Home/Ingredients/Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

ING-158Ingredient Research Profile

Superfoods & Botanicals

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Also known as: Silybum marianum · Silymarin · Milk thistle extract

●●●Strong Evidence

The most well-evidenced herbal liver protectant. Silymarin flavonolignans neutralise free radicals, inhibit hepatic inflammation, and promote liver cell regeneration. Established clinical use in hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.

Effective Dose

140–420mg silymarin / day

per clinical evidence

Evidence Level

Strong

Superfoods & Botanicals

Mechanism

Hepatoprotective — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, liver cell regeneration

primary action

Best For

Liver protection

Alcohol metabolism, Toxin exposure, Hepatitis

This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.

What Is Milk Thistle (Silymarin)?

Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin — a mixture of flavonolignans (silybin, silydianin, silychristin) with potent hepatoprotective activity. Silybin is the most bioactive component and is used in IV form (silibinin) to treat Amanita phalloides (death cap mushroom) poisoning — the ultimate test of liver protection.

How It Works: The Science

Silymarin stabilises hepatocyte cell membranes (preventing toxin entry), acts as a potent antioxidant (neutralising free radicals generated by alcohol, drugs, and toxins), inhibits NF-κB and TNF-α-driven liver inflammation, stimulates ribosomal protein synthesis (liver cell regeneration), and has mild oestrogen receptor agonist activity.

Primary Mechanism

Hepatoprotective — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, liver cell regeneration

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST) in liver disease

strong

Saller et al. (2008) Cochrane-style review — consistent ALT/AST normalisation in hepatitis and cirrhosis

Protects liver from alcohol and drug-induced damage

strong

Established in multiple clinical settings — IV silibinin is standard treatment for Amanita poisoning

Reduces cholesterol and supports metabolic liver health

moderate

Abenavoli et al. (2010) — improvement in NAFLD histology and metabolic markers

Dosage Guide

Effective Dose

140–420mg silymarin / day

140–420mg silymarin/day in divided doses. Phytosome form (Siliphos) or HMPC-standardised extracts provide enhanced bioavailability. For protection during alcohol intake: 140mg with or before drinking.

Safety Profile & Side Effects

Excellent safety profile — one of the safest herbal supplements. Mild laxative effect occasionally. May reduce clearance of medications metabolised by CYP2C9, CYP3A4 — drug interaction possible.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It

Best for

Liver protectionAlcohol metabolismToxin exposureHepatitis

Who it's for

Anyone with elevated liver enzymes, regular alcohol consumers, those taking hepatotoxic medications (statins, acetaminophen), and anyone with NAFLD or hepatitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Milk Thistle (Silymarin)?

Is Milk Thistle (Silymarin) safe?

Excellent safety profile — one of the safest herbal supplements. Mild laxative effect occasionally. May reduce clearance of medications metabolised by CYP2C9, CYP3A4 — drug interaction possible.

How does Milk Thistle (Silymarin) work?

Who should take Milk Thistle (Silymarin)?

Anyone with elevated liver enzymes, regular alcohol consumers, those taking hepatotoxic medications (statins, acetaminophen), and anyone with NAFLD or hepatitis.

Related Ingredients

Glutathione (Reduced / S-Acetyl)N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)Schisandra Berry Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Medical Disclaimer

Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →