An Ancient Herb
The Greek herbalist Dioscorides catalogued milk thistle in his list of healing plants for liver conditions, improving bile flow and stimulating digestion.* The Roman author Pliny was of a similar opinion. Indeed, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extracts have been used as traditional herbal remedies for almost 2000 years and milk thistle is now extensively cultivated as a healing herb. This is especially true in Germany, where milk thistle is quite popular. Despite its distinctive prickly leaves and milky sap, milk thistle is sometimes confused with a different plant known as blessed or holy thistle (Cnicus benedictus).
Today, milk thistle extracts are among the most popular and the best researched of all herbs. Yet, this herb had largely become forgotten by the mid-20th Century. It was barely mentioned in the United States Dispensatory of 1947, and the most common folk use outside of Central Europe was to improve lactation.
Modern research has focused on bile production and liver function. German scientists have produced an extract called silymarin, which has a variety of liver-protectant properties.* The active principles normally constitute only 1-4 percent of the total plant, so it is necessary to concentrate the extract extensively to provide benefits. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle provides just such a potent concentrate.
Special Antioxidant Benefits
Silymarin refers to three active flavonoid components of milk thistle: primarily silybin with smaller amounts of silydianin and silychristin. This trio neutralizes toxins and improves liver function.* Its action rests primarily upon the ability to inhibit production and activity of hepatotoxic (liver toxic) compounds.* More recent evidence indicates that it benefits the health of several other organs as well.*
