Milk Thistle
Also known as: Silymarin, Silybum marianum, Silybin, Milk Thistle Extract (MTE)
Effective Dosage
70-200 mg silymarin daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Milk thistle is a flowering plant whose seeds contain silymarin, a group of antioxidant compounds. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) in people with liver stress or fatty liver disease, suggesting a protective effect on liver cells. Emerging research also points to kidney protection against drug-induced damage, and early evidence hints at benefits for skin repigmentation and gut microbiota balance, though these uses need more study.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a liver cure — it won't reverse serious liver disease on its own. Most studies use it in combination with other herbs, so solo benefits are hard to isolate. No solid evidence it detoxifies the body in any dramatic way. Won't treat cancer — anti-cancer claims are based on lab studies, not human trials. Don't expect it to fix a bad diet or alcohol habit.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. May protect liver cells from toxins. Some evidence for hepatitis and cirrhosis support.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 140-800mg silymarin per day
Source: Examine.com, NIH ODS
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor to Moderate — silymarin is naturally lipophilic and poorly absorbed from standard powder. Nano-formulations and phospholipid-based (e.g., krill oil) delivery systems show meaningful improvements, with one study showing a 28% increase in transport across intestinal cells. Standard capsule forms likely have limited absorption.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most positive clinical trials use multi-ingredient formulas (turmeric, dandelion, ginger + milk thistle), making it impossible to attribute benefits to milk thistle alone
- Milk thistle can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4), potentially raising blood levels of prescription drugs to dangerous concentrations — always tell your doctor
- Cardioprotection and anti-cancer claims come from animal studies only — no human trial data in the provided evidence
- Nano and krill oil formulations may perform very differently from cheap standard powders sold in most supplements — bioavailability varies widely by product form
- Some trials in this dataset were small (as few as 15-20 participants per group) and conducted in India with limited independent replication
Products Containing Milk Thistle
See how Milk Thistle is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06