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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Silymarin Milk Thistle

    Also known as: Silybum marianum, Milk thistle extract, Silymarin

    Standardised Silybum marianum extract delivering silybin A/B, silydianin, silycristin (collectively silymarin); modulates hepatic membrane integrity and antioxidant defences.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    70/100
    Liver healthHepatoprotectionAntioxidant
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Silymarin is a standardised milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract (≥80% silymarin complex) used for hepatoprotection, supporting liver regeneration and reducing transaminases.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Stabilises hepatocyte membranes, scavenges ROS, upregulates glutathione, and supports liver regeneration via RNA polymerase I activity.

    Physiological Role

    RCT evidence supports use in NAFLD, viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, and as a general hepatoprotector for athletes using oral hormones or alcohol.

    Primary Pathways

    Hepatocyte membrane stabilisationGlutathione upregulationRNA polymerase I activityAntioxidant defence

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Robust evidence in chronic liver disease and toxin-induced hepatotoxicity; effective at standardised doses.

    Evidence Review

    Overall70/100
    Human Clinical78/100
    Meta-Analysis72/100
    Mechanistic85/100
    Real-World68/100
    Safety92/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    140 mg
    Optimal Range
    420 mg/day silymarin in divided doses
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~700 mg/day
    Timing
    With meals
    Best Format
    Capsule (preferably phytosome-form)
    Bioavailability
    Low for free silymarin (~10%); phytosome formulation 5–10× more bioavailable.
    Absorption Considerations
    Hepatic first-pass metabolism; phytosome improves systemic delivery.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Mild laxative effect

    Contraindications

    • Pregnancy (limited data)
    • Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical)

    Drug Interactions

    • •CYP3A4/CYP2C9 substrates
    • •Anticoagulants
    • •Antidiabetics

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy
    • •Liver transplant immunosuppressants

    Monitoring

    Liver enzymes in chronic liver disease.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Silymarin Milk Thistle typically used or indicated?

    Silymarin Milk Thistle is most commonly used for: Liver health, Hepatoprotection, Antioxidant. RCT evidence supports use in NAFLD, viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, and as a general hepatoprotector for athletes using oral hormones or alcohol.

    How does Silymarin Milk Thistle work?

    Stabilises hepatocyte membranes, scavenges ROS, upregulates glutathione, and supports liver regeneration via RNA polymerase I activity.

    What is the recommended dose of Silymarin Milk Thistle?

    The optimal range is 420 mg/day silymarin in divided doses. with a minimum effective dose of 140 mg. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: ~700 mg/day.

    What are the side effects of Silymarin Milk Thistle?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Mild laxative effect. Monitoring: Liver enzymes in chronic liver disease.

    Does Silymarin Milk Thistle interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: CYP3A4/CYP2C9 substrates; Anticoagulants; and Antidiabetics. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Silymarin Milk Thistle?

    Silymarin Milk Thistle is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy; Liver transplant immunosuppressants; Pregnancy (limited data); and Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical).

    How strong is the evidence for Silymarin Milk Thistle?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 70/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Silymarin for chronic liver disease: meta-analysis

    Meta-Analysis2014Moderate
    PubMed

    Significant reduction in ALT/AST in chronic liver disease.

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    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2014Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceClinical Patients
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/silymarin-milk-thistle

    SuppIndex. (2026). Silymarin Milk Thistle: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/silymarin-milk-thistle

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    General Health
    Recovery

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with NAC, glycine, choline for full liver support stack.

    NACGlycineCholine