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Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Liver support · antioxidant

MODERATE EVIDENCEVEGANREAD THE RESEARCH
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 2 Jun 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026
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Milk Thistle: Liver support · antioxidant. The classic liver herb. Silymarin compounds stabilize liver cell membranes and support glutathione recycling. Standard dose 300 mg standardised 80%, taken in the morning, about $14/month. Evidence rating: moderate evidence.

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used as a liver-supportive herb for over 2,000 years. Its active complex, silymarin, a group of flavonolignans including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, works through multiple mechanisms: stabilizing hepatocyte cell membranes against toxin damage, supporting glutathione synthesis and recycling, and acting as a direct antioxidant within liver tissue. Clinical research has explored its use for general liver wellness, recovery from environmental and dietary stressors, and as adjunctive support alongside certain medications. Standard doses are 200-600 mg of extract standardized to 80% silymarin per day, taken in divided doses with meals.

WHY IT MATTERS

The classic liver herb. Silymarin compounds stabilize liver cell membranes and support glutathione recycling.

Where to buy

Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle 150mg
RECOMMENDED
Jarrow Formulas, Milk Thistle
300 mg standardised 80% · Morning · ~$14/month

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Common questions

What is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used as a liver-supportive herb for over 2,000 years. Its active complex, silymarin, a group of flavonolignans including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, works through multiple mechanisms: stabilizing hepatocyte cell membranes against toxin damage, supporting glutathione synthesis and recycling, and acting as a direct antioxidant within liver tissue. Clinical research has explored its use for general liver wellness, recovery from environmental and dietary stressors, and as adjunctive support alongside certain medications. Standard doses are 200-600 mg of extract standardized to 80% silymarin per day, taken in divided doses with meals.
What is Milk Thistle used for?
Liver support · antioxidant. The classic liver herb. Silymarin compounds stabilize liver cell membranes and support glutathione recycling.
What is the standard dose of Milk Thistle?
300 mg standardised 80%, typically taken in the morning. Approximate cost is $14 per month.
How strong is the evidence for Milk Thistle?
Moderate evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

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