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Silymarin (Milk Thistle)

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Silymarin (Milk Thistle). Silybum marianum flavonolignans for liver.

How it works. Antioxidant; stabilizes hepatocyte membranes.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves liver enzymes (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 200–600 mg standardized.

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 Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

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

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

Silymarin (Milk Thistle). Silybum marianum flavonolignans for liver.

Key compound: silybinC25H22O10 · 482.4 g/mol

What it is

Silybum marianum flavonolignans for liver.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Liver Health

How it works

Antioxidant; stabilizes hepatocyte membranes.

Pathways

  • Antioxidant
  • stabilizes hepatocyte membranes

Effects

  • +liver enzymes supports

What the research supports

Improves liver enzymesmoderate

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
200–600 mg standardized
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 standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Silymarin (Milk Thistle) 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

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Silymarin (Milk Thistle) — Improves liver enzymes ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Silymarin (Milk Thistle) and "Improves liver enzymes". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

PubMed: Silymarin (Milk Thistle) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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