Silymarin, which is present in relatively large amounts in milk thistle fruits, has liver-protective effects. It prevents toxins from entering liver cells by binding to membrane proteins of the cells, thereby stabilizing the membrane. Silymarin also increases the regenerative capacity of cells and stimulates the formation of new liver cells. Through all these effects, silymarin is able to improve the survival time of patients with chronic liver diseases.
Milk thistle for mushroom poisoning.
In cases of mushroom poisoning with tuberous leaf fungus, silybinin displaces the toxins during infusion therapy, reactivating protein synthesis in the liver. The number of fatal tuberous leaf fungus poisonings has been reduced thanks to this infusion therapy.
Milk thistle: side effects
Preparations of milk thistle fruit have a mild laxative effect in isolated cases. Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes have also been observed. During infusion therapy, seizure-like reddening of the skin (flushing) rarely occurs.
