One such action of silymarin is its ability to reduce hepatocellular necrosis which, in turn, may delay or prevent the occurrence of hepatic failure. Additionally, silymarin reduces collagen deposition in the liver, thereby reducing circulatory changes, particularly in the portal system. Serum total and conjugated bilirubin also decreased during treatment. Significantly, liver biopsy showed a clear improvement in histological alterations, namely decreased fatty transformations. These findings indicate that silymarin complex may have both a prophylactic and a remedial effect on liver lesions.
Conditions indicating the use of milk thistle are varied.
In most situations a moderate dose will result in noticeable clinical improvement within two months of use. Many Europeans use milk thistle as a supplement to protect their livers from the effects of alcohol or a polluted environment or workplace. However, in Europe, as a prescribed medicine, the milk thistle extract is also used to treat alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, drug and alcohol-induced liver damage and other disease such as acute viral hepatitis. Many milk thistle products are available in the health food stores in the U.S. today. These products cannot be labeled with the benefits which have been proven in European laboratories and clinics, but Americans are gradually becoming aware of these benefits.