Abstract
BackgroundSilybum marianum (milk thistle) or its active flavonolignan complex, silymarin is widely used in the treatment of liver diseases of toxic and viral origin, and also in Wilson’s disease to prevent chronic liver impairment. PurposeBased on the available data it is probable that milk thistle-based preparations include copper in significant concentration. The goal of this study was to assess the safety of different milk thistle preparations in the treatment of patients with Wilson’s disease. MethodsThe copper content of 15 milk thistle preparations was measured by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The products contained purified silymarin, crude milk thistle extract or the ground plant material. ResultsThe copper content of the daily doses of the analyzed preparations ranged between 0.01–114.18μg. Silymarin-based products had a lower copper content than preparations containing ground milk thistle fruits or the crude extract. ConclusionThe application of milk thistle products with a high copper content should be avoided for patients with Wilson’s disease.
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