Silybum marianum
Seed extract
Botanical
Milk thistle
The source of silymarin, a group of plant compounds extensively studied in liver research.
- Botanical name
- Silybum marianum
- Also known as
- Silymarin
- Part used
- Seed extract
- Evidence
- Clinical evidence Evidence level 4 of 5
- Key compounds
- Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans led by silybin A and B, isosilybin, silychristin and silydianin.
- Body systems
- Liver, Vitality and immunity
In tradition
Milk thistle has been used in European herbal practice for the liver since antiquity.
In research
Silymarin is a group of flavonolignans, chiefly silibinin. It has been studied extensively for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.
Strength of evidence
Clinical evidence Evidence level 4 of 5Tested in randomised trials in people, usually small or short. How we grade evidence.
What we know
- Well tolerated in clinical trials. One randomised trial in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis did not improve overall disease activity but showed a signal of reduced fibrosis.
What we do not know yet
- Whether the fibrosis signal is reproducible, and what dose is needed for an effect in people.
Safety and cautions
Generally well tolerated. Mild digestive upset can occur. People allergic to plants of the daisy family should avoid it.
Research and answers
Products that contain it
Ingredient pages summarise traditional use and the direction of published research for education. They are not claims about any product and are not medical advice.
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