Milk Thistle Seed Extract
Milk Thistle Seed Extract
Snapshot
Milk Thistle Seed Extract is a potent hepatoprotective supplement standardized to silymarin flavonolignans, supporting liver detoxification, antioxidant defenses, and cellular regeneration.
What is Milk Thistle Seed Extract?
Milk Thistle Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of Silybum marianum and standardized to contain 70–80% silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans including silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin.
Where It Comes From
Seeds are harvested, dried, and processed using ethanol or water–alcohol extraction methods. The resulting extract is concentrated, purified, and dried into a fine powder or formulated into capsules.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides a high concentration of silymarin flavonolignans, primarily silibinin (the most active isomer), along with silidianin and silicristin, which stabilize cell membranes and scavenge free radicals.
Health Benefits
Milk Thistle Seed Extract enhances liver detox pathways by boosting glutathione synthesis; protects hepatocytes from toxins and oxidative damage; reduces hepatic inflammation; and supports insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts are typically dosed at 200–300 mg of 70–80% silymarin, taken two to three times daily with meals for optimal absorption and sustained liver support.
How to Use It
Take capsules or tablets of Milk Thistle Seed Extract with a meal to maximize bioavailability. Consistent use over 8–12 weeks is recommended to observe measurable improvements in liver biomarkers.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals with liver stress from toxins, alcohol, or medications; those undergoing detox protocols; and anyone seeking to bolster hepatic antioxidant capacity and support metabolic health.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May modulate CYP450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, affecting the metabolism of certain drugs. Contraindicated for those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. Consult a healthcare provider if taking prescription medications.
Final Thoughts
Milk Thistle Seed Extract is a cornerstone botanical for liver protection and regeneration, offering robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in a concentrated form.
Scientific Studies
Loguercio C, Festi D. Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. World J Gastroenterol. 2011;17(18):2288–2301. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288
Saller R, Melzer J, Reichling J, Brignoli R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Drugs. 2001;61(14):2035–2063. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200161140-00006
Rocchetti MT, Puglia C, Valletta A, et al. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of oral silymarin in healthy volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos. 2002;30(8):805–810. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.30.8.805