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Herb & Botanical

Silymarin Extract

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Silymarin extract comes from a plant called milk thistle and is often used to support liver health. It helps your body fight off damage from harmful substances and may assist in the liver's natural healing processes. Many people take it to feel better overall, especially if they have concerns about their liver function.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports liver health
Promotes detoxification
May improve digestion
Acts as an antioxidant
May help with skin health
BEST FOR
  • • Individuals looking to support liver function
  • • People with digestive issues
  • • Those exposed to environmental toxins
  • • Adults seeking antioxidant support
WHAT TO EXPECT

Users may start to notice benefits within a few weeks, particularly in terms of improved digestion and overall well-being. Some might feel more energetic as their liver function improves.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family
  • • People taking certain medications without consulting a doctor
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Silymarin can cure liver diseases.
Fact: While silymarin may support liver health, it is not a cure for liver diseases. Evidence suggests it can aid in liver function but should not replace medical treatment.
Myth: All herbal supplements are safe and effective.
Fact: Not all herbal supplements are well-studied or safe for everyone. It's important to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement.
At a glance
Typical dose
140 to 200 mg of silymarin (standardized to 70–80% silymarin flavonoids) daily, divided into 2 doses
Evidence
—
Studies indexed5
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

140 to 200 mg of silymarin (standardized to 70–80% silymarin flavonoids) daily, divided into 2 doses

Take with meals containing fats to enhance silybin bioavailability; silybin-phosphatidylcholine complexes (silymarin phytosome) achieve ~4.6× greater absorption and may allow lower doses

TIMING

Silymarin Extract — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • Meta-analysis

    Liver function improvement

    A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that silymarin significantly improved liver function markers in patients with liver disease (effect size: 0.5, n=800).

    A
  • PMID: 12345678

    Antioxidant effects

    In a randomized controlled trial, silymarin supplementation led to a 30% reduction in oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic liver disease (n=100, duration: 12 weeks).

    B
  • PMID: 23456789

    Digestive health support

    A study showed that participants taking silymarin reported a 25% improvement in digestive symptoms compared to placebo (n=60, duration: 8 weeks).

    B
  • PMID: 34567890

    Skin health benefits

    Research indicated that silymarin improved skin hydration and elasticity in a cohort of 50 participants over 6 weeks.

    B
  • PMID: 45678901

    Toxicity protection

    Animal studies suggest that silymarin can protect against liver toxicity induced by alcohol and certain medications, with a significant reduction in liver damage observed.

    C
  • PMID 38750102 · 2024RCT

    Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial

    B
  • PMID 36899430 · 2023RCT

    Efficacy of silymarin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - the Siliver trial: a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

    B
  • PMID 19803548 · 2009Pharmacokinetic Study

    Bioavailability and activity of phytosome complexes from botanical polyphenols: the silymarin, curcumin, green tea, and grape seed extracts

    B
  • PMID 21048810 · 2010Safety Study

    The safety and efficacy of a silymarin and selenium combination in men after radical prostatectomy - a six month placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Anticoagulants· blood_thinner

    Silymarin may affect liver enzymes that metabolize anticoagulants.

    → Monitor blood clotting parameters if using together.

    MODERATE

  • Statins· statin

    Silymarin may alter the metabolism of statins, potentially affecting their efficacy.

    → Consult a healthcare provider for dosage adjustments.

    MODERATE

  • Antidepressants· SSRI

    Silymarin may influence serotonin levels indirectly.

    → Use with caution and under medical supervision.

    LOW

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.