Individual therapies
Milk thistle is a plant that comes from the same group of flowers as the daisy. It is not a treatment for cancer.
Summary
The medicinal compound in milk thistle is silymarin, an extract of milk thistle seeds.
Milk thistle might help to treat some liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
More research is needed before we will know if milk thistle can help prevent or treat cancer.
Milk thistle is generally considered safe. But check with you doctor first before taking it.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take this herb. If you are diabetic you should consult your doctor first.
Rarely, milk thistle can cause diarrhoea, feeling sick and heartburn.
If you have liver problems you should consult your doctor first. High doses of the herb can cause elevated levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes.
We need more research looking at how milk thistle might affect cancer treatments.
Generally antioxidant supplements are not recommended during chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. This is because they may block some of the cancer killing effects of these treatments.
Make sure you check with your cancer specialist before you start taking milk thistle. They know about your individual situation, so can give you advice.
Last reviewed: 18 Aug 2022
Next review due: 18 Aug 2025
The phrases complementary therapy and alternative therapy are often used as if they mean the same thing. They may also be combined into one phrase – complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs).
Find organisations, support groups, books, websites and other resources about complementary and alternative therapies.
Find detailed information and research into some of the many different complementary and alternative therapies used by people with cancer.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
Image by credit test.
