Researchers at the at the University of California, Irvine, led by Dr. Ke-Qin Hu, found silibinin mediates anti-liver cancer effects by reducing cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and enhancing the programmed death of cancer cells. It also alters the chromatin structure of the cancer cells.

Used as a folk remedy for liver diseases, milk thistle is well-tolerated and protects the liver from drug or alcohol-related injury, the researchers said. Silibinin is highly purified from milk thistle, with a defined chemical structure and molecular weight.

The study findings are published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

The researchers said the findings opened their minds to the possibility of testing other herbal supplements for possible treatment of human cancers.