Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries. Some people also call it Mary thistle and holy thistle. It is used as a natural treatment for liver problems. These liver problems include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. It also provides heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels and help diabetes in people who have type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver, kidney, and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies s est that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

Good for Liver

Milk thistle could offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. And aid people with alcohol-related liver disease.

Help Diabetes

Milk thistle can improve diabetes by a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers also have found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance.

Cardioprotective

By lowering LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, milk thistle can help decrease the chance of developing heart disease.

Viral hepatitis

Milk thistle is widely used in the treatment of viral hepatitis (particularly hep C), some studies found improvements in liver function. In one study of 16 patients who didn't respond to interferon and ribavirin therapy, milk thistle significantly reduced the viral load.