Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Milk Thistle is a hepatoprotective supplement that helps stabilize liver cell membranes & stimulate liver protein synthesis, beneficial for individuals with liver conditions such as alcoholic liver disease & nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

liver-healthantioxidantdetoxificationanti-inflammatory

Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026

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Biomarkers studied

Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below

Metabolic

Insulin Sensitivity

Inflammation

Oxidative Stress (MDA)

Bloodwork

ALT / AST (Liver)

Evidence

5 records

Liver fibrosis reduction

Patients with NASH • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

Silymarin reduced liver fibrosis in patients with NASH, although not significantly more than placebo for NAS score reduction.

Dose: 2100 mgDuration: 48 weeks

Citation: Nehmi-Filho et al. (2022). Novel nutraceutical supplements with yeast β-glucan, prebiotics, minerals, and Silybum marianum (silymarin) ameliorate obesity-related metabolic and clinical parameters: A double-blind randomized trial.

Study focused on fibrosis reduction rather than NAS score.

Liver histology improvement

Patients with NAFLD • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

Silymarin improved liver histology in NAFLD patients, though further research is needed.

Dose: 420 mg

Citation: Wah Kheong et al. (2017). A Randomized Trial of Silymarin for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity

Patients with insulin resistance • Systematic review

PUBMEDModerate

Silymarin improved insulin sensitivity & reduced insulin resistance markers.

Dose: 420 mg

Citation: Yin et al. (2025). Effects of silymarin on insulin resistance and sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Reduction in oxidative stress

General population • Systematic review

PUBMEDLow

Silymarin exhibits antioxidant properties that may reduce oxidative stress.

Dose: 420 mg

Citation: Horowitz et al. (2022). Silibinin: a toxicologist's herbal medicine?. Clinical Toxicology.

Based on preclinical data & historical use.

Liver enzyme reduction

Patients with NAFLD • Systematic review

PUBMEDModerate

Silymarin significantly reduced liver enzymes ALT & AST, indicating improved liver function.

Dose: 420 mg

Citation: Soleimani et al. (2019). Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review. Phytotherapy Research.

Forms

Capsule

Commonly used form for oral supplementation.

Tablet

Another popular oral form.

Liquid extract

Used for those who prefer liquid supplements.

Stacks containing Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Public community stacks that include this ingredient.

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liverdetoxificationantioxidant

Liver Detox & Protection

by@athlete

Milk thistle & calcium d-glucarate are combined to support liver detoxification & protection. Milk thistle is known for its hepatoprotective properties, while calcium d-glucarate aids in detoxification processes.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

420mg

Calcium D-Glucarate

500mg

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