Herbal Extract
Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract)
Also known as: milk thistle extract, silybum marianum, silymarin complex, silibinin
Silymarin is a standardized extract from milk thistle seeds containing flavonolignans with hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Well-established traditional use supported by clinical research for liver health and function.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne S.A.T.® | 94 A | $0.78 |
| 2 | Nutricost Milk Thistle Capsules | 91 A | $0.07 |
| 3 | Thorne Liver Cleanse | 90 A | $0.45 |
| 4 | Micro Ingredients Organic Milk Thistle Powder | 90 A | $0.06 |
| 5 | Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle | 88 A | $0.60 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations Silymarin | 87 A | $0.38 |
| 7 | Thorne MediClear-SGS™ - Vanilla | 86 A- | $2.10 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate | 84 A- | $2.23 |
| 9 | Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle | 84 A- | $0.36 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients Milk Thistle Extract 250mg | 84 A- | $1.00 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack | 83 A- | $7.55 |
| 12 | Gaia Herbs Liver Health | 83 A- | $0.52 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) should I take?
The typical range is 140–300 mg silymarin daily (often 70–150 mg per dose, 2–3 times daily). Benefits typically accumulate over 8–12 weeks; safe for long-term use (months to years)
When should I take Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract)?
With or without food; often taken before meals or with meals. Can be taken with or without food; absorption slightly improved with fat.
Which form of Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) is best?
Seed extract (98% silymarin standardization).
Is Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) safe?
Commonly reported: Mild gastrointestinal upset (rare), Allergic reactions (rare; caution in ragweed/thistle allergies), Laxative effect (mild, dose-dependent).
Which Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) supplement scores highest?
Thorne S.A.T.®, at 94/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Liver health and detoxification support
- Hepatic function and liver enzyme regulation
- Antioxidant protection
- Lipid profile support
- General metabolic health
How it works
- Antioxidant and free-radical scavenging
- Hepatocyte membrane stabilization
- Glutathione synthesis enhancement and restoration
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects
- Cytochrome P450 modulation
Dosage
- Typical range
- 140–300 mg silymarin daily (often 70–150 mg per dose, 2–3 times daily)
- Timing
- With or without food; often taken before meals or with meals
- With food
- Can be taken with or without food; absorption slightly improved with fat
- Duration
- Benefits typically accumulate over 8–12 weeks; safe for long-term use (months to years)
- Special populations
- Generally safe in pregnancy and lactation at recommended doses (consult provider). Safe for children at appropriate doses. Renally impaired may benefit from lower doses.
Forms
- Seed extract (98% silymarin standardization)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (rare)
- Allergic reactions (rare; caution in ragweed/thistle allergies)
- Laxative effect (mild, dose-dependent)
Contraindications
- Ragweed, daisy, or thistle family allergies
- Severe liver cirrhosis (caution; consult provider)
- Concurrent use with certain immunosuppressive medications
Products containing Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Substantial clinical evidence for liver support and toxin defense; multiple RCTs support safety and efficacy. Gold standard for herbal hepatoprotection, though effect sizes in early-stage fatty liver disease are moderate. Traditional use combined with modern research justifies B-grade.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.