Silymarin helps to emulsify fats, thus improving the flow of bile and reducing stress on the gall bladder. Other conditions which benefit from milk thistle include menstrual difficulties, psoriasis, and varicose veins. 9 Milk thistle has been used to treat appetite loss and other digestive problems. It also inhibits inflammatory enzymes, thereby reducing leukotriene and inflammatory pro-staglandin formation. These substances lead to inflammation which can cause further damage.
Milk thistle has no known toxicity, even in large quantities.
The herb has been used for nearly 2,000 years with no reports of adverse effects. Lang I, et al. Lang I, Nekam K, Deak G, et al. Immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects of in vivo treatment with free radical scavengers. Feher J, Deak G, Muzes G, et al.