edeka3 Brain Fog (anxiety, depression, ADHD), lots of medications. Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review. Here are 7 science-based benefits of milk thistle. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. Get the facts on milk thistle for the liver. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. Version: 2.01. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for years for various health benefits. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Loguercio C, Festi D. Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. In this study, the effect of silibinin on A-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors in rats was investigated. Milk Thistle is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, gallbladder problems, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatitis (chronic), hepatotoxicity (chemical/drug-induced), jaundice, pleurisy, prostate cancer, and spleen diseases, and used as an appetite stimulant.. [Database subscription]. By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle may lower the chance of developing heart disease. Some people have nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Bunchorntavakul C, Wootthananont T, Atsawarungruangkit A. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions (2, 11, 12). Milk thistle (PDQ): Health Professional Version. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Alleviates Memory Impairment in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease Induced by D-Galactose and Aluminum Chloride. Malaria. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle may be a useful supplement for people with acne. Suzanne Fisher, RD, founder of Fisher Nutrition Systems, has been a board-certified registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist for over 30 years. Learn. There is a reason why milk thistle is called the "liver herb." The flavonoid combo of silymarin (and especially the phytonutrient silybin) can help rebuild liver cells while it removes toxins from that organ at the same time. When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. Milk thistle has a distinctive purple flower and spiky leaves, grows to about 200 cm in height, and is found throughout the world.