Milk Thistle leaf - Silybum marianum (Compositae)

Properties:
bitter, liver protectant, antioxidant, liver reguvenator (calculated on a wro moisture b@is per too gm)

Systems Affected:
digestive, circulatory

Milk Thistle leaf Common Names:
emetic root, snake milk,

History and Use:
Milk thistle derives its name from the niilky sap that comes from its stems and leaves. It is a persistent anual that grows up to ten feet high. Like most thistles, it has prickly leaves. It is also identified by its spine-ridged , reddish purple flowers. Milk thistle is native to the Middle East but now grows all over the temperate regions of North America. Most commercially available milk thistle is a concentrated extract of the sap. Processing the bitter latex in this manner allows the flavonoids to be standardized and the prickles and spines of the plant to be avoided by the consumer. Milk thistle has a long folk history of successfully treating liver disorders which have been confirmed by scientific study. The plant is also used to increase the production of milk in nursing mothers. Most importantly is its ability to prevent liver damage by inhibiting the production of enzymes that lead to free radical and leucotriene formation. It is an effective antioxidant that functions mainly in the liver. In this regard, it is useful in treating cirrosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver deposits, inflammatory skin. These bitter compounds protect the liver by inhibiting conditions and jaundice. Standardized extracts of thistle are widely used pharmaceuticals in Europe. These compounds are employed not only as cures for disease often involved in inflammatory conditions of the liver conditions but also as a daily form of liver protection. In addition, the plant appears to have no toxic effects even when more powerful antioxidants are used for months at a time.

Medicinal Properties:
These compounds also help regenerate liver cells by stimulating protein synthesis. This results in an increase in the rate at which new liver cells are produced to replace damaged old ones. However, this cell proliferant stimulus does not affect malignant liver tissue.

In summary, milk thistle is very useful in treating all inflammatory conditions of the liver and skin. They have the ability to prevent liver destruction and enhance liver function.

Reference: Chapter 4: The Single Herbs 123

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