Milk thistle tablets are used as a natural remedy to promote liver health, scavenge damaging free radicals, and treat several health conditions. They are made up of extract of milk thistle herb that people have been using for more than 2,000 years for its remedial effects.
The key ingredient in milk thistle tablets is silymarin that has amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [1] Silymarin is actually a group of active plant compounds that have different pharmacological properties.
Below are the best-known benefits of milk thistle that will guide you on why you need its tablets in your life.
Health benefits of taking Milk Thistle tablets
Milk Thistle Promotes liver health
Milk thistle is best known for its liver-protecting effects. It provides protection to the liver by helping it rebuild healthy cells, eliminating toxins, and reducing liver damage.
It acts as a natural liver cleanser. People living with liver conditions like hepatitis, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic liver disease find milk thistle very helpful. [2] Studies also prove that taking milk thistle tablets can reduce liver damage and inflammation. [3]
Researchers believe these liver-protecting effects of milk thistle are due to its ability to eliminate free radicals that it produces during the detoxification process. Milk thistle also provides protection against lethal toxins produced by the death cap mushrooms.
Milk Thistle boosts breast milk production
Milk thistle tablets like milk thistle effervescent are quite popular among lactating moms. It is due to the positive effects of milk thistle on breast milk production.
Many moms complain about producing insufficient milk that fails to fulfil the growing baby’s needs. They find herbal remedies like milk thistle very helpful. It is believed milk thistle boosts milk production by increasing the milk-producing hormone called prolactin.
One study shows that women who took 420 mg of silymarin for more than two months produced over 60% more milk than mothers who did not take this active ingredient. [4]
Milk Thistle helps manage type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a common form of diabetes. This disease has no cure. Various treatment options are opted to reduce its effects and help the patient live a healthy life.
Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be a complementary therapy for people living with type 2 diabetes. It may also reduce risks associated with diabetes like kidney failure, etc.
Researchers have also found that this herb has certain compounds that show similar effects as diabetic medicines do (increase in insulin sensitivity and reduction in blood sugar levels). Studies show that people who took silymarin routinely noticed a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. [5]
Milk Thistle stimulates bone mineralization
Bone loss is a common issue that many postmenopausal women complain about. It leads to a disease called osteoporosis. The best milk thistle can prevent this bone issue and protect the bones from further damage.
In a study conducted on the animals, researchers concluded that milk thistle protected the animals against bone loss. It also increased bone mineralization which strengthened them further. [6] Due to this reason, researchers say that milk thistle may reduce or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Milk Thistle may provide protection against cancer
Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally. Researchers have been looking for compounds or treatments that can kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy body cells.
The best milk thistle tablets have active plant compounds like silymarin. This natural ingredient has great antioxidant properties due to which may reduce the risk of cancer development. Antioxidant compounds like silymarin eliminate free radicals that damage DNA and cause cancer.
Studies also prove silymarin has anti-cancerous properties, which could be due to the inhibition of cancer cell growth. Researchers believe that there is sufficient preclinical evidence for the anti-cancerous effects of silymarin. [7]
Milk Thistle may help with gallstone
The liver is one of the main organs of the digestive system. Its health and condition affect the health of other organs as well. As the best milk thistle protects the liver, it may also improve the health of digestive system organs like the gallbladder, kidneys, etc., by preventing stone formation.
People have long been using it for problems like gallstone. Silymarin may reduce the levels of cholesterol in bile. It may further reduce the chances of gallstone development.
Silymarin is the active ingredient present in milk thistle tablets like ICON Milk Thistle Effervescent Tablet. This safe supplement is sugar-free and has a summer fruit flavour. Taking this supplement in moderation and according to your doctor’s advice can help you live a healthy life and prevent all conditions described above.
When to take Milk Thistle tablets?
You can take milk thistle tablets like milk thistle effervescent at any time of the day. It will not keep you up at night like some other medications. So, there is no time restriction. As it is a safe supplement, you can take it on an empty stomach as well.
Milk thistle tablets vary in their quality. To enjoy the health benefits of milk thistle, make sure you buy its supplements from reputable brands.
How much Milk Thistle should you take per day?
Milk thistle tablets come in different dosages. It is better to take them in moderation to avoid side effects. At the time, there is no standard dosage for milk thistle. However, a lot of people consider 420 mg per day a safe dose. Consult your doctor if you do not know how much milk thistle you should take.
Summary - What are Milk Thistle Tablets Good for?
Milk thistle tablets have several health benefits, mainly due to the presence of an active ingredient called silymarin. Taking this supplement in an adequate amount can protect your liver from damage, stimulate breast milk production, manage blood sugar levels, and do a lot more. It is best to take your doctor’s advice before having them and determine the milk thistle dosage you need.
Sources:
- Phytonanoconjugates in oral medicine - ScienceDirect
- Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Modulatory effects of silibinin in various cell signaling pathways against liver disorders and cancer - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Antiosteoclastic activity of milk thistle extract after ovariectomy to suppress estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Advances in the use of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - PubMed (nih.gov)