Milk thistle (Silybum Marianum) is an herb which is naturally grown in the mediterranean countries. Distinctive purple flowers and white veins characterize the plant itself. It has a number of active ingredients (mainly Silymarin) that qualify its use as herbal medicine for liver support and regeneration.
Most of these remedies include anti-inflammatory and antiviral functionalities (source).
Here are some health benefits:
Liver Disease
This is perhaps the most common benefit known to the general public. research into the milk thistle extract (silymarin) indicates that it may boost liver health. The extract achieves this by protecting the liver from toxic elements that seek to bind onto it. Results in the research in this light is not outrightly clear as no clear results have been collected proving its effects. Since the theory checks out, it can be considered one of the potential advantages of milk thistle.
Hepatitis C
This is a viral disease that targets and attacks the liver. Research indicates that a good number of persons suffering from chronic forms of this illness turn to the use of milk thistle as a remedy. Similar to the above mentioned potential health benefit, research in this endeavor has not yielded clear results as well. It is therefore difficult to prove or disprove its effects in the treatment of hepatitis c. it is however still worthwhile to note that even though not proven, milk thistle may still posses health benefits that remedy hepatitis c.
Diabetes
Extensive studies clearly indicate that milk thistle may yet be of benefit to persons suffering from diabetes. Various research centers have engaged scholars in finding and understanding the advantages of milk thistle to persons with diabetes. By the end of the study, some patients showed great improvements in antioxidant capacity and reduction in inflammation. This can be taken to prove positive the effects of milk thistle to diabetes patients.
Seasonal allergies
Allergies are a common and unfortunate part of human biology. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that virtually all avenues are explored to help remedy allergies when they come up. Milk thistle has been known to help treat seasonal allergies. Research into its effectiveness in a case study identified a good number of persons with seasonal allergies showed great improvement after using milk thistle. Milk thistle was able to perform as a better alternative to the use of other remedies, e.g., placebo.
Silymarin As A Food Supplement
Milk thistle has been used as a remedy for thousands of years in Greece. Today, nutraceuticals process the herb to extract silymarine, its active ingredient. There are many health supplements sold on Amazon which include Milk thistle extract along with other anti-inflammatory herbs and sustances.