Traditional Uses

• Liver disorders
• Indigestion

Mode of Action

• Milk thistle contains three potent liver protective flavonoids collectively known as silymarin which:
  • promotes liver tissue regeneration by increasing cell metabolism and macromolecular  synthesis and stimulating liver DNA and hepatocyte production
  • binds to proteins and receptors on liver cell membranes and displaces toxic substances
• Effects are both preventative and curative

Drug Interactions

• No known drug interactions

Cautions

• Mild laxative effect

Recommended Dose

• 450 mg per day containing 80% silymarin. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Blumenthal, 1998; Hoffman, 1990; Tyler, 1993; Tyler, 1994; Weiner, 1994