Milkthistle
Silybum
Silybum, commonly known as Mary's thistle or milk thistle, is a traditional medicinal plant with roots tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally, it has been used for liver support and detoxification in various cultures but specific recorded uses vary widely. Scientific evidence suggests that silymarin, the active compound in Silybum marianum, may have beneficial effects on liver health by reducing aflatoxin residues and improving immune parameters in fish exposed to aflatoxins and bacterial infections. Additionally, isosilybin A-enriched extracts show promise in restoring susceptibility to antifungal drugs in resistant Candida species and exhibit potential anti-neoplastic activity against prostate cancer; however, more randomized clinical trials are needed for definitive conclusions. Safety profiles indicate no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no reported drug interactions associated with Silybum use.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Isosilybin A enriched Silybum marianum extract, when combined with fluconazole, restored azole susceptibility in azole-resistant Candida species and emerging multidrug-resistant yeast isolates.
- Silybum marianum-derived compounds show promising antineoplastic activity against prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo, but further randomized trials are needed.
- Silymarin and its isolated flavanonol lignans antagonize liver X receptor, showing potential anti-steatotic effects in liver cells.
- Sil supplementation reduced aflatoxin residues and improved immune parameters in Nile tilapia exposed to aflatoxicosis and bacterial infection.
Frequently asked questions
What is Milkthistle?
Milkthistle (Silybum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Milkthistle?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Milkthistle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Isosilybin A enriched Silybum marianum extract, when combined with fluconazole, restored azole susceptibility in azole-resistant Candida species and emerging multidrug-resistant yeast isolates.
How strong is the evidence for Milkthistle?
The strongest finding for Milkthistle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Milkthistle safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Milkthistle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Milkthistle interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Milkthistle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Milkthistle?
Milkthistle is also known as: Расторопша, Chardon-Marie.
Is Milkthistle a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Silybum marianum-Derived Compounds in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms of Action and Translational Potential. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In silico identification of isosilybin a targeting squalene epoxidase as an antifungal adjuvant with in vitro validation against azole-resistant Candida and emerging yeasts. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Silymarin conserves the efficacy of quinolone and sulfonamide in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to aflatoxicosis and Streptococcus agalactiae infection. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Silymarin and Its Isolated Flavanonol Lignans Are Liver X Receptor Antagonists. literature abstract metadata