Milk Thistle

botanical
Browse products

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a traditional herbal remedy recognized for its hepatoprotective effects. The primary active component is silymarin, a flavonoid complex containing silybin, which has been used for centuries to support healthy liver function. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant that protects liver cells from damage caused by toxins and free radicals. It also supports the natural regeneration of liver cells and the body's detoxification processes, while its anti-inflammatory properties may benefit overall cellular health. Available as extracts, capsules, or teas, this botanical is frequently used by individuals seeking to maintain liver health in the face of environmental toxins. Its broad antioxidant capacity makes it a useful addition to a holistic wellness approach.

Natural sources
Native to the Mediterranean regionCultivated in various parts of the world

Ingredient forms

No public comparison lists found.

Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Taking this herb with meals is often recommended to support better absorption and minimize potential digestive discomfort.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum150 mg
Maximum300 mg
Safety & Toxicity
4 safety notes
  • Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast, uterine, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) should consult a healthcare professional due to potential estrogenic effects.
  • Discontinue use if allergic reactions occur.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use due to insufficient research on safety.
  • People with diabetes should use with caution, as milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels.
Goals
Detoxification
Detoxification
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:150–600 mg
The active compound, Silymarin, protects liver cells from damage by stabilizing their membranes and scavenging free radicals produced during Phase I detoxification. It also stimulates liver cell regeneration, ensuring the organ maintains optimal function under metabolic stress.

Study evidence

46 studies

Milk Thistle extracts may improve some liver enzyme measures in people with liver disease, but results vary and do not establish a general detoxification effect. Lower liver enzymes are not evidence that the supplement removes toxins or improves health in otherwise healthy users.

View goal

Studies

Research connections will load here.
Interactions

Positive Interactions

Vitamin C
Provides synergistic antioxidant effects, enhancing cellular protection against oxidative stress.
Vitamin E
Offers synergistic antioxidant benefits, particularly in protecting cell membranes from damage.
Selenium
Functions as an antioxidant and supports detoxification pathways, complementing milk thistle's liver support.
Gluthathione
Milk thistle may help support the body's natural glutathione levels, a major antioxidant crucial for liver detoxification.
Curcumin
Both are potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, potentially offering enhanced protection against cellular damage and supporting liver health.
Choline
Essential for liver health and fat metabolism, it can complement milk thistle's liver protective actions.
Green Tea
Contains catechins with antioxidant properties, which can synergize with silymarin in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Coenzyme Q-10
A potent antioxidant that can enhance cellular energy production and protect cells from oxidative damage, synergistic with Milk Thistle's antioxidant effects.

Negative Interactions

Caffeine
Milk thistle may inhibit liver enzymes (CYP1A2) responsible for caffeine metabolism, potentially leading to increased caffeine levels and effects.
Melatonin
Milk thistle may affect the metabolism of melatonin by inhibiting certain liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C19), potentially altering its effects.
St. John's Wort
Both ingredients can influence liver enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4) but with potentially opposing effects, which could lead to unpredictable alterations in the metabolism of other compounds.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes in patients taking isotretinoin: A randomized clinical trial.
    Mirnezami M; Jafarimanesh H; Rezagholizamenjany M; Alimoradian A; Ranjbaran M · Dermatologic therapy · 2021
    Randomized trial74 participantsDetoxification
  2. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine.
    Moayedi B; Gharagozloo M; Esmaeil N; Maracy MR; Hoorfar H; Jalaeikar M · European journal of haematology · 2013
    Randomized trial97 participantsDetoxification
  3. Effect of aerobic training with silymarin consumption on glycemic indices and liver enzymes in men with type 2 diabetes.
    Ghalandari K; Shabani M; Khajehlandi A; Mohammadi A · Archives of physiology and biochemistry · 2023
    Randomized trial60 participantsDetoxification
  4. Impact of silymarin-supplemented cookies on liver enzyme and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.
    Jaffar HM; Bader Ul Ain H; Tufail T; Hanif A; Malik T · Food science & nutrition · 2024
    Clinical trial64 participantsDetoxification
  5. Impact of Silymarin Supplements on Liver Enzyme Levels: A Systematic Review.
    Calderon Martinez E; Herrera D; Mogan S; Hameed Z; Jangda AA; Khan TJ; Mroke P; Sajid S; Shah YR; Baig I · Cureus · 2023
    Systematic review3,846 participants29 studies pooledDetoxification