What is Silymarin?
Silymarin (Milk thistle) is a flowering herb related to the family of daisies and ragweeds. It is native to countries in the Mediterranean. Silymarin is a standardized milk thistle seed extract containing a mixture of Flavonolignans (Silybum Marianum). This medication is a herbal supplement that allows the liver function to be detoxified and preserved.
What are the Uses of Silymarin?
The medication is used for the treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin is an active concept obtained from milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). It could protect liver cells from chemicals and drugs that are harmful. Apparently, it also has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impact. Milk thistle plant extract may improve the estrogen effects.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side Effects of Silymarin?
Some of the common side effects of Silymarin are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal gas
- Fullness or pain in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Rashes and itching
Some of the serious side effects of Silymarin are:
What are the Precautions of Silymarin?
Before using the Silymarin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Silymarin talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stomach ulcer
- Pain in abdominal
- Loss of appetite
How to take Silymarin?
The best doses of Silymarin are not yet established for any conditions. The consistency and active ingredients in supplements can differ widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. This makes the establishment of a regular dose very difficult. Ask for advice from your doctor.
For dyspepsia and biliary system disorders, one source suggests daily doses of 12 to 15 g of dried fruit, while an extract containing 200 to 400 mg/day of silymarin is considered effective in various liver disorders.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Silymarin?
If a dose of this drug is missing, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the skipped dose and go back to your routine for daily dosing. Do not use double doses.
What to Do for a Suspected Overdose?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Silymarin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
What are the Interactions of Silymarin?
Silymarin can decrease how quickly those medications break down in the liver. The effects and side effects of some medications can be increased by taking silymarin along with some medications that are broken down by the liver. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking silymarin if you take any medications that are modified by the liver.
Some drugs that are modified by the liver include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Zileuton (Zyflo)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
- Tolbutamide (Tolinase)
- Torsemide (Demadex)
How to Store Silymarin?
Store it away from light and moisture at room temperature between 68-77º F (20-25º C). Brief storage is allowed between 59-86º F (15-30º C). Keep all medication away from pets and children.
However, if you experience any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking Silymarin acid and seek medical attention immediately: rash/blisters, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness and difficulty breathing. This is not a
Silymarin vs Lecithin
| Silymarin | Lecithin |
|---|---|
| Silymarin (Milk thistle) is a flowering herb related to the family of daisies and ragweeds. It is native to countries in the Mediterranean. | Lecithin supplements can also be used during breast-feeding to treat elevated cholesterol and digestive disorders and to avoid clogged milk ducts. |
| The medication is used for the treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin is an active concept obtained from milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). | Lecithin is used to treat memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is also used to treat gallbladder disease, liver disease, depression of some forms, high cholesterol, anxiety, and eczema, a skin disease. |
Some of the common side effects of Silymarin are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Lecithin are:
|
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
In order to treat liver disorders, including acute and chronic viral hepatitis, toxin/drug-induced hepatitis, cirrhosis and alcoholic liver diseases, Silymarin has been used medically. It has also been stated that certain cancers are successful.
Silymarin is a herb known for its liver-protecting effects. Some studies have shown that milk thistle can help reduce insulin resistance, inflammation and liver damage in people alone or in combination with vitamin E.
Mixed findings have resulted in medical studies on milk thistle and liver health. Studies suggest that silymarin can help relieve inflammation and encourage the repair of cells. This can help relieve symptoms such as jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease caused by liver disease.
Some of the common side effects of Silymarin are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal gas
- Fullness or pain in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
For dyspepsia and biliary system disorders, daily doses of 12 to 15 g of dried fruit, while an extract containing 200 to 400 mg/day of silymarin is considered effective in various liver disorders.
