Powerful Antioxidant. Milk Thistle Seed is a potent detoxifying herb, rich in anti-oxidant properties that may prevent free-radical damage. People use milk thistle as a complementary treatment for liver problems, particularly hepatitis and cirrhosis and inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis). Research on silymarin suggests that it may protect the liver from inflammation. However, it does not have a direct effect on viruses that cause hepatitis, such as the hepatitis C virus.1.
Preliminary research suggests that silymarin is an antioxidant, which helps protect the body from cell-destroying substances called free radicals. Silymarin also may reduce inflammation and block the effects of toxins that harm the liver.2

Appearance

While the milk thistle plant is native to regions of the Mediterranean, it can also be found growing throughout the world from Europe to Asia, and from Africa to North America. This stout thistle usually grows in dry, sunny areas. The stem branches at the top, and it reaches a height of 4 to 10 feet. The leaves are wide compared to other plants of its species and have white blotchy veins.

History

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an soothing herbal tonic for a variety of complaints, particularly liver problems. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries physicians in the United States used milk thistle seeds to ease the discomfort of congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Today, several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) may protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen.