Milk thistle is a plant that goes by many names including the holy thistle; Mary’s thistle; Silybum marianum; Wild artichoke and Legalon among others. The plant has many properties which are quite beneficial for anyone’s health. Some of these features include: anti-inflammatory properties; immuno-stimulating properties; hepaprotective properties; antioxidants; anti-carcinogenic qualities and a bit of estrogenic properties. These have made the plant be used for curing a large number of liver complications. In fact, cases of poisoning brought about by Amanita mushrooms can only be treated using the milk thistle plant. This type of poisoning destroys the liver.
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Majority of the milk thistle benefits have been linked to the operations of the liver. The plant has been known to greatly alleviate the liver diseases especially those brought about by alcohol abuse. Since 1986, the plant has been used in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis; alcoholic-related fatty liver disease; viral hepatitis and even liver poisoning. The plant contains silymarin which help in detoxification of synthetic chemicals including acetaminophen; radiation and alcohol as well as heavy metals. This helps in preventing the liver and the body at large.
This major content of the plant is responsible for majority of the milk thistle benefits. The silymarin has flavonolignands which are responsible for protecting the liver. Apart from encouraging the growth of liver cells, the component prevents the liver from the toxic substances which may destroy it.
The antioxidant properties protect the cells of the body from damage. This also decreases the inflammation accompanied by the liver diseases. The antioxidants are also responsible for countering premature aging. They normally destroy the free radicals that deplete the collagen and elastin proteins. Depletion of these proteins causes aging and wrinkling. Antioxidant properties of the milk thistle reduce these effects.
Anti-carcinogenic properties of the milk thistle have been known to counter the effects of cancer. They have also helped the patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. They are known to destroy the free radicals responsible for causing cancer and alleviate the effects of radiation on the body.
The estrogen properties of the plant have been known to stimulate milk producing glands in the nursing women. This helps them to produce sufficient milk for their babies. The same estrogen-like properties may also be used to relieve the effects of prostrate cancer in men in addition to stimulating late menstrual flow in women.
Although not yet established in human beings, the milk thistle has been linked to reduction of the bad cholesterol in the body of animals at the same time increasing the good cholesterol in their bodies. The research as to whether the property also applies to human beings is still on-going.
The plant is also used in treatment of gallstones. It reduces the flow of bile in the body and thus reduces the chances of getting the gallstones. Although this plant has many medicinal benefits, it might have laxative effects when taken in excess dosage. This makes it dangerous for the users. Consumers are therefore advised to ensure that they take the milk thistle as prescribed by their physicians.
