8 facts about the benefits and harms of milk thistle oil for the body
Milk thistle (Mary's thistle) from the point of view of ecology is a weed plant. However, in recent years it has received widespread attention from folk and evidence-based medicine, and especially pharmaceutical companies.
Scientists have discovered that milk thistle oil has tangible health benefits. It improves the functioning of the liver and central nervous system, reduces the concentration of cholesterol and sugar in the blood, and fights acne.
How it is useful – 8 facts
The 8 main beneficial properties of milk thistle oil are described below (based on evidence).
1. Protects the liver from damage
Milk thistle is one of the strongest hepatoprotectors. In folk medicine, it is used for additional protection of liver cells in the course of cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty hepatosis.
According to the information experts from the USA, milk thistle oil even prevents the destructive effects on the liver of amatoxin– a poison produced by the pale toadstool.
Chinese Experts proved Oil ability Improve liver function in the course of any chronic diseases of this organ.
Scientists note a decrease in edema and inflammation, as well as the concentration of markers of liver cell necrosis in the blood – alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Milk thistle oil also neutralizes the effects of free radicals and toxic substances on liver tissue that can trigger malignant cell transformation.
Employees of the University of Hidalgo (Mexico) in the process of conducting a study discovered that the oil increases the life expectancy of people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, as the activity of all pathological processes decreases.
Milk thistle oil can be used as an adjunctive therapy for the course of any liver disease in order to slow their progression.
2. Improves brain function
Milk thistle, according to the scientific community, has been for more than 2,000 years applies
for the treatment of neurological diseases. Special efficacy is emphasized in relation to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Installed that milk thistle oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It protects the tissues of the central nervous system from the effects of any damaging factors and slows down the progression of cognitive impairment (decrease of memory and thinking, abilities focus your attention ) with age.
Mexican Experts claim that the product is able to reduce the amount of amyloid proteins in nerve fibers, the accumulation of which provokes the development of clinically pronounced Alzheimer's disease.
According to the latest data, the plant can apply not only for the prevention, but also for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as well as for protection against any other neurodegenerative pathologies.
3. Strengthens bones
Osteoporosis is a serious disease in which bone density decreases, severe pain syndrome develops and the risk of pathological fractures increases.
The frequency of occurrence increases steadily over the years and affects mainly the elderly, as well as women after menopause.
Research conducted by Korean specialists, demonstrate The ability of milk thistle oil Increase bone mineral density .
The therapeutic effect also affects hormonal (estrogen-dependent) mechanisms of bone strength regulation, therefore, the remedy can be effective with long-term hormone therapy.
Scientists recommend use oil for both men and women over the age of 60, especially for the female half of the population after menopause.
4. Fighting cancer
According to the data
recent studies have shown that milk thistle oil has an antioxidant effect, that is, it blocks the effect of free radicals on any cells of the body.
The mechanism of action has not been fully studied and is presumably associated with the presence of plant biologically active substances and selenium in the composition.
According to the information, cited by scientists from Spain, the product reduces the severity of side effects during prolonged chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms. The ability of milk thistle to increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs is also emphasized.
5. Increases the amount of breast milk in women during lactation
One of the beneficial properties of milk thistle seed oil is to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. The effect is realized by increasing the production of prolactin, a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland.
Italian science workers demonstrated that taking the product for two months increases the volume of milk produced in women by 64%.
However, this study is the only one and it is impossible to rely on it. In addition, the safety of the plant for the fetus has not been reliably established.
6. Improves the condition of the skin
Acne or "pimples" is an inflammatory skin lesion originating from hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The main danger of pathology is the appearance of rough scars that change the appearance.
Turkish specialists believe that the development of acne is based on oxidative stress, which gets out of control of antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Milk thistle oil is rich in antioxidants and is able to slow down free radical reactions, which leads to the prevention of inflammatory changes in the skin thickness.
Research show that regular consumption of oil for two months reduces the number of foci of inflammation on the skin of the face by half.
The product can also be used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the skin (for example, psoriasis or the cutaneous form of scleroderma).
7. Reduces blood sugar levels
Milk thistle oil can be a useful product for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus.
Experts from Greece identified that the plant compounds included in milk thistle increase the sensitivity of peripheral tissue cells (fat, muscle) to insulin. As a result, tissues effectively absorb glucose, and its level in the blood decreases.
Milk thistle affects the main pathogenetic factor in the development of type II diabetes mellitus – insulin resistance.
Romanian scientists celebrate reduction of not only the concentration of sugar in the blood, but also glycated hemoglobin – an indicator of glucose levels in the body over the past 2-3 months (with regular addition of oil to the diet).
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant can prevent the development of complications of diabetes mellitus. The most dangerous are considered to be: nephropathy, polyneuropathy, retinopathy.
8. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood
Research by Iranian specialists demonstrate
the ability of milk thistle oil to reduce the level of total cholesterol in the blood. With regular use, there is also a decrease in the level of "harmful" (LDL, TAG) and an increase in "beneficial" (HDL) cholesterol.
Against the background of adequate indicators of lipid metabolism, there is no formation atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries and manifestations of diseases such as coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction, strokes and other vascular disorders.
Milk thistle oil is recommended to be taken regularly by older age groups in order to prevent and slow the progression of diseases associated with atherosclerosis.
Possible harm
Milk thistle and any plant-based products (oil, infusions and decoctions, meal) they are considered safe for human health.
However, milk thistle oil has contraindications and can cause harm to the body. Side effects include:
- Dyspeptic disorders. May be observed with excessive intake. It is characterized by the occurrence of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, increased gas formation.
- Hormonal changes. Milk thistle interferes with the metabolism of estrogens in the body and can worsen the course of malignant tumors of the mammary glands, the cells of which are estrogen-dependent.
- Allergic reactions. They are caused by the increased sensitivity of the human immune system to individual components of the plant. Cases of cross-allergic reactions (with sensitization to other plants of the Asteraceae family) are described. They usually manifest in a mild form (urticaria, isolated itching, etc.).
Separately, it should be noted that the effect of milk thistle oil on the course of pregnancy and fetal health has not been practically studied. Women during the period of carrying an unborn child should refrain from taking the plant in any form. The product is also contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.
Although side effects are rare (in less than 1% of cases), they should not be excluded. You should carefully consider including milk thistle in the diet to protect yourself from possible risks.
How to take it?
In order to improve the body, you need to use unrefined milk thistle oil, which can be purchased in pharmacies and grocery stores in glass bottles or capsules.
The oil can be consumed orally or applied topically – in lesions.
Drink the product in the morning (ideally, 30-40 minutes before breakfast or lunch) 1-2 times a day. The maximum single dose is 1-2 tsp., daily – 4 tsp .
The recommended duration of self–medication is up to 6-8 weeks, then you should consult your doctor about the expediency of continuing the intake.
In the presence of acne, inflammatory diseases of the skin or joints, the oil is used topically – rubbed with massage movements into the affected areas and left until completely absorbed and dried.
Conclusion
- Milk thistle seed oil is a valuable plant product that has a positive effect on almost all organ systems.
- It protects liver cells from damage, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, prevents the development of neurodegenerative and malignant diseases, eliminates acne and increases bone strength.
- When used, side effects may develop, and therefore it is necessary to carefully assess your own condition after starting the intake and follow the recommended dosage (up to 4 tsp. per day in 2 doses).
- The oil may be unsafe during pregnancy, as well as for children under the age of 12.
