Silymarin: Safety, Benefits & Potential Risks - A Comprehensive Overview

Silymarin is a potently medicinal compound derived from milk thistle. This powerful herbal extract is generally used for the treatment of liver disease, and it is associated with few side effects.

Toxicity

• Animal studies have found no significant toxicity for milk thistle or isolated silymarin. There are no case reports of human poisoning by milk thistle.

Blood Sugar

• Silymarin can reduce blood sugar levels, so caution is advised in people with diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Milk thistle is traditionally believed to be safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. There are few studies confirming its safety.

Allergic Reaction

• Theoretically, milk thistle and silymarin can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Placebo-Type Side Effects

• Most side effects associated with silymarin are similar to placebo in frequency and presentation. They include nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, impotence and itching.