Supplement Scholar
Compound

Silybin

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Silybin. Most active milk thistle flavonolignan.

How it works. Stabilizes hepatocyte membranes; antioxidant.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Hepatoprotective (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 140–420 mg.

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

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

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

Silybin. Most active milk thistle flavonolignan.

Molecular structureC25H22O10 · 482.4 g/mol

What it is

Most active milk thistle flavonolignan.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Liver Health

How it works

Stabilizes hepatocyte membranes; antioxidant.

Pathways

  • Stabilizes hepatocyte membranes
  • antioxidant

Effects

  • +Hepatoprotective supports

What the research supports

Hepatoprotectivemoderate

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
140–420 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Silybin use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

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

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Silybin — Hepatoprotective ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Silybin and "Hepatoprotective". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

PubMed: Silybin — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Silybin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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