Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is a herbal medicine used for various medicinal purposes. This prickly plant is known for the following science-based health benefits. - Improves liver health and prevents liver from developing various irreversible diseases. - Neuroprotective potential against age-related brain disorders, anti-inflammatory and anti-antioxidant properties improve brain function. - Prevents osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders especially in post-menopausal women. - Protects cells during chemotherapy, does not allow cancer treatments to produce side effects on other systems of body. - Improves secretion of prolactin thus improves breast milk production. Side effects of Milk Thistle include - Bloating - Stomach ache - Persistent diarrhea - Anaphylaxis - Rash and itching - Nausea and vomiting - Loss of appetite - Indigestion