Milk Thistle

How does Milk Thistle work?

Milk thistle seed might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs. It also seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Milk thistle plant extract might enhance the effects of estrogen.

Are there safety concerns?

Milk thistle is safe for most adults. Milk thistle sometimes causes a laxative effect. Other less common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, intestinal gas, bloating, fullness or pain, and loss of appetite. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family including ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and other related plants.

Do not take milk thistle if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You are sensitive or allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and other related plants.
• You have a hormone-sensitive condition. Some of these conditions include endometriosis; uterine fibroids; and cancers of the breast, uterus, and ovaries.