Last update March 13, 2025

سلبين مريمي

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

The fruits of this herb are used. It contains flavolignans, especially silymarin and its isomers silibinin, silychristin and silydianin, flavonoids, steroids and estrogen-like compounds. Attributed properties: Hepatic protector (Fitoterapia.net, WHO 2002). Indications of the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: cholelithiasis, hepatopathies. (Blumenthal 1989)

Its components are excreted in breast milk in little or no quantity. (Peila 2015, Di Pierro 2008)

Its bioavailability is very low, with very little oral absorption. (Javed 2011)

No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers took milk thistle or any of its components, such as silymarin. (Zecca 2016, Peila 2015).

This plant is widely used in traditional medicine as a liver protector. It is recently marketed as a galactogogue during breastfeeding (Amer 2015, Sim 2013, Zapantis 2012, CLM 2012, Di Pierro 2008). There is no evidence of its efficacy as a galactogogue (McBride 2021, Bazzano 2017, Peila 2015, Mortel 2013, Forinash 2012, Zapantis 2012, CLM 2012, Amir 2011, Jackson 2010, Zuppa 2010). The works carried out that attribute galactogogue effect to it are of faulty methodology. (Karapati 2021, Serrao 2018, Zecca 2016, Castoldi 2014, Zuppa 2010, Di Pierro 2008, Vojtísek 1991)

The best galactogogue is frequent demand breastfeeding with correct technique in a mother who retains her self-confidence. (ABM 2018 and 2011, Mannion 2012, Forinash 2012)

Because lack of toxicity at usual dosing a moderate consumption during breastfeeding would have a low or nil risk.

Precautions when taking plant preparations (Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995):

  • Ensure they are from a reliable source. Poisonings have occurred from mistaking one plant for another with toxic properties (Hsu 1995), poisonings from containing heavy metals that they extract from the soil, and food poisonings from contamination with bacteria or fungi. (Anderson 2017)
  • Do not take in excess. Follow recommendations of professional experts in phytotherapy. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause intoxications or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in exaggerated quantity or time, as they contain phytoestrogens. (Powers 2015, Zava 1998)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Groups

سلبين مريمي belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing سلبين مريمي in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 20 - 50 %
Molecular weight 482 daltons
6 hours

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. Fitoterapia.net. 1992 - - Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Consulted on March 12, 2025 Abstract
  2. Karapati E, Sulaj A, Krepi A, Pouliakis A, Iacovidou N, Paliatsiou S, Sokou R, Volaki P, Boutsikou T, Iliodromiti Z. Mothers in Need of Lactation Support May Benefit from Early Postnatal Galactagogue Administration: Experience from a Single Center. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 29;14(1). Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. McBride GM, Stevenson R, Zizzo G, Rumbold AR, Amir LH, Keir AK, Grzeskowiak LE. Use and experiences of galactagogues while breastfeeding among Australian women. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 1;16(7):e0254049. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. ABM: Brodribb W. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production, Second Revision 2018. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Jun;13(5):307-314 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Serrao F, Corsello M, Romagnoli C, D'Andrea V, Zecca E. The Long-Term Efficacy of a Galactagogue Containing Sylimarin-Phosphatidylserine and Galega on Milk Production of Mothers of Preterm Infants. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Abstract
  6. Anderson PO. Herbal Use During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Abstract
  7. Bazzano AN, Cenac L, Brandt AJ, Barnett J, Thibeau S, Theall KP. Maternal experiences with and sources of information on galactagogues to support lactation: a cross-sectional study. Int J Womens Health. 2017 Feb 27;9:105-113. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  8. Zecca E, Zuppa AA, D'Antuono A, Tiberi E, Giordano L, Pianini T, Romagnoli C. Efficacy of a galactogogue containing silymarin-phosphatidylserine and galega in mothers of preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016 Abstract
  9. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015 Mar 22;3:4. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Peila C, Coscia A, Tonetto P, Spada E, Milani S, Moro G, Fontana C, Vagliano L, Tortone C, Di Bella E, Bertino E. Evaluation of the galactogogue effect of silymarin on mothers of preterm newborns (<32 weeks). Pediatr Med Chir. 2015 Dec 29;37(3):pmc.2015.105. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  11. Amer MR, Cipriano GC, Venci JV, Gandhi MA. Safety of Popular Herbal Supplements in Lactating Women. J Hum Lact. 2015 Abstract
  12. Castoldi F, Pivetti V, Moiraghi L, Marangione P, Lista G. [Silymarin/galega administration in term and preterm mothers to sustain breast feeding: an observational study]. Minerva Pediatr. 2014 Abstract
  13. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  14. Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  15. Posadzki P, Watson L, Ernst E. Contamination and adulteration of herbal medicinal products (HMPs): an overview of systematic reviews. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Abstract
  16. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013 May;29(2):154-62. Abstract
  17. Mannion C, Mansell D. Breastfeeding self-efficacy and the use of prescription medication: a pilot study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:562704. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  18. Zapantis A, Steinberg JG, Schilit L. Use of herbals as galactagogues. J Pharm Pract. 2012 Abstract
  19. Forinash AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, Myles TD. The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Ann Pharmacother. 2012 Oct;46(10):1392-404. Abstract
  20. CLM - Comité de Lactancia Materna de la AEP. Preguntas frecuentes sobre lactancia materna. Folleto. 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  21. Javed S, Kohli K, Ali M. Reassessing bioavailability of silymarin. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  22. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  23. ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  24. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract
  25. Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicities by herbal medicines with emphasis to traditional Chinese medicine. Curr Drug Metab. 2011 Abstract
  26. Zuppa AA, Sindico P, Orchi C, Carducci C, Cardiello V, Romagnoli C. Safety and efficacy of galactogogues: substances that induce, maintain and increase breast milk production. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2010;13(2):162-74. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  27. Jackson PC. Complementary and alternative methods of increasing breast milk supply for lactating mothers of infants in the NICU. Neonatal Netw. 2010 Abstract
  28. Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue. Acta Biomed. 2008 Abstract
  29. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  30. [No authors listed] Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Altern Med Rev. 1999 Aug;4(4):272-4. PMID: 10468651. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  31. Kopec K. Herbal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1999 Jun;15(2):157-61. Review. No abstract available. Abstract
  32. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Integrative Medicine Com; Boston, MA, USA: 1998
  33. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998 Abstract
  34. Hsu CK, Leo P, Shastry D, Meggs W, Weisman R, Hoffman RS. Anticholinergic poisoning associated with herbal tea. Arch Intern Med. 1995 Abstract
  35. Vojtísek B, Hronová B, Hamrík J, Janková B. [Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, L., Gaertn.) in the feed of ketotic cows]. Vet Med (Praha). 1991 Abstract

Total visits

4,788

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Amamanta of Spain

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM