Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to support liver health. It is often recommended as a natural remedy for liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
However, there is some conflicting research on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health. Some studies suggest that it can improve liver function and increase survival rates in people with liver disease, while others show mixed results.
One question that often arises is whether milk thistle can cause an increase in liver enzymes. In this article, we will explore the evidence and answer the question: Can milk thistle cause an increase in liver enzymes?
Can Milk Thistle Cause Increase Liver Enzymes?
Liver enzymes are proteins that are produced by the liver and are involved in various metabolic processes. Elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood can be a sign of liver damage or disease.
Despite its widespread use, milk thistle has not been implicated in causing an increase in liver enzymes or clinically apparent acute liver injury. In fact, some studies suggest that milk thistle may have a protective effect on the liver, preventing damage from toxins.
While silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, has been shown to have effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes and hepatic transporters in vitro, there is little evidence that it causes clinically significant herb-drug interactions.
One study showed improvement in aminotransferases (a type of liver enzyme) for milk thistle compared with placebo, but not other laboratory measures. However, problems with the design of studies, such as small numbers of participants and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy, make it difficult to draw any firm conclusions.
What Are Liver Enzymes And Why Are They Important?
Liver enzymes are proteins that are produced by the liver and are involved in various metabolic processes. They play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the liver and the body as a whole. The two most commonly measured liver enzymes are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood can be a sign of liver damage or disease.
ALT is primarily found in the liver, but small amounts are also present in other tissues such as the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Elevated levels of ALT can indicate liver damage, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
AST is found in many tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. Elevated levels of AST can indicate liver damage, but can also be caused by other conditions such as heart disease or muscle injury.
Liver enzyme levels can be affected by a variety of factors, including medications, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions. It is important to monitor liver enzyme levels regularly to detect any potential liver damage or disease.
Despite some concerns about milk thistle’s effects on liver enzymes, there is little evidence to suggest that it causes an increase in these enzymes. In fact, some studies suggest that milk thistle may have a protective effect on the liver and can even help normalize elevated liver enzyme levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand milk thistle’s effects on liver enzymes and overall liver health.
The Benefits And Risks Of Using Milk Thistle For Liver Health
Milk thistle is often suggested as a complementary therapy for people with liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and even liver cancer. It is also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested. Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage.
Milk thistle is a natural herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly used to detoxify the body and promote liver and gallbladder health. As an herb that’s considered a “hepatic, galactogogue, demulcent, and cholagogue,” milk thistle is considered one of the most common natural supplements for liver disorders in the U.S., thanks to its many health benefits.
However, experts say that the evidence on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health isn’t conclusive. Some studies show that milk thistle may help people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. But there is not enough scientific data to say whether or not milk thistle can help other liver problems.
Additionally, conflicting research on the benefits of milk thistle for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis has yielded mixed results. Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. However, problems with the design of studies, such as small numbers of participants and differences in dosing and duration of milk thistle therapy, make it difficult to draw any firm conclusions.
It’s important to note that milk thistle has not been implicated in causing an increase in liver enzymes or clinically apparent acute liver injury. However, it may interact with certain medications or supplements, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle or any other supplement.
Studies On Milk Thistle And Liver Enzymes
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of milk thistle on liver enzymes. One study showed that milk thistle improved aminotransferases, which are liver enzymes that are commonly elevated in liver disease, compared to placebo. However, other laboratory measures did not show significant improvement.
Another study showed that milk thistle did not cause any elevation in liver enzymes or clinically apparent acute liver injury, even in patients with liver disease. This suggests that milk thistle is safe and does not pose a risk of increasing liver enzymes.
While silymarin has been shown to have effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes and hepatic transporters in vitro, there is little evidence to suggest that it causes clinically significant herb-drug interactions. This indicates that milk thistle is unlikely to interact with other medications and cause an increase in liver enzymes.
Factors That Can Affect Liver Enzyme Levels
There are several factors that can affect liver enzyme levels, including medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Some medical conditions that can raise liver enzymes include liver disease, hepatitis B or C infections, and autoimmune disorders. Certain medications, herbs, and supplements can also cause elevated liver enzymes.
Lifestyle factors that can impact liver enzyme levels include alcohol consumption, weight, and exercise habits. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and lead to elevated liver enzymes. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help keep the liver healthy and functioning properly.
It is important to note that elevated liver enzyme levels do not always indicate serious liver damage or disease. Temporary elevations can be caused by factors such as hormonal changes or reactions to medications, which typically resolve on their own without treatment.
If you have concerns about your liver enzyme levels, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider. They can conduct further tests to determine the cause of the elevation and develop an appropriate treatment plan. It is also important to disclose any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking to your healthcare provider, as they can impact liver function.
Possible Side Effects Of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, some people may experience mild side effects, including:
1. Upset stomach: Some people may experience digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
2. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
3. Interactions with medications: Milk thistle may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antipsychotics, and some cancer drugs. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle if you are taking any prescription medications.
4. Hormonal effects: Milk thistle may have estrogenic effects and should be used with caution in people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis.
5. Blood sugar control: Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.
It is important to note that the above side effects are not common and are usually mild. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking milk thistle, stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider.
Conclusion: Should You Take Milk Thistle For Liver Health?
Overall, the evidence regarding milk thistle’s effectiveness in improving liver health is mixed. While some studies suggest that milk thistle may improve liver function and increase survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, other studies have found no benefit in taking the herb. Additionally, while milk thistle has not been implicated in causing an increase in liver enzymes or clinically apparent acute liver injury, there is little evidence to suggest that it causes clinically significant herb-drug interactions.
Therefore, whether or not you should take milk thistle for liver health is a decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. While milk thistle may be beneficial for those looking to detox from medications and pollution, further studies are needed to make a definitive determination of its effectiveness. It is also important to note that dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, so it is important to choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party and to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
