Roncuvita examines the use of milk thistle to lower cholesterol, treat liver problems, and benefit diabetes. Milk thistle is used as a natural remedy to treat several health conditions, including liver conditions and diabetes. The scientific name for milk thistle is Silybum marianum. It is a member of the aster or daisy family and has been used by ancient physicians and herbalists to treat a range of liver and gallbladder diseases and to protect the liver against a variety of poisons.