There is no consensus among hepatologists about taking mik thistle, so for that reason I wouldn't do it.
That said, there are members here who have reported that their hepatologists had no problem with their patients taking it.
Some hepatologists say it's okay to take only before or after treatment itself and some say it's even okay to take during treatment.
I would definitely look to the advice of your own hepatologist in this matter, if you want to pursue it.
Generally, herbs aren't used in isolation. Milk thistle is good at cleansing the liver, but it is usually used in formula with other herbs that affect the liver in different ways. You also have to be careful with milk thistle. For example, if you're on medication, it can cleanse the medication out of your system before it has a chance to work. Other herbs that support the liver don't have this effect. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
Silymarin, an extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant Silybum marianum, has been used for centuries for the treatment of chronic liver diseases. Despite common use by patients with hepatitis C in the U.S., its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to determine if silymarin has in vitro effects on immune function that might have implications for its potential effect on HCV-induced liver disease.
It contains a proprietary blend of Patrinia extract, Phellodendron amurense extract, Yi-Chen wormwood extract and Schisandra extract. He also was taking milk thistle and a few other things. This herbal combo reversed the numbers, brought his liver function (alt and ast) down to high normal, whereas they had been going way up.
He kept to this regimen and was going along fine, back to not feeling impacted by the virus, though of course he knew it was still there.
s Way Brand Milk Thistle, which - according to the packaging - contains 175 mg Milk Thistle extract (seed), 80% silymarin; and 180 mg Blessed Thistle (stern, leaf, flower). Is this safe? Is it helpful? Is there any kind of sensation at the liver site which indicates that you need to seek medical help immediately? I've read on the forum that some people actually experience bleeds. Does this manifest as bruising, or can it happen w/o any visible indications?
Can milk thistle seed extract go bad? I have a bottle that I want to use but don't know how long I've had it.
A lot of people swear by "milk Thistle extract" I've been taking it for 6 months - I feel better - but not cured. Elevated Enzymes can be anything from hepatitis to alcoholism to "nash" to etc....- Ive even heard mononucleosis can cause them to be elevated - as well as exposure to industrial chemicals /toxins. Whatd the doc say???
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