Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Mason Natural
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Milk Thistle 300 mg
Score 76.0
A potent and affordable standardized Milk Thistle supplement providing an excellent dose of Silymarin.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Detoxification
Score 76.0
A potent and affordable standardized Milk Thistle supplement providing an excellent dose of Silymarin.
Analysis
This product stands out from other Mason Natural offerings by explicitly stating its Silymarin content, delivering a robust 300mg per serving. This dosage is ideal for supporting detoxification and promoting liver health, which indirectly benefits skin complexion by helping the body process toxins. The price of $0.29 per serving is very reasonable for a standardized product of this potency, offering good accessibility. While it includes Dicalcium Phosphate (Calcium), its primary benefit comes from the Milk Thistle. It represents a solid, no-frills option for effective Milk Thistle supplementation.
Pros
- Contains 300mg of standardized Silymarin, a highly effective and clinically validated dose.
- Good price per serving for its potency, offering strong value.
- Clearly states the active Silymarin content, ensuring reliable efficacy.
Cons
- Includes Dicalcium Phosphate (Calcium), which is not directly related to Milk Thistle's primary benefits and may be an unnecessary additive for some users, though the quantity is small.
Warnings
- Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those on medication should consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure compatibility and safety.
$8.71($0.29 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 8.71 | |
 Amazon | $ 11.99 |
Effectiveness for goals
Milk Thistle, primarily through its active compound silymarin, is widely studied for its potential to support liver health. Research suggests it may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to liver cells. However, more comprehensive studies are ongoing to fully understand its extent of effectiveness.
Historically, Milk Thistle has been used in relation to alcoholic liver disease, and some studies suggest it may help shield liver cells from alcohol-related harm. While it shows potential, it is not considered a cure or a replacement for conventional medical treatment and abstinence. Its role is primarily supportive.
Milk Thistle is often associated with supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes due to its antioxidant properties. It may help protect liver cells from damage by harmful substances. However, the human body has its own efficient detoxification systems, and the term 'detoxification' can be broadly interpreted.
The general scientific consensus is that Milk Thistle shows promise as a supportive supplement for liver health, backed by traditional use and some research. While it's not a proven cure for severe liver diseases, it's considered a potentially beneficial agent for liver protection. More large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy for various conditions.
Some preliminary studies indicate Milk Thistle may offer benefits for individuals with NAFLD, potentially by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Despite promising early findings, the current scientific evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
Dosage, timing & forms
Typical daily dosages of Milk Thistle extract often range from 200 mg to 400 mg, standardized to 70-80% silymarin. Some research has explored higher doses for specific contexts. For general use, dosages usually fall within the 200-400 mg range, often divided into multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Milk Thistle is generally recommended to be taken with food. This can help improve the absorption of its active compounds, particularly silymarin. Taking it with food may also help reduce the likelihood of minor digestive upset.
Many formulations of Milk Thistle recommend taking it two to three times per day. Dividing the daily dose helps maintain consistent levels of its active compounds in the body. Always refer to the specific product label for detailed instructions.
Milk Thistle is commonly available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. It can also be found in tea bags or powder form. Capsules and tablets are the most prevalent, often standardized for their silymarin content.
Standardization means the extract is processed to contain a specific, guaranteed percentage of the active compound, silymarin. This process helps ensure consistency in potency between different batches and brands of the supplement. A common standardization level is 70-80% silymarin.
Safety & interactions
Yes, milk thistle can interact with certain prescription medications, particularly those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. This could potentially alter how the body processes drugs, affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining milk thistle with any medications.
Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. If severe or persistent side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Some research suggests that milk thistle might have mild antiplatelet effects, which theoretically could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. However, the evidence for this interaction is limited and conflicting. Individuals on blood thinners should discuss milk thistle use with their healthcare provider.
Milk thistle may have a mild blood sugar-lowering effect, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Those managing diabetes or taking medications to control blood sugar should monitor their glucose levels closely if using milk thistle. Discussing this with a healthcare provider is advised to prevent potential hypoglycemia.
Due to insufficient scientific data on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, milk thistle is generally not recommended for these populations. There is limited information regarding its potential effects on the fetus or infant. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements during these periods.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calcium | 65 mg |
Milk Thistle | 300 mg |
Adults 18–50
Report overviewCategories
Milk Thistle 85.0
As a Milk Thistle product, its 300mg standardized Silymarin dose at a competitive price positions it very well within the category, offering strong efficacy and good value for consumers seeking reliable and potent Milk Thistle benefits.
Goals
Detoxification 90.0
The 300mg of standardized Silymarin is a high and effective dose for liver detoxification, known to protect liver cells, support their regeneration, and aid in the removal of toxins from the body, making it highly suitable and potent for this goal.
Skin Health 85.0
By robustly supporting liver function and detoxification, this product indirectly promotes healthier skin. A well-functioning liver helps to efficiently clear internal toxins that can otherwise manifest as skin issues, thus contributing significantly to improved skin clarity and appearance.
Recommended Alternatives
90 Value 
Silymarin Complex
California Gold Nutrition
Matches the 300mg Silymarin potency and adds a range of liver-supportive herbs, all at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.08 vs $0.29), offering superior value for both potency and additional comprehensive benefits.
80 Value 
Milk Thistle 250 mg
Nature's Bounty
Offers 250mg of standardized Silymarin at an extremely competitive price ($0.08 per serving), providing a slightly lower but still effective dose for a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent value pick for reliable potency.
85 Value 
Milk Thistle Extract 175 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
Provides 175mg of standardized Silymarin at an unmatched $0.07 per serving, offering the absolute best price-per-serving for a standardized Milk Thistle extract, delivering great value even at a slightly lower dose for budget-conscious consumers.
95 Performance 
Double Strength Silymarin 300 mg
NOW
Provides the same 300mg of standardized Silymarin but also includes supportive liver herbs like Artichoke and Dandelion, offering a more comprehensive formula for enhanced benefits and broader liver support.
93 Performance 
Silymarin Complex
California Gold Nutrition
Offers 300mg of standardized Silymarin with an impressive blend of supporting ingredients like Turmeric, Artichoke, and Dandelion, providing broader synergistic benefits for liver and detoxification, making it a more complete formula.
90 Performance 
Silymarin Plus
Futurebiotics
Delivers an exceptionally high 552mg of standardized Silymarin per serving, along with choline, inositol, and other botanicals, making it significantly more potent for those requiring a very strong dose for their liver health needs.
85 Budget
Milk Thistle Extract 175 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
Offers 175mg of Total Silymarin for a significantly lower price per serving ($0.07 vs $0.29), providing a highly cost-effective option for standardized Milk Thistle, albeit with a lower dose of the active compound.
80 Budget
Milk Thistle 250 mg
Nature's Bounty
Delivers 250mg of standardized Silymarin for only $0.08 per serving, offering a strong dose at a much lower price point, making it a more economical choice per mg of Silymarin for comparable benefits.
90 Budget
Silymarin Complex
California Gold Nutrition
While also providing 300mg of Silymarin, its price per serving is significantly lower ($0.08 vs $0.29), offering comparable potency with added benefits at a much more attractive price, making it a superior value proposition.
90 Value
Silymarin Complex
California Gold Nutrition
Matches the 300mg Silymarin potency and adds a range of liver-supportive herbs, all at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.08 vs $0.29), offering superior value for both potency and additional comprehensive benefits.
80 Value
Milk Thistle 250 mg
Nature's Bounty
Offers 250mg of standardized Silymarin at an extremely competitive price ($0.08 per serving), providing a slightly lower but still effective dose for a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent value pick for reliable potency.
85 Value
Milk Thistle Extract 175 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
Provides 175mg of standardized Silymarin at an unmatched $0.07 per serving, offering the absolute best price-per-serving for a standardized Milk Thistle extract, delivering great value even at a slightly lower dose for budget-conscious consumers.
95 Performance
Double Strength Silymarin 300 mg
NOW
Provides the same 300mg of standardized Silymarin but also includes supportive liver herbs like Artichoke and Dandelion, offering a more comprehensive formula for enhanced benefits and broader liver support.
93 Performance
Silymarin Complex
California Gold Nutrition
Offers 300mg of standardized Silymarin with an impressive blend of supporting ingredients like Turmeric, Artichoke, and Dandelion, providing broader synergistic benefits for liver and detoxification, making it a more complete formula.
90 Performance
Silymarin Plus
Futurebiotics
Delivers an exceptionally high 552mg of standardized Silymarin per serving, along with choline, inositol, and other botanicals, making it significantly more potent for those requiring a very strong dose for their liver health needs.