Botanical
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Also known as: Silybum marianum, Silymarin, Silybin, Milk Thistle Extract (Silybum marianum)
Milk thistle extract contains silymarin, a flavonoid complex traditionally used to support liver health and function. Clinical evidence suggests modest benefits for liver support, though results remain mixed across studies.
Primary uses
- Liver protection
- Liver regeneration
- Toxin exposure
- Alcohol support
- Liver health support
- Hepatic function
- Antioxidant support
- Liver detoxification
How it works
- Protects liver cell membranes
- Stimulates protein synthesis for regeneration
- Antioxidant in liver tissue
- May help with insulin sensitivity
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-400mg standardized extract 2-3x daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes, enhances absorption
- Duration
- Long-term use safe and appropriate
- Special populations
- Those with liver concerns, alcohol users, medication users
Forms
- Standardized extract 70-80% silymarin
- Phytosome (silybin-PC)
- Seed extract
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
- Standardized extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Rare: mild GI upset
- Allergic reactions (ragweed family)
Contraindications
- Ragweed/daisy allergy
Products containing Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Milk Thistle (Silymarin) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Strong evidence for liver protection
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention milk thistle (silymarin). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Loguercio C, Andreone P, Brisc C, et al. (2012)Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Silybin combined with phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Rambaldi A, Jacobs BP, Gluud C (2007)Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Silymarin for the treatment of acute clinical hepatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) compared head-to-head
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