Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract)

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

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.

Related in Herbal Extract

• Organic Broccoli SproutB
• Ampelopsis grossedentata Extract (Dihydromyricetin)C
• Baikal SkullcapC
• Barley Grass PowderC
• Black Cumin Seed OilC
• Black Garlic ExtractC