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Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains a
constituent called silymarin, which has been the subject of
numerous studies. Silymarin helps liver cells and membranes. It
actually helps the body modify the structure of the outer liver
cell membrane, which prevents toxins from entering the cell.
Katharine Hillestad,
DVM states: “It
is well-known for its use in liver disease. The seeds of the
milk thistle contain a compound called 'silymarin,' which is an
antioxidant and is thought to help in protecting and
regenerating the liver. Milk thistle has been used in
humans, and has been recommended as part of the therapy for a
number of liver conditions in dogs and cats, including toxicity
(poisoning) from insecticides, pesticides, mushrooms, and some
drugs. Milk thistle seems to be a very safe supplement, with no
known toxicity. Very large doses may cause loose stools.
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Mary Wulff-Tilford states in her book All You
Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets, “Scientific
research has also confirmed that milk thistle protects the liver
from the harmful effects of various other toxins. Specifically,
milk thistle protects an animal’s liver during a
toxicity-related crisis (such as exposure to chemicals or
potentially harmful drug therapies) and helps the animal through
a liver damage or disease crisis…Animals that have been on
allopathic drugs, heartworm medications, dewormers,
vaccinations, anticonvulsive drugs, or chemotherapy might
benefit from this herb as well. Milk Thistle should not be used
as a daily food supplement. Avoid using Milk Thistle
during pregnancy.”
The Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA)
states: “Milk
thistle
should be used for at least 8 weeks before expecting results
such as improvement in biochemistries.
Dried herb:
15-20mg/lb SID
Concentrated extract: 2-5 mg/lb BID-TID
Alcohol extract: 2-5 mg/lb BID-TID
Milk Thistle Article
Additional Reading on Milk Thistle:
Wulff-Tilford, M; Tilford, G. All You Ever
Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA; BowTie
Press. 1999: pages 177-180
Schwartz, C. Four Paws Five Directions: A
Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs. Berkeley, CA;
Celestial Arts Publishing. 1996: pages 261,390-91 |
