Milk Thistle questions

[miked]

Does anyone have any hard data about Milk Thistle for HCV?  There's a lot of undocumented information out there with great claims, which always make me suspicious.

There was a Phase II clinical trial in 2002 by NCCAM that I cannot finds results for.

Also what does Milk Thistle interfere with Interferon therapy?

[Califia]

Here's an excellent place to start your research:

http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb120.htm

As for milk thistle and tx,  it is best to discontinue use of milk thistle a couple of weeks before starting treatment and for the duration.  There is no evidence of direct interference with interferons or riba, but possibly with the other medications that are prescribed for our side effects.   Do a Google on "milk thistle drug interactions" or a variation on the theme.  For starters:   http://www.thebody.com/catie/milk_thistle.html .

[Califia]

Mike, obviously you've already started your research.   The above URL's are hopefully useful additions.  (So much for reading too fast while under the influence of a riba headache--sorry!)