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Herb

Milk Thistle

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Milk Thistle. Hepatoprotective herb with antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects.

How it works. Inhibits hepatic lipid peroxidation, stabilizes hepatocyte membranes, used IV for Amanita poisoning.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning (IV silibinin) (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 150–600 mg silymarin/d.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC, NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR).

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Milk Thistle. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Milk Thistle. Hepatoprotective herb with antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects.

Key compound: silybinC25H22O10 · 482.4 g/mol

What it is

Hepatoprotective herb with antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects.

Also called

SilymarinSilibinin

Food sources

Silybum marianum seeds

Goals

Liver HealthHealthy Aging

How it works

Inhibits hepatic lipid peroxidation, stabilizes hepatocyte membranes, used IV for Amanita poisoning.

Pathways

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-fibrotic
  • Membrane stabilization

Effects

  • +Hepatocyte protection supports

What the research supports

Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning (IV silibinin)strong
Modest reduction in liver enzymes (NAFLD, alcoholic)moderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
150–600 mg silymarin/d
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the silymarin (70–80% silymarin) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

CYP3A4 substratesminor

Weak inhibition in vitro.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Milk thistle (silymarin)Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.
  • NACRestores hepatic glutathione.
  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Milk Thistle — Modest reduction in liver enzymes ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Milk Thistle and "Modest reduction in liver enzymes". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Milk Thistle — Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Milk Thistle and "Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Milk Thistle — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Milk Thistle and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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