Milk thistle, liver health

Q: I have hepatitis C and my friend told me that milk thistle might help. What is your opinion? Is there any proof that it works?

A: Many people use milk thistle — usually the seeds — for chronic hepatitis B and C. It's actually a weed; I've seen it growing in parks around Seattle. As an aside, I must say that I admire the courageous people who collect those seeds. I found some growing in my compost pile one summer, and let me tell you, it is one very large, prickly plant.

Anyway, milk thistle has a component called "silymarin" which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Silymarin also may protect liver cells from being damaged by toxic chemicals and help liver cells to regenerate if they are injured. So it makes sense that people have been interested in using it medicinally for liver disease, including hepatitis.

The data is still controversial on how effective milk thistle is for hepatitis B and C. Many of the studies are small and not necessarily the best design. Keeping that in mind, however, some of the research is interesting. One short study found that a specific milk thistle product called Silipide improved liver tests in people with chronic active hepatitis.

Another found that after one year, people who took milk thistle felt better, though they didn't have any improvements on their liver tests. A review of 13 studies also found that milk thistle reduced the risk of dying from liver disease.

Milk thistle has a pretty good track record for safety. It has been used as a food for centuries by people around the Mediterranean. Some will notice a mild laxative effect. People with a history of ragweed, chrysanthemum and marigold allergies may also react to milk thistle. However, as always, talk to your doctor before trying anything new.

Dr. Astrid Pujari is a Seattle M.D. with an additional degree as a medical herbalist; she practices at the Pujari Center and teaches as part of the residency programs at Virginia Mason and Swedish/Cherry Hill hospitals. Send questions to apujari@seattletimes.com for possible use in future columns. All information is intended for education and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor before following any suggestions given here.