title: Advances in the use of milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
abstract: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal supplement used to treat liver and biliary disorders. Silymarin, a mixture of flavanoid complexes, is the active component that protects liver and kidney cells from toxic effects of drugs, including chemotherapy. Although milk thistle has not significantly altered the course of chronic liver disease, it has reduced liver enzyme levels and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and T cell-modulating effects. There is strong preclinical evidence for silymarin's hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects, including inhibition of cancer cell growth in human prostate, skin, breast, and cervical cells. Milk thistle is considered safe and well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset, a mild laxative effect, and rare allergic reaction being the only adverse events reported when taken within the recommended dose range. More clinical trials of rigorous methodology, using standardized and well-defined products and dosages, are needed to evaluate the potential of silymarin against liver toxicity, chronic liver disease, and human cancers.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, USA. postw001@umn.edu
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Post-White
authors.forename: Elena J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ladas
authors.forename: Kara M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020944:Silybum marianum / Q000009:adverse effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D028321:Plant Preparations