Milk Thistle Extract
Milk Thistle Extract
Snapshot
Milk Thistle Extract is a concentrated form of silymarin flavonolignans from Silybum marianum seeds, used to support liver detoxification and antioxidant defenses.
What is Milk Thistle Extract?
Milk Thistle Extract is a standardized supplement containing 70–80% silymarin complex (silibinin, silidianin, silicristin) obtained via solvent extraction of ground seeds.
Where It Comes From
Seeds of Silybum marianum are dried, milled, and extracted using ethanol or water-ethanol mixtures; extract is concentrated, purified, and dried to a fine powder.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
High-potency silymarin flavonolignans including silibinin (the primary active isomer), silidianin, and silicristin, which exhibit free-radical scavenging and membrane-stabilizing properties.
Health Benefits
Milk Thistle Extract enhances glutathione synthesis, protects hepatocytes against toxins, reduces inflammation in liver tissue, and may improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.
Recommended Dosage
Standard doses are 200–300 mg of 70–80% silymarin extract, taken 2–3 times daily with meals; follow product-specific standardization.
How to Use It
Take capsules or tablets of Milk Thistle Extract with food to optimize absorption; maintain consistent dosing for at least 8–12 weeks for measurable benefits.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals with liver stress, those undergoing detoxification protocols, or anyone seeking to bolster hepatic antioxidant capacity and support metabolic health.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Milk Thistle Extract may modulate CYP450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, affecting drug metabolism; contraindicated in those allergic to the Asteraceae family; consult a healthcare provider if on medications.
Final Thoughts
As a concentrated source of hepatoprotective flavonolignans, Milk Thistle Extract provides targeted support for detoxification and liver resilience.
Scientific Studies
Rocchetti MT, et al. Pharmacokinetics of oral silymarin in healthy volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos. 2002;30(8):805–810. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.30.8.805
Abenavoli L, et al. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past and future perspectives. Phytother Res. 2010;24(10):1423–1432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3253
Surai PF. Silymarin as a natural antioxidant: an overview of the current evidence and possible therapeutic applications. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2015;75:1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.02.002