Milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) known as ‘doodh patra’ in Hindi is a flowering herb that provides you with a host of therapeutic properties. Ayurveda vouches for its medicinal value in treating liver disorders, and gall stones, shielding the liver from the effects of alcohol, and promoting lactation, besides flushing out toxins. The active ingredient in milk thistle seed is a group of plant compounds known as silymarin, known for its strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

Health benefits:

Protects Liver:

Milk thistle seed is highly beneficial in shielding the liver from the damage caused due to alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and certain cancers. Evidence proves that milk thistle seed supplements are effective in lowering liver inflammation and preventing damage caused due to free radicals.

Promotes Brain Health:

In traditional medicine, milk thistle seed holds a prominent place in treating neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle seed work well as effective neuroprotective agents that can prevent the degeneration of brain functions as you age.

Controls Diabetes:

Milk thistle seed is a beneficial complementary therapy in managing diabetes. The host of plant compounds in milk thistle work well in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Silymarin compound in milk thistle remarkably reduces the fasting blood sugars and maintains the HbA1C at normal range. Furthermore, the strong antioxidant properties in milk thistle lower the risk of diabetic kidney disease.

Cancer Treatment:

The storehouse of antioxidant silymarin in milk thistle is a potent anticancer agent. It is effective in destroying the formation of cancer cells and lowering the side effects of chemotherapy.

Stronger Bones:

Osteoporosis is a common problem among women over 40 which makes the bone fragile. Milk thistle seed is an effective natural remedy for preventing bone loss in menopausal women and supports bone health.

Enhances Lactation:

Milk thistle seed is a proven natural remedy for increasing breast milk production in lactating mothers.

Treats Acne:

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of different age groups, that causes scars. The potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of milk thistle seed supplements are beneficial for treating acne and fading scars.

Dosage:

Milk thistle seed supplements are available in the form of capsules, tablets, tea bags, and oral tinctures. Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams.

Side Effects:

Milk thistle seed is considered safe when taken in prescribed amounts. However, milk thistle may trigger off several side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gas, muscle aches, joint pain, and sexual problems when taken in excess amounts.

People allergic to aster family vegetables like ragweed, kiwi, and artichokes are more prone to have allergic reactions to milk thistle seed. In rare cases, milk thistle seed can be fatal and lead to anaphylaxis.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid this supplement as there is no research on its safety.

Diabetes patients on hypoglycaemic drugs should avoid milk thistle seed supplements, as there is a risk of low blood sugar.

Milk Thistle is known by different names across various regions in India:

Hindi (Northern India): Doodh Patra or Doodh Kaata

Tamil Nadu: Seemai Karuvelai or Paalkoti

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: Paala Tirugudu

Karnataka: Haalu Sike or Halu Heralu

Kerala: Paal Kotu

Maharashtra: Dudh Gaokharu or Dudhani

West Bengal: Dudhiya Kata or Dudh Pata

Gujarat: Dudhalo or Dudheli

Punjab: Dodak or Dudh Patta

For Detailed Benefits, Please read: Benefits of Milk Thistle Seeds - Silybum Marianum

Other Names : Milk Thistle Seeds, Silybum Marianum, Doodh Patra, Dudh Patra, Silymarin, Dudhpattra, Holy Thistle, Ladys Thistle, St. Marys Thistle, Saint Mary Thistle, Sillymarin, Silymarine, Dugdh Rom, Dugdha Patra, Milk Thristle, Milk Thisal