Milk Thistle
14 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
2,656 products in our catalogue print how much Milk Thistle a serving holds.
Most common: 100 mg to 250 mg, 43% of 2,656 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 10 mg or less | 61 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 113 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 239 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 412 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 1,134 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 453 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 181 |
| over 1 g | 63 |
Dose per serving from research
31 study groups in 29 studies say how much Milk Thistle participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 250 mg to 500 mg, 42% of 31 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 100 mg or less | 1 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 8 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 13 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 7 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 2 |
Benefit Evidence
Lower FPG/HbA1c (~20%, ~12%)
Lower FBS, insulin dose
Improved insulin resistance
Lower FPG/HbA1c (~20%, ~12%)
Lower FBS, insulin dose
Improved insulin resistance
Research sources
Liver support (9)
- Does Silybum marianum play a role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C?
PubMed ID: 16929590
Small RCT showed reduced ALT/AST elevations with silybum marianum versus no treatment (hepatic enzyme protection).
- A randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot study of milk thistle for the treatment of hepatotoxicity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
PubMed ID: 20014183
Pediatric chemo pilot: a 28‑day course of milk thistle was safe and associated with later reductions in AST and bilirubin improvements.
- The activity of a herbal medicinal product of Phyllanthus niruri and Silybum marianum powdered extracts (Heptex®) in patients with apparent risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a phase II, multicentered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 39789561
Phase II Heptex® study showed within‑group ALT and CAP improvements and was focused on hepatic endpoints, supporting liver‑support potential though not definitively superior to placebo.
- Silymarin in non-cirrhotics with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31536511
Large randomized NASH trial directly tested silymarin for liver disease; safety good but no significant histologic benefit—some enzyme/NAS signals at higher dose.
- A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis
PubMed ID: 19303273
In acute hepatitis RCT silymarin accelerated resolution of jaundice‑related signs and some symptoms (clinical hepatic benefit).
- Antioxidative effects of silymarin on the reduction of liver complications of fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A clinical trial study
PubMed ID: 33934443
Silymarin lowered ALT/AST and oxidative stress in RRMS patients on fingolimod, indicating hepatoprotective effects.
- A Randomized Trial of Silymarin for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
PubMed ID: 28419855
Well‑conducted NASH RCT: silymarin significantly reduced histologic fibrosis and liver stiffness (strong hepatoprotective signal).
- Evaluation of oral silymarin formulation efficacy in prevention of doxorubicin induced hepatotoxicity in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer
PubMed ID: 39110237
Placebo‑controlled RCT during doxorubicin chemo showed decreased fatty‑liver grade and lower AST/ALP with silymarin.
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine
PubMed ID: 23278124
Nine‑month RCT in β‑thalassemia showed silymarin + chelation substantially reduced ferritin and improved liver tests.
Metabolism (8)
- Efficacy and Safety of a Traditional Herbal Combination in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32081056
3‑month RCT of multi‑herb including silymarin improved glucose and cholesterol (multi‑ingredient attribution uncertain).
- The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 17072885
4‑month RCT in type II diabetes showed improvements in glycemic control and lipids (single‑agent silymarin).
- Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients
PubMed ID: 23971720
Berberine+silymarin combo improved lipids and insulin secretion; combo trial supports metabolic benefit though not silymarin‑only.
- Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
PubMed ID: 24152839
Berberine+silymarin RCT improved LDL and HOMA‑IR (combo evidence).
- Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum on lipid profile in patients not tolerating statins at high doses
PubMed ID: 25577665
Berberine+silymarin improved glycemic markers in statin‑intolerant patients (combo study).
- Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination (Berberol(®)) effects on lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients intolerant to statins at high dosages: a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 25765827
Berberol® combo lowered glucose/insulin resistance in dyslipidemic patients (combo evidence).
- Lower glycemic indices and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received novel dose of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplement: A Triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 29895491
Triple‑blind RCT of isolated silymarin in T2DM showed strong improvements in FBS, HOMA‑IR and TGs.
- The role of a fixed Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum combination in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 26384091
Berberine+silymarin added to insulin therapy reduced insulin requirements and improved glycemia (combo trial).
Cholesterol (6)
- Effects of a Combination of Berberis aristata, Silybum marianum and Monacolin on Lipid Profile in Subjects at Low Cardiovascular Risk; A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 28178209
Nutraceutical with monacolin, berberine and silymarin produced marked LDL reductions in RCT (multi‑ingredient effect strong).
- Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients
PubMed ID: 23971720
Berberine+silymarin combination improved LDL and total cholesterol in dyslipidemic patients.
- The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 17072885
RDBPC trial in T2DM showed reductions in LDL, total cholesterol and TGs with silymarin.
- Efficacy and Safety of a Traditional Herbal Combination in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32081056
Multi‑herb RCT including silymarin lowered total cholesterol (multi‑ingredient attribution uncertain).
- Lower glycemic indices and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received novel dose of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplement: A Triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 29895491
T2DM RCT reported decreases in triglycerides and modest total/LDL decreases vs baseline.
- Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
PubMed ID: 24152839
Berberine+silymarin combo lowered LDL in overweight dyslipidemic patients.
Inflammation (5)
- Evaluation the effect of Silybum marianum ointment on episiotomy wound healing and pain intensity in primiparous women: a randomized triple blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34620153
Topical silymarin markedly improved wound healing and pain (likely anti‑inflammatory effects) in an RCT.
- Effects of a Combination of Berberis aristata, Silybum marianum and Monacolin on Lipid Profile in Subjects at Low Cardiovascular Risk; A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 28178209
Nutraceutical (berberine, silymarin, monacolin) lowered hs‑CRP and IL‑6 in RCT (multi‑ingredient).
- Immunomodulatory effects of silymarin in patients with β-thalassemia major
PubMed ID: 23624215
Thalassemia trial demonstrated reductions in TNF‑α and neopterin (anti‑inflammatory/immunomodulatory).
- Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 25765835
T2DM RCT showed a 26.8% reduction in hs‑CRP (robust anti‑inflammatory signal).
- Effects of Silybum marianum, Pueraria lobate, combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza tablets on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 38879879
Triple‑blind RCT of a 3‑herb tablet including silymarin significantly lowered hs‑CRP.
Cell health (5)
- Promising efficacy of oral nano-silymarin formulation on prevention of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 40762702
Nano‑silymarin reduced vancomycin‑associated AKI incidence and protected kidney function markers, indicating cytoprotective effects against drug toxicity.
- Adjunctive silymarin supplementation and its effects on disease severity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 38353101
Reduction in oxidative markers plus small cognitive improvement suggests cellular/neuronal protection.
- Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 28635153
Topical silymarin reduced chemotherapy-induced hand–foot syndrome, indicating local cytoprotection.
- Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 25765835
Increased antioxidant enzymes and lower CRP support cellular oxidative protection.
- A Randomized Trial of Silymarin for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
PubMed ID: 28419855
High‑dose silymarin in NASH reduced histologic fibrosis and liver stiffness, indicating cellular/hepatic structural protection.
Blood sugar (4)
- The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
PubMed ID: 17072885
4‑month RCT in type II diabetes found significant decreases in HbA1c and fasting glucose with silymarin.
- Efficacy and Safety of a Traditional Herbal Combination in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 32081056
Multi‑herb RCT including milk thistle lowered FPG and HbA1c (multi‑ingredient study).
- The role of a fixed Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum combination in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus
PubMed ID: 26384091
Berberine+silymarin reduced insulin requirements and fasting/post‑prandial glucose in type 1 diabetes (combo).
- Lower glycemic indices and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received novel dose of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplement: A Triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 29895491
Isolated silymarin triple‑blind RCT in T2DM showed substantial FBS and HOMA‑IR improvements vs placebo.
Skin health (4)
- Topical silymarin administration for prevention of acute radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 30479044
Topical silymarin gel significantly reduced severity and delayed onset of radiotherapy‑induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients.
- Can we consider silymarin as a treatment option for vitiligo? A double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial of phototherapy plus oral Silybum marianum product versus phototherapy alone
PubMed ID: 30935260
Adjunctive oral silymarin with phototherapy produced greater VASI improvement in vitiligo — direct skin‑health benefit in an RCT.
- Evaluation the effect of Silybum marianum ointment on episiotomy wound healing and pain intensity in primiparous women: a randomized triple blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34620153
Topical silymarin ointment accelerated episiotomy wound healing and reduced pain — clear local skin/tissue benefit.
- Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 28635153
Topical silymarin gel in an RCT significantly reduced capecitabine‑induced hand–foot syndrome severity.
Antioxidant (4)
- Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplementation on antioxidant status and hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 25765835
RDBPC trial in T2DM showed increased SOD and GPX (clear antioxidant enzyme increases).
- Antioxidative effects of silymarin on the reduction of liver complications of fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A clinical trial study
PubMed ID: 33934443
RCT in MS patients showed reduced MDA and increased total antioxidant capacity with oral silymarin.
- Combined therapy of silymarin and desferrioxamine in patients with beta-thalassemia major: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 19453758
Silymarin added to desferrioxamine improved RBC glutathione and antioxidant markers in β‑thalassemia patients.
- Adjunctive silymarin supplementation and its effects on disease severity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in patients with Alzheimer's disease
PubMed ID: 38353101
Trial showed clear reductions in oxidative stress markers (MDA decreased, catalase changed) supporting antioxidant activity.
Illness recovery (3)
- Promising efficacy of oral nano-silymarin formulation on prevention of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 40762702
Nano‑silymarin lowered AKI incidence and improved creatinine/urea trajectories with vancomycin, supporting recovery/protection from renal injury.
- Evaluation the effect of Silybum marianum ointment on episiotomy wound healing and pain intensity in primiparous women: a randomized triple blind clinical trial
PubMed ID: 34620153
Triple‑blind RCT found markedly faster episiotomy wound healing and pain reduction, indicating a strong recovery‑aid effect topically.
- Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 28635153
Topical silymarin reduced chemo‑induced HFS severity and delayed progression (supports recovery/treatment tolerability).
Detoxification (2)
- Promising efficacy of oral nano-silymarin formulation on prevention of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 40762702
Nano‑silymarin markedly reduced vancomycin‑associated AKI and improved renal markers — direct evidence of protection against a drug toxin.
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine
PubMed ID: 23278124
Silymarin plus chelation substantially lowered iron overload (a form of toxin/metal protection) and improved liver tests.
Stress resilience (1)
- Evaluation of the effect of Silybum marianum extract on menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32762030
Large RCT showed marked reduction in hot‑flash frequency/severity, which can improve stress/symptom resilience in menopausal women.
Wellbeing (1)
- Evaluation of the effect of Silybum marianum extract on menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 32762030
Significant, clinically meaningful reductions in menopausal hot‑flash frequency/severity and symptom scores indicate improved overall wellness.
Digestive support (1)
- [A plant extract and its modified preparation in functional dyspepsia. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study]
PubMed ID: 11505331
Randomized trial of a preparation containing milk thistle (STW‑5 type) produced significant dyspepsia symptom improvements.
Immune support (1)
- Immunomodulatory effects of silymarin in patients with β-thalassemia major
PubMed ID: 23624215
Thalassemia trial showed reduced TNF-α and altered cytokine production (immunomodulatory effects).
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with Milk Thistle
Search all4846 products whose verified label declares Milk Thistle — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.
Being studied right now
Recruiting clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A trial in progress has no result yet — this is what the field is asking, not what it found.