Herbalist Michael Moore describes Milk Thistle as "a bulldog with a spiked collar" because of the plant's prickly appearance. The plant grows to heights of 5 to 10 feet and is dangerous looking-right down to the sharp spines on its reddish purple flowers. Milk thistle's common name comes from the white markings on the leaves, its milky white sap, and its traditional use by nursing mothers to increase lactation. The humble plant is closely related to other common thistles, including blessed thistle (Cnicusbenedictus), which has similar medicinal properties but is not as well researched.

How is Silymarin Used
Milk thistle originally is from Europe, but now it also is grown in the United States. Milk thistle's scientific name is Silybummarianum. The milk thistle ingredient that experts believe is responsible for milk thistle's medicinal qualities is called silymarin. Silymarin is found in the fruits of the milk thistle plant. Studies in animals have shown that this milk thistle ingredient promotes the following activities:

Liver Cell Growth-Silymarin from milk thistle appears to promote the growth of some types of cells in the liver. Milk thistle is not used to prevent Hepatitis C Virus from causing liver disease. Rather, milk thistle is used with the hope that it would minimize the damage to the liver that HCV can cause.

Antihepatotoxic Activity-Studies suggest that silymarin from milk thistle can block various types of toxins from entering and injuring liver cells.

Antioxidation-Milk thistle Silymarin may be an effective "antioxidant," which means milk thistle may help fight a destructive chemical process in the body known as "oxidation." In oxidation, harmful substances produced in the body (called free radicals) can damage cells. Some studies suggest that milk thistle silymarin can prevent these substances from damaging liver cells.
Inflammation Inhibition-Milk thistle's Silymarin is thought to prevent inflammation (swelling) of the liver; this may be described as displaying anti-inflammatory properties.

Uses in Silymarin's History:
- Liver Diseases, acute, chronic hepatitis
- Protect liver from toxins, heavy metals, alcohol, poisons
- Cholagogue
- Fatty degeneration of the liver
- Jaundice
- Psoriasis
- Uterine tonic, menstrual difficulties
- Spleen, kidney, gall bladder tonic
- Varicose veins