Milk thistle - benefits and effects of extract on the human body

The best way to strengthen the liver is what you trample with your feet and hold by the weed - ordinary Thistle, or scientifically - “Milk Thistle” - any part of it: leaves, fruits, stems, roots are boiled into teas; You can boil it like all dense parts of any plant, you can pass it through a meat grinder and boil it into soups, you can squeeze fresh concentrated juice from the green parts. With Russian cirrhosis, I would grow thistles on plantations. The trouble is that whoever drinks the distillate will not drink the thistle. (Stoleshnikov A.P.)

What is milk thistle: features and properties of the plant

Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that is extracted from milk thistle or milk thistle. The shape is a plant with a lot of spines and bright purple flowers. The leaves are decorated with a white pattern that looks like a net, which is how milk thistle got its name - milk thistle or milk thistle.

Mentions of the use of milk thistle for medicinal purposes date back to ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures, so we can safely say that the plant has been used for dozens of centuries.

The benefits of milk thistle are due to the presence of a huge amount of flavolignans, such as:

Silybin;
Silymarin;
Silichristin;
Isosilibin and others.

The plant also contains flavonoids and fumaric acid, which explains the powerful antioxidant and regenerative effect of milk thistle.

Main effects of taking milk thistle

Milk thistle is incredibly beneficial and has a complex effect on the body. It is used both in the medical field and in sports. Milk thistle is not harmful to health and has no contraindications, which makes the plant universal for use.

Liver protection and restoration

The plant is a powerful hepatoprotector, which is why milk thistle is most often used to restore, cleanse and protect the liver. In medicine, the substance is used for:

Fatty liver hepatosis;
Decreased liver function;
Cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia;
Hepatitis;
Cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

Milk thistle is also indicated as a prevention of various diseases, for unloading and better restoration of the liver. For chronic or acute cholecystitis, milk thistle is the main way to normalize the condition of the liver, liquefy and increase the outflow of bile, reduce severity and pain.

Another area where milk thistle is indicated is protection and recovery from toxic substances affecting the liver. The plant is prescribed as a protection and is used in conjunction with many medications, especially oral medications. Milk thistle allows you to quickly remove toxins and waste, eases the load on the liver in case of various poisonings (alcohol, poisonous mushrooms and other substances).

Despite the action proven by science and practical application, the effect of milk thistle treatment directly depends on lifestyle. Bad habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking significantly reduce the effect of using the plant.

Reducing sugar levels

Milk thistle is indicated for use in diabetes types 1 and 2. Scientists have found that silymarin, which the plant contains, reduces insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar levels. The plant is also beneficial due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce the risks of kidney failure and other complications caused by the disease.

For skin problems

Due to its medicinal properties, milk thistle is often used to eliminate a number of skin problems:

Acne;
Acne;
Frequent acne.

Antioxidants and silymarin, which are found in large quantities in milk thistle, can reduce the oxidative processes occurring in cells. This improves skin condition and reduces inflammation. According to scientific studies, a two-month course of the plant, which included 210 mg of silymarin, reduced acne by more than 50%.

Milk thistle also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and accelerates the process of removing toxins through the skin.

In anticancer therapy

Scientists have been studying the benefits of the plant in anti-cancer therapy for several years now. They discovered how milk thistle can be useful for cancer. The use of the plant makes it easier to endure the effects of radiation therapy. In the case of some forms of cancer, the plant additionally has a positive effect on the main therapy, but more research is required in this area.

To strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis

The plant can help reduce the development of osteoporosis and strengthen bone density with long-term use. The juice of the plant increased the mineralization of bones, which helped strengthen tissue density and prevent their thinning. It also helped reduce the development of osteoporosis in women after menopause. But at the current stage of research, the effect on bones cannot be called noticeable. Therefore, in this case, drinking milk thistle is more useful as a preventive measure, rather than as a direct treatment.

To prevent age-related changes in brain function

According to some data, in ancient times milk thistle was used to combat neurological diseases. The plant has a powerful neuroprotective effect and can improve the condition of a number of diseases, such as:

Alzheimer's;
Parkinson's;
Age-related dementia;
Neurological abnormalities.

However, despite its great potential in the treatment of various diseases associated with impaired brain function, the plant does not improve mental performance. It only facilitates the course of the disease and reduces some of its consequences.

To enhance lactation

The plant is often used to stimulate lactation by increasing prolactin levels. Some studies have shown that taking 400 mg of silymarin increased milk production by 64% compared to a placebo group.

The use of milk thistle in sports

Milk thistle is almost a must-have supplement for most athletes, especially in bodybuilding, fitness, and powerlifting. The substances contained in the plant help protect the liver and speed up its recovery. Milk thistle helps and is a mandatory component in the following cases:

To reduce the load on the liver when using any oral medications;
The main element for restoring the condition of the liver on PCT;
To reduce exacerbations of cholecystitis, improve the outflow of bile with biliary dyskinesia during frequent physical activity;
Protection against intoxication, especially during strict diets.

There is an opinion that milk thistle promotes weight loss, but most likely this effect is associated with improved liver and gallbladder function, as well as normalization of the diet.

Chemical composition

The drug should be used for liver pathologies and for weight loss. Milk thistle seeds contain the following beneficial substances:

flavonoids;
vitamins K, B1, B5, B3, B9;
trace elements (potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, vanadium, boron, chromium and others);
antioxidants;
amino acids (isoleucine, lysine, valine, tryptophan);
enzymes;
minerals;
silymarin.

Due to the fact that milk thistle contains more than 200 substances, it is included in the list of medicines and many food supplements.

Harm and possible contraindications for taking milk thistle

Milk thistle has not been found to be harmful to the body, so using the plant is completely safe. Also, scientists have not identified any contraindications, except for cases of hypersensitivity to the plant. With a strong increase in dosage, the following symptoms may occur:

Loose stools;
Headache;
Minor nausea.

In this case, it is recommended to stop taking the supplement for a while or reduce the dosage. You should also use the supplement with caution during pregnancy due to the lack of scientific data on the effects of the plant on the body during this period.

Methods of administration

Taking milk thistle depends on your goals, supplement form, and other conditions. You need to drink milk thistle as meal 2-3 times a day. The daily portion is usually poured with water overnight, after which it is drunk neat with water or juice. It can also be added to any dishes, salads, side dishes and even desserts.

Milk thistle should be taken with food to increase bioavailability and absorption. Taking on an empty stomach is not recommended, as some of the beneficial substances will be destroyed by the acidic environment of the stomach, which will reduce the overall effect.

The duration of the usual course is 1-2 months. When repeating the course, you must take a break of at least 4-5 weeks. The plant can also be consumed for 1-2 weeks, in case of exacerbation of cholecystitis or bile stagnation.

Capsules are considered the most effective form. They contain a concentrated extract. Therefore, milk thistle capsules are considered healthier and more convenient. Also, this form makes it easier to use; it does not need to be soaked or added to food; you just need to wash down the portion with clean water. In this case, the duration of the course and dosage are determined by the instructions for the supplement.

In sports, during courses of prohormones and other drugs, as well as during recovery during the PCT period, milk thistle is taken 3 times a day with food. The duration of the standard course is at least 2 months. In some cases, it increases to 3 months if, after 8 weeks, it has not been possible to completely restore liver function. The standard dosage is 200-250 mg.

As a preventive measure, milk thistle is drunk in courses of 1-2 months, 2-3 times a year. This regimen allows you to maintain liver health and improve the quality and flow of bile. Dosages vary, from 150 to 200 mg.

Content

1 SILK THISTLE fruit (CARDUI MARIAE FRUCTUS) 1.1 Pharmacological action
1.2 Recommendations for use in sports
1.3 Method of administration and dosage
1.4 Contraindications
1.5 Side effects
1.6 Special instructions

2 SILK THISTLE HERB (CARDUI MARIAE HERBA)

2.1 Pharmacological action

2.2 Recommendations for use in sports

2.3 Method of administration and dosage

2.4 Contraindications

2.5 Side effects

2.6 Special instructions

3 Milk thistle for weight loss

3.1 Reviews

Best Milk Thistle Supplements

Milk thistle has been used as a meal for many years, although supplements in capsule form have recently become more popular. They are characterized by higher bioavailability and pronounced effect. Another big advantage of supplements is the fixed amount of active ingredient in each serving. This avoids fluctuations in dosages that are possible when soaking seeds.

One of the most popular options is Milk thistle extract from 21st Century. The supplement is available in different packaging and contains 175 mg of milk thistle extract per serving. Milk thistle extract also has a favorable price, making it a popular choice not only for athletes, but also when used for preventive purposes.

Conclusion

Of all the treatment options, buying milk thistle seeds is the most preferable, since neither oil nor meal can give such results. All useful substances are fully contained in the seeds! They are also present in oil, but in smaller volumes.

Meal is nothing more than a secondary product of processing the same seeds. In addition, we often sell very low quality meal and it is not possible to visually determine this quality. Powder is just that: powder.

Therefore, if you need meal, make it yourself, at home, from milk thistle seeds. Believe me, it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. This way you will receive a guarantee that your product is 100% high quality, and not a powder mixed with something unknown.

Source of information: https://givizaaltaya.ru/semena-rastoropshi-lechebnye-svojstva-protivopokazaniya/