Milk thistle is an edible plant native to Europe. It also grows in the United States and South America. Many have used its fruit and seeds for centuries to help protect the liver. People have also used it to treat liver disorders. The plants healing abilities may come from a mixture of flavonolignans called silymarin and its main element, silybinin.

Use of milk thistle

Milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum) is to help protect the liver against toxins and reduce the risk of chronic liver diseases, with research suggesting it has anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects. Milk thistle extract also has antioxidant effects that may help decrease inflammation and protect the liver from damage. However, it is essential to choose the right form to get the most benefit from milk thistle extract.

Silymarin is the active ingredient in milk thistle. Instead of being a single ingredient, silymarin is thought to be a complicated collection of them.

Silybin A and B: They are the most important components of milk thistle silymarin. As youll see lower on the list, most studies concentrate on silybin and its numerous health benefits.

Isosilybin A and B: They have similar milk thistle health benefits, especially in the liver. However, there exists not enough research to back up our findings.

Other flavonolignans: Other flavonolignans found in milk thistle are less well-known. They share a similar name and chemical formula. They might potentially serve a similar purpose. On the other hand, their concentration is substantially lower, and there arent enough isolated studies.

Taxifolin: This is a flavonoid present in conifers, certain kinds of vinegar, and milk thistle. Also, there have been investigations on its chemopreventive qualities. In other words, it may lower the risk of some cancers.

What the research says

Research abounds on milk thistle for many health conditions. Silymarin and silibinin are well studied for liver disorders. That said, most studies on this plants impact on other conditions arent conclusive.

Some laboratory studies on the herbs cancer-fighting abilities are promising. One study on the effects of silibinin on MCF-7 breast cancer cells suggests the compound inhibits the cells growth and induces their death. The study concluded that silibinin might be an effective adjuvant drug to produce a better chemopreventive response for cancer therapy.

A separate study on the effects of silibinin on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells also found it causes cell death and a loss of viability. The studys results also showed that the combination of silibinin and ultraviolet light B light was more effective than ultraviolet light alone in causing cell death.

• Studies have also shown that silymarin:
• strengthens cell walls
• stimulates enzymes that limit how toxins affect the body
• blocks free radicals.

In addition, some of its components may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy against breast and ovarian cancer cells. Specific components may even help prevent cancer cells from developing. The components may also slow cancer cell growth in specific cancer cell lines.

Best milk thistle supplement

Milk thistle has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and its bioactive compound, silybin, has been studied extensively for its ability to support liver health. However, research also indicates that silybin from milk thistle extract is not well absorbed when taken orally. Silybins bioavailability can be improved significantly by combining milk thistle extract with phosphatidylcholine to create a milk thistle phytosome.

Milk thistle phytosome

Phytosome technology envelops the herb to create a cell-like structure that can effectively deliver the plant and its active compounds through the gut protecting it from destruction by gastric secretions and gut bacteria, which enhances the bioavailability of the plant. In addition to enhanced absorption, the phosphatidylcholine in the phytosome is also hepatoprotective, offering a synergistic effect when combined with milk thistle.

According to a 2019 prospective, blinded, two-way crossover study featuring 23 healthy volunteers, silybin phytosome demonstrated superior bioavailability compared to a non-phytosome silymarin extract.

What to look for when buying milk thistle

To ensure you choose the best milk thistle supplement with the highest bioavailability possible, be sure the label indicates that the herb has been combined with phosphatidylcholine to create a phytosome. In the form of a dietary supplement, the product can be called milk thistle phytosome, silymarin phytosome, or silybin phytosome.

In addition to milk thistle, phytosome technology is used with herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, grape seed, hawthorn, and others to enhance absorption of the active compounds found in these plants.

Standardization is a way to ensure that the product has the highest percentage possible of the active compounds found in the plant. Standardized milk thistle phytosome is generally well tolerated, with many studies featuring a product standardized to contain 70 to 80% silymarin.

How to use milk thistle for a healthy liver?

Consider using a potent milk thistle extract to protect and detox the liver. This fantastic natural herb helps young persons maintain liver health. And after age 40, the detox power of the liver slows down. So regardless of age, milk thistle aids with prevention and repair. A healthy liver does not only mean healthy blood. Additional benefits include the spleen, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. Check with a pharmacist or doctor for the right dosage of milk thistle to detox the liver.

Why MediZen Milk Thistle

MediZen Milk Thistle is a good choice as it has high silymarin content combined with other drug formulations for better absorption. It is available in the form of capsules for easy consumption. FSSAI has approved it and even the doctors and practitioners trust it worldwide. Following are its health benefits.

• It fights cancer by reducing inflammation
• It has antioxidants and repairs damaged cells
• Helps improve brain function
• Promotes digestive health
• Helps in effective weight management
• Manages other comorbidities like liver cirrhosis, jaundice
• The reason why MediZen Milk thistle performs better

Milk Thistle Extract is available in capsule form on the ZenOnco website

To know how to take it, please connect with anti-cancer experts on ZenOnco.io. They will guide you on how to take this medicine. Alternatively, you can take 2 capsules per day after a meal. Though we strongly recommend you to connect with an expert before taking it.

Alternatively, you can make milk thistle tea at home. Its available for purchase as loose or ground seeds, leaves, or tea bags.

Steep a tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose tea in 1 cup (237 mL) of hot water for 510 minutes. If not using a tea bag, strain the tea before drinking it.

Milk Thistle Extract is available in capsule form on the ZenOnco website

https://zenonco.io/cancer/products/medizen-milk-thistle-600-mg/