Silybum marianum (Silymarin)
Silymarin flavonoids protect hepatocytes from toxin damage and support liver cell regeneration — used clinically across Europe.
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a group of flavonoids with potent hepatoprotective properties. It's one of the most well-researched herbal supplements for liver health, used clinically in Europe for liver conditions. Protects liver cells from toxins, supports regeneration, and has antioxidant effects. Commonly used for general liver support and after alcohol consumption.
Stabilizes liver cell membranes against toxins
Supports liver cell renewal
Reduces oxidative stress in the liver
How Milk Thistle works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
200-400mg silymarin (standardized extract)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized extract (70-80% silymarin) | Recommended |
| 💊Siliphos (phosphatidylcholine complex) | Alternative |
| 💊Silybin phytosome | Alternative |
Standard silymarin has poor bioavailability. Phytosome/Siliphos forms are better absorbed but more expensive.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Taking with food improves absorption. Phosphatidylcholine-bound forms (Siliphos) may have better bioavailability.
Protects against various liver stressors
May normalize elevated liver enzymes
Increases liver glutathione
Traditionally used but limited safety data; consult doctor
Often used clinically but should be under medical supervision
May affect metabolism of some drugs; consult pharmacist
May have additive blood sugar lowering
May affect metabolism
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if rash occurs
Both support glutathione and liver health
Comprehensive liver support and detoxification
Both support liver antioxidant capacity
Enhanced liver protection
Both support liver health
Enhanced liver protection and bile support
Both support liver health
Enhanced hepatoprotection
Both support liver health
Enhanced hepatoprotection
Different hepatoprotective mechanisms
Comprehensive liver support
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Miao R et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025)
“However, further validation of these findings is necessary through extensive clinical studies with larger sample sizes.”
Liu H et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024)
“This study may help guide clinicians and lead to further detailed studies.”
Shahsavari K et al. • BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025)
“This meta-analysis examined the effects of Milk Thistle.”
Li S et al. • Annals of hepatology (2024)
“Silymarin can regulate energy metabolism, attenuate liver damage, and improve liver histology in NAFLD patients.”
Ranneh Y et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“Still, the inconsistent results across the included RCTs require further clinical research to establish optimal dosage and duration.”
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