Milk thistle: is there a role for its use as an adjunct therapy in patients with cancer?

J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Jun;9(3):411-6. doi: 10.1089/107555303765551633.

Abstract

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among patients with cancer. Many of these patients use CAM therapies to decrease the risk of late effects that are sometimes associated with cancer therapy. Certain classes of effective anticancer agents can induce short- and long-term toxicity to the liver. Currently, there are no safer alternatives to these medications. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a botanical that may be useful in the prevention or treatment of liver dysfunction in patients undergoing anticancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic / etiology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Silybum marianum*
  • Silymarin / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Silymarin