HerbsRx
Strong evidence

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum seeds, containing the silymarin flavonolignan complex (chiefly silibinin A & B). Silibinin stabilizes hepatocyte cell membranes preventing toxin uptake, stimulates nucleolar RNA polymerase I to accelerate liver protein synthesis and regeneration, and preserves intracellular glutathione pools.

What Milk Thistle is used for

  • Sluggish Liver
  • Fatty Liver (NAFLD)
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease
  • Hepatitis Support
  • Toxin / Alcohol Detox
  • Elevated Liver Enzymes (ALT/AST)

Pharmaceuticals Milk Thistle is studied as a natural alternative to

  • Ursodiol (Actigall)
  • Liver supplements
  • NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
  • Glutathione

Educational information only — never stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your prescriber first.

Safety and warnings

Extremely well tolerated. May produce a mild laxative effect due to increased bile flow. Caution in individuals with Asteraceae family allergies.

Evidence level: Strong

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