Donna,

I've been taking milk thistle for about a week now. Unfortunatelly the AST went up again. Last week it was 74, this week it was 100. All other liver function tests are normal. Actually Alc Phos went down to a normal range. AST really worries me. I did not expect that.

Donna,

Hi,

Had not been following the milk thistle/elevated liver enzymes topic.
Yesterday, a friend mentioned the nutritionist at a cancer center said to be careful of
milk thistle due to the question of estrogenic effects. (Realize we are TNBC).
Think she said there was some new info (Sorry, did not get reference. If I get reference, will post).
Her nutritionist's concern spiked my curiosity on the subject.
Sounds like many on the site know a lot about milk thistle so defer to them.
As with any alternative supplement, we all check things like this with our MD's.

I don't have an opinion on milk thistle. Just sharing info I found when looked for info.
(Donna already posted the Mayo Clinic info)
From mayoclinic.com:   milk thistle
Theoretically, because milk thistle plant extract might have estrogenic effects, women with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid milk thistle above ground parts. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. The more commonly used milk thistle seed extracts are not known to have estrogenic effects.
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From: ww5.komen.org      (breast cancer   milk thistle)
SAFETY:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if you experience side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS and Warnings:
Milk thistle appears to be well tolerated in recommended doses for up to six years. Some patients in studies have experienced stomach upset, headache, and itching. There are rare reports of appetite loss, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, joint pain, and impotence with milk thistle use. One person experienced sweating, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and collapse after taking milk thistle. This reaction may have been due to an allergic reaction, and improved after 24 hours. High liver enzyme levels in one person taking milk thistle returned to normal after the person stopped taking the herb.
     In theory, milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugars. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
     Theoretically, because milk thistle plant extract might have estrogenic effects, women with hormone sensitive conditions should avoid milk thistle above ground parts. Some of these conditions include breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. The more commonly used milk thistle seed extracts are not known to have estrogenic effects.
     Exacerbation of hemochromatosis has been associated with ingestion of milk thistle.
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From breastcancer.org
Milk Thistle
Page last modified on: April 6, 2009
Also known as: Silybum marianum, holy thistle, lady's thistle.
Potential uses: It's thought that milk thistle can reduce changes in liver function that may be brought on by chemotherapy. Some people also take milk thistle to reduce the risk of cancer.
Usual dose: 240 milligrams twice per day.
Are there any risks? Milk thistle can interact with some chemotherapy drugs — check with your doctor before you start taking it. Extracts from parts of the plant other than the seeds may increase estrogen levels in the body. Side effects include stomach upset, allergic reaction, and diarrhea.
What does the research say? Laboratory research on cells suggests that milk thistle may reduce the growth of cancer cells, but there has been no research done on people.

Grateful for today..............Judy

Donna,

I want to share that when I was going through chemo (10 yrs ago), my liver enzymes were elevated too.  No one mentioned to me that it was a concern, only that it was caused by the chemo and the normal levels would return, which they did.  I was not taking anything to lower the enzymes.  But I have taken Milk Thistle off and on the last few years, as it is a detoxifier.  Thank you, Donna, for all your research.  Just wanted to share my experience so no one became overly alarmed with high liver enzyme numbers. 

I started taking milk thistle about 3 weeks ago after I noticed my liver enzymes creeping up (due to chemo or liver involvement? - who knows).  I have since noted that in the book put out by the Cancer Society which is about complementary and alternative medicines/interventions, they do note that there is reason to further research milk thistle as it appears to have anti-cancer properties as well.  I haven't had a repeat liver enzyme study done yet, so I don't know if it's worked.

My liver enzymes were way up after my first round of DD A/C.   Luckily, they came down a bit before my second dose as my onc almost was going to reduce or delay my treatment.   I remembered seeing your posts here because I was looking into starting my 20 year old cat on Milk Thistle because her liver enzymes were up.   I started giving it to her about a month ago and she is doing so much better - eating better and weight has stabilized.    My MO said he had never had a patient like me with such elevated liver enzymes.    So, I told him about Milk thistle and sked if I could start taking it too.   He said yes, so I started it Monday when I got home from my second DD A/C.   I am having blood drawn next week on Mon, 1/13/12, so will see if it is helping at all.    I am taking about 750 mg per day, split in two - once AM and once PM.    Thank you Donna for putting this information out here.   I am glad I saw it!!!!    I will follow-up once I know if it is helping.

YeaH!   My liver values are getting down close to normal after only one week on Milk Thistle.  ALT went from 165 to 91 (norm 6-40), AST went back to normal from 38 to 28 (10-35), and ALK PHOS went from 174 to 149 (norm 33-130).    They will check them again next Monday when I go to AC tx #3 but it will be a GO for the full treatment.  

Thanks for posting all this info about Milk Thistle, Donna!  It's good to know.