Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
- Effective dose
- 280–420 mg
- Evidence
- 3/5· Moderate
Last updated June 1, 2026
What it is
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) yields silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans (chiefly silybin) extracted from the seeds. Silymarin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties and is studied mainly for liver-related conditions.
Benefits
Silymarin has modestly improved liver enzyme markers in some liver conditions and, taken prophylactically, reduced the short-term risk of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury in a meta-analysis of RCTs. Typical studied doses are about 140 mg of silymarin two to three times daily (roughly 280-420 mg/day).
When to take it
Usually split across 2-3 doses with meals; meaningful liver-enzyme changes in trials typically took 8-12 weeks of consistent use.
Side effects
Generally well tolerated, even at high doses; the most common effects are mild gastrointestinal upset and, rarely, allergic reactions (more likely in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants).
Sources
Products containing Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
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