Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Silymarin

Silymarin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Silymarin?

Silymarin (milk thistle plant derivative) is a herbal drug or natural medicine with substantial therapeutic potential to prevent toxicity in various body organs like the liver/gallbladder. It indeed shields liver cells from toxic damages caused by multiple toxins, drugs and chemicals.  Also, this herbal drug’s antioxidant character results in cytoprotection subsequently. Moreover, it neutralises the unstable free radicals and ceases their damaging action on the cell walls. Additionally, it can produce a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

What are the applications of Silymarin?

As per various studies, conditions like fatty liver, inflammation, cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis and gallbladder ailments can be cured using this herbal drug. By clearing alcohol from the blood, it helps to recover from alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. It eliminates toxins from the liver and stabilises the free radicals, preventing liver cell damage and hepatotoxicity. Also, it aids in managing skin radiance, diabetes, weight loss and allergic asthma symptoms. Additionally, it also prevents estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss.

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    What adverse effects can Silymarin cause?

    Commonly associated side effects are:

    • Nausea & Diarrhea
    • Stomach and intestinal discomfort
    • Mildly compromised appetite
    • Itching or rashes

    Serious side effects that should not be neglected are:

    • Severe backache & itching
    • Excess bloating & indigestion
    • Severe hair loss & dizziness
    • Serious loss of appetite

    If you notice such worsening side effects or symptoms of allergy, stop consuming this drug and rush for immediate medical attention. Difficult breathing, swelling, itching & rashes/blisters are the signs of allergy.

    What is Silymarin

    Uses of Silymarin

    Side effects of Silymarin

    References

    1. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586829/
    2. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects
    3. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320362
    4. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612568/
    5. Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322598771_Silymarin_An_interesting_modality_in_dermatological_therapeutics
    6. Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10813075_Synthesis_and_antihepatotoxic_activity_of_some_heterocyclic_compounds_containing_the_14-dioxane_ring_system
    7. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501771/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Silymarin

    Yes. Studies indicate that Silymarin effectively lowers the NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) induced biochemical changes in the liver. Also, neutralising the unstable free radicals, lowering inflammatory reactions and modulating the enzymes inducing cellular damage, promotes hepatoprotection.

    The dosage recommended for liver health, or hepatoprotection is 420 mg/day for adults. Take the capsule of strength 140 mg thrice daily for 6-8 weeks for hepatoprotective effects. However, it’s better if you take the capsule intake with/after meals. Stop the usage in case of allergy or hypersensitivity.

    No interactions have been seen between both of these compounds. Although the intake of both of them simultaneously should not cause any adverse reaction in the body, one must consult the healthcare professional before such consumption.

    Yes. Silymarin in topical preparations can be used for skincare or cosmetic purposes. This is because of its vast antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Moreover, its cytoprotective properties aid to protect cell damage and limiting acne proneness.

    Yes. It promotes hepatoprotection by neutralising the unstable free radicals, lowering inflammatory reactions and modulating the enzymes inducing cellular damage. Also, it's a natural medicine to cure certain conditions like inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis or jaundice. Moreover, clearing alcohol from the blood helps to recover from alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis.

    It has been well established that Silymarin prevents various chemicals, toxins, enzymes and even alcohol from producing liver cell damage and hepatotoxicity. It removes alcohol from the blood very effectively and prevents it from reaching the liver, resulting in subsequently liver protection.

    This herbal medicine is a plant-based flavonoid. Undoubtedly, it has huge photoprotective and cytoprotective abilities, which can help to manage psoriasis. As per US National psoriasis foundation, it has a therapeutic tendency to inhibit the autoimmune response of T cells and relieve psoriasis.

    Yes. It is a heterocyclic compound containing a dioxane ring along with a flavonoid moiety. Various studies prove that this heterocyclic compound's 1,4 dioxane unit and flavone moiety play a major role in providing hepatoprotection and anti-hepatotoxic action against various enzymes, toxins, proteins, and alkaline phosphatase and chemicals.

    For hepatoprotection purposes, it is recommended to go for a 420 mg/day dosage. One must take a 140 mg capsule thrice per day with or after meals. Continue the regime for 6-8 weeks. However, with the maintenance aspect, one must adopt the dosage of 270 mg/day. In rest, the dosage of Silymarin depends on the purpose of consumption.

    No. it is not at all recommended for consumption during pregnancy. A healthcare professional may recommend it during pregnancy after proper risk and benefit assessment under supervision.

    Yes. It is safe to take Silymarin during lactation & breastfeeding. Some studies support the fact that consumption helps to increase milk production. Besides this, no evidence of adversity has been reported in the breastfed infants whose mothers take it during lactation.