The Magic of Milk Thistle - HTC Health : HTC Health

Milk Thistle is a herb that has been around for over 2000 years. It has recently been gaining popularity in the mainstream culture due to its endless repertoire of benefits and virtually no side effects.

Also known by its scientific name, Silybum marianum, Milk Thistle grows mostly in California, although it can be grown in many other warm climates as well. Also known as ‘Holy Thistle’ or ‘Lady’s Thistle’, it can grow as large as ten feet tall and has distinctive red and purple flowers. It’s referred to as “milk” thistle because the plant leaves secrete a white, milky substance when they are crushed.

The active ingredients in Milk Thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin (1). The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties (2). Below we take a look at the many health benefits of this herb:

Liver Protection

Milk Thistle has a long-standing reputation for helping to relieve liver problems and has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. Silymarin protects the liver by acting as a gatekeeper. It does this by binding to the outside of the liver cell. When toxins enter the body, it wards them off by blocking entry to the liver cell (3). Milk Thistle can be taken as a preventative measure to help protect your liver against possible damage from toxins. It is a good option to take Milk Thistle at times when you know you are likely to put your liver under more stress than usual.

Reduces Cholesterol

High cholesterol can lead to problems with heart health and increase a person’s chance of stroke. Studies have shown that Milk Thistle may play a role in keeping cholesterol levels under control. A study found that cholesterol levels were lower in people taking Milk Thistle to treat diabetes than those taking a placebo (4).

Protects Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease of the skeleton characterised by bone fragility due to a reduction in bone mass. Silymarin has received attention due to its alternative beneficial effect on bone formation. It contains a mixture of flavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties. Milk Thistle has been shown in studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss (5, 6).

Prevents Age-Related Decline in Brain Function

In the brain, compounds in Milk Thistle have a neurotrophic effect (meaning they support the growth and survival of neurons). And it is being successfully used to treat neurological disorders (7). Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age (8).

Bulk Milk Thistle From Renowned Supplier

At HTC Health, we supply Milk Thistle in hard capsule form. Our Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin (80%) that has been concentrated from the Milk Thistle plant. It is suitable for vegetarians & vegans (in an HPMC capsule). We currently have limited stock of this supplement, so to place an order, contact us now at sales@htc.co.uk or call us at +44 (0) 1923 652 529.

References

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.