Milk Thistle and Hepatitis C

Milk thistle has been used in Europe as a treatment for liver disease and jaundice since the sixteenth century. Because of its potential benefits to the liver, some people with hepatitis C take milk thistle as a supplement. Thus far, scientists studying milk thistle and hepatitis C have found no clear-cut evidence that milk thistle helps in treating hepatitis C. Some studies showed a possible a benefit while other studies did not. If you are currently taking milk thistle for hepatitis C, or are considering it, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. In order to keep you safe, it is important that he or she knows about any medication or supplement you are taking.

 

What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (scientific name Silybum marianum) is a plant from the aster family. Other plants in this same family include:
 
  • Ragweed
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Marigold
  • Daisy.
     
Milk thistle contains a substance called silymarin, found in the fruit, which is believed to be responsible for any medicinal properties. Milk thistle has been used in Europe as a treatment for liver disease and jaundice since the sixteenth century. As an herbal medicine, milk thistle comes in both tablet and capsule form.
 

Milk Thistle and Hepatitis C: Is It Effective?

Studies in laboratory animals suggest that milk thistle may have various benefits to the liver, such as:
 
 
  • Promoting the growth of certain types of liver cells
  • Having a protective effect on liver cells
  • Fighting a chemical process called oxidation that can damage cells
  • Inhibiting inflammation.
     
However, thus far, scientific studies have found no clear-cut evidence that milk thistle helps in treating hepatitis C. Some studies showed a possible a benefit while other studies did not. Currently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is sponsoring a clinical trial to look at the possible benefits of milk thistle in people with hepatitis C. Until these study results are published, we won't know whether milk thistle offers benefits for those with hepatitis C.
 
(Milk Thistle and Hepatitis C Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;