Milk Thistle during tx?

[anafromtexas]

Can I take milk thistle during tx?  I have seen different opinions on this topic.

[ladybug52]

Clam and garlic are three words and probably could be used as an insect repellant also.

[GoofyDad]

Dates? Clams? You trying to bait me?

(..... and now baiting added into the mix, but I am my own master....)

[jmjm530]

Goofy: Two words: clam and garlic
----------------------------
But when I order the garlic my date usually clams.

[GoofyDad]

clam and garlic

[ladybug52]

Enough said.

[nygirl7]

Meatlovers baby :)

(I could add more but generally after this I can't even eat one slice as it is!)

:)

Love you guys.

[illo]

Common sense tells us no herbs would be allowed on a study.  The ones with Milk Thistle have showed improvement.  To take it in a study could skew the study.  Studies aren't very accurate snyesy, as they don't take into account lifestyles.  They don't take into account if someone is smoking, and eating poorly, or if someone is eating healthy and exercising.  No study can be accurate unless they compare apples to apples, and organges to oranges.  This has bothered many in the natural community for years.

[jmjm530]

Interesting. I love BACON so def must try it on my Pizza next time, that is after I get my cholesterol down like 50 points :) Thanks for the great MH input.

-- Jim

[FullOfHope77]

Not an expert on herbal treats at all but know that in the Telaprevir study NONE is allowed and will be diligent to ensure that I don't use any. Likely during tx the best is to be safe and just do the SOC without the second guess of will it or won't it... my 2 but feel certain that if it is KNOWN to cause probs in some cases it's a call to be conservative.

'payin the dues from long ago' I don't think those 'ringers' were worth it for sure :> also I heard that a study in Boca determined >50% were passing 'tissue' from nostril to the next 'raw' recipient and was prodominent way the 'V' was passed... for what it's worth...

[drofi]

Effects of Silybum marianum on serum hepatitis C virus RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well-being in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Gordon,-A; Hobbs,-D-A; Bowden,-D-S; Bailey,-M-J; Mitchell,-J; Francis,-A-J; Roberts,-S-K
J-Gastroenterol-Hepatol. 2006 Jan; 21(1 Pt 2): 275-80

Abstract: Silybum marianum is a herbal preparation commonly used by subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aims of this pilot study were to assess the efficacy and safety of S. marianum on serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well-being in patients with CHC. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects with CHC were enrolled into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Subjects received 12 weeks of S. marianum (either 600 mg or 1200 mg/day) and placebo separated by a 4-week washout interval. Baseline biochemical, virological, psychological and quality-of-life tests were performed, with biochemical tests repeated monthly, and HCV RNA titer and quality-of-life and psychological assessments repeated at the end of both treatment periods. RESULTS: Seventeen patients completed the trial. Mean changes in HCV RNA titers, serum ALT levels and Short Form-36 scores were not significantly different for subjects on S. marianum compared to those on placebo. There was no significant change in mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State-Anxiety scores on S. marianum from baseline. Adverse events were similar with S. marianum and placebo.

http://tinyurl.com/2voy44

[anafromtexas]

Thanks for the direction.  I looked at that post, whew!  Like reading a science book.  I bookmarked it for reading later.  

[jmjm530]

This topic was recently discussed in the "Community Forum" here:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis-Community/messages/1026.html

As you will see, "Milk Thistle" and herbals in general are such a controversial topic in this discussion group that even the mention of Elsie the Cow causes some to go to the mats, or is it the straw :)

My two cents again: Milk Thistle may be good for the liver before or after treatment but hasn't been studied enough during treatment and that's why many doctors don't advise taking it. In other words why take a chance?

Of course, someone might ask how many studies are there on "Pizza with Basil" on treatment as "Basil" is also an herb. (Actually someone in the thread above did ask that question). My response is that unlike Basil, Milk Thistle has been shown to interact with the liver in ways not fully understood. That said, in the spirit of full disclosure, I have never been a big fan of Basil on Pizza and much prefer a mix of pepperoni, fresh garlic and raw onions. No studies btw on this, and I'm sure others will chime in with their own opinions --  just my personal opinion after close to 50 years of eating pizza.

-- Jim