Natural Power of Milk Thistle: Detox, Glucose, and Liver Health Explained

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Along with providing information on whether Milk Thistle supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Milk thistle isn’t just another plant; it’s a versatile herb with a legacy that spans centuries for its medicinal properties. Today, modern science is catching up with tradition, offering evidence that supports its wide array of health benefits. From liver health to skin rejuvenation, this natural powerhouse may have a role to play in combating a variety of health issues. While more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm its efficacy, the preliminary research paints an encouraging picture.

If milk thistle supplements are right for you, this article will show you the best place to buy milk thistle online. Supplement-Sciences has partnered with Fullscript’s professional-grade supplement formulary to provide a 20% discount on every order, so you always have access to the highest quality supplements.

So whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone looking to optimize their health, understanding the potential benefits of milk thistle could be a game-changer.

What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is a plant with purple flowers and green leaves that have white veins. It is native to Europe and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The seeds of the milk thistle plant are the most commonly used part for medicinal purposes. They contain a group of compounds called silymarin, which is believed to have health benefits.

Milk thistle is often taken as a supplement to support liver health. It is thought to help protect the liver from damage and promote its healing. Some people also use milk thistle to help with digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and improve skin conditions. It is available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

What Are the Health Benefits of Milk Thistle?

• Supports Liver Health: Milk thistle is known for its ability to help protect the liver from damage and promote healing by improving liver function. Researchers now suggest, “treatment with silymarin should be initiated as early as possible in patients with fatty liver disease and other distinct liver disease manifestations such as acute liver failure, when the regenerative potential of the liver is still high and when removal of oxidative stress, the cause of cytotoxicity, can achieve the best results.” [PMC7140758] Researchers found that “Silymarin improved ultrasound fatty liver grading and liver enzymes morbidly-obese patient candidates for bariatric surgery with NAFLD after only eight weeks.”[PMC9149185]
  • Increases Bile Flow: For centuries, milk thistle extracts have been used for liver and gallbladder issues, containing beneficial compounds called flavonolignans, notably silymarin. Milk Thistle increases bile flow and bile salt secretion. [PMID: 10692567]
• Aids Digestion: Milk thistle may improve digestion by helping the liver produce more bile, which is necessary for breaking down fats. [PMID: 16611084]
• Lowers Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that milk thistle can help lower cholesterol levels, which is good for heart health. [PMID: 30834633] “In clinical trials, the most important findings are improved (1) glycemic and (2) lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hyperlipidemia, while (3) the anti-hypertensive effects of silibinin/silymarin seem very modest.” [PMC9145573]
• Improves Skin Health: Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve skin conditions, such as acne [PMID: 36204969] or eczema. [PMID: 26345246]
• Boosts Antioxidant Levels: The silymarin in milk thistle has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation, has antifibrotic activity and may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the [liver] cell membrane receptors. [PMID: 20564545]
• Reduces Inflammation: Milk thistle may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases. [PMID: 20471811]
• Supports Weight Loss: Some evidence suggests that milk thistle can help with weight loss by improving liver function, which plays a role in metabolism. [PMID: 30015401]
• Enhances Brain Function: Compounds in milk thistle have shown promise in protecting brain cells and could contribute to better cognitive function. [PMC6493565]
• Boosts Immune Response: Milk thistle may strengthen the immune system, making it more effective in fighting off infections. [PMID: 28672215]
• Improves Blood Sugar Control: Some studies indicate that milk thistle can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. [PMID: 29895491]
• Detoxifies the Body: By supporting liver function, milk thistle aids in the detoxification process, helping to cleanse the body of harmful substances. It is often prescribed to help the liver in the processing of drugs prescribed to cancer patients. [PMC3098397]
• Alleviates Allergic Reactions: The anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. [PMID: 21952357]
• Protects Bone Health: Some research suggests that milk thistle can improve bone health by increasing bone mineral density. Researchers state, “Silymarin appears to play a crucial role to prevent bone loss and might regulate osteogenesis and may be beneficial for fracture healing.” [PMID: 24093748]
• Fights Oxidative Stress: The antioxidant properties of milk thistle can combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic disease. Researchers found, “Silymarin supplementation improves some antioxidant indices (SOD, GPX and TAC) and decrease hs-CRP levels in Type 2 Diabetes patients.” [PMID: 25765835]
• Promotes Healthy Skin: Beyond helping with specific skin conditions, the antioxidants in milk thistle can promote overall skin health. [PMID: 26345246]
• May Help Prevent Cancer and Reduce Toxicity in Cancer Treatment: Although research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that milk thistle has anti-cancer properties. Possible uses during cancer treatment include detoxification after chemotherapy and preventing liver damage during after chemotherapy. [PMID: 17548794]
• Mold Toxicity: Research in animals shows milk thistle may protect the liver from liver damage caused by mycotoxins. [PMC9967284]

Why Your Liver Is So Important

Milk thistle works mainly to support the liver. To better understand the benefit of milk thistle, it helps to understand how the liver works as the critical hub for detoxification and bile production. Toxins come from normal metabolic processes as well as our air, food, and water. One of the most important things to understand about detoxification is that it doesn’t work well without the presence of many, many nutrients in adequate amounts. So eating well to get all these nutrients is key to liver detoxification.

Phase I. In detoxification, the liver uses a two-phase enzyme system to neutralize toxins. During Phase I, cytochrome P450 enzymes oxidize, reduce, or hydrolyze toxic substances to them more polar. These more polar molecules often become more reactive, so they need to be further processed by the Phase II enzymes. These more polar molecules are called “reactive intermediates”, and they are often even more toxic than the original toxin.

Nutrients required for Phase I: For optimal function in Phase I of liver detoxification, nutrients like B vitamins, particularly B2, B3, and B6, as well as antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like zinc and selenium are crucial.

Phase II. In Phase II, the liver attaches small molecules like glucuronic acid, amino acids, or sulfate to these reactive intermediates. This process, called conjugation, makes the toxins more water-soluble, so they can easily be excreted through urine or bile.

Nutrients required for Phase II: For Phase II of liver detoxification to run smoothly, amino acids such as glycine, taurine, and glutamine are key, along with sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic and onions. Folic acid, B12, and glutathione also play a vital role in this phase.

Then, there is bile production. The liver makes bile contains bile acids, which are needed to break down fats into tiny droplets so that they can be absorbed from the gut. The liver makes these bile acids from cholesterol and secretes them as bile, which gets stored in the gallbladder. When fatty foods are eaten, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into the small intestine. The bile acids then bind to fat, breaking it down into smaller droplets that can be digested by lipase enzymes.

But, let’s get back to milk thistle. By supporting the health of the liver, milk thistle can improve the liver’s ability to detoxify the constant barrage of toxins in our system and improve bile flow for better digestion.

Is Milk Thistle Safe?

Milk thistle is safe for most people when taken as a supplement. Numerous studies have affirmed its low risk of side effects, especially when consumed within the recommended dosages. It is well-tolerated by many people and has been used safely in traditional medicine for centuries. Rare side effects might include gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating or mild laxative effects, but these are typically minor and transient. Overall, milk thistle stands out as a secure option for those looking to enhance their liver and boost overall health.

Medication Interactions with Milk Thistle

• Diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, metformin): Milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels, which could cause your blood sugar to drop too low when taken with diabetes medications.
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin): Milk thistle may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, though more research is needed to confirm this interaction.
• Allergy medications (e.g., fexofenadine): Milk thistle may reduce the effectiveness of some allergy medications by affecting how they are broken down in the body.
• Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin): Milk thistle may interfere with how statins are processed in the body, potentially affecting their effectiveness.

Supplement Interactions with Milk Thistle

• St. John’s Wort: May reduce the effectiveness of milk thistle by inducing liver enzymes that metabolize silymarin more rapidly, possibly decreasing its bioavailability.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Both have blood-thinning properties. Their combined use might increase the risk of bleeding, especially when used with anticoagulant medications.
• Glutathione: Milk thistle raises glutathione levels in the liver, enhancing antioxidant effects. Combining with glutathione supplements might amplify detoxification processes, requiring monitoring.
• Dandelion: Both support liver health and promote bile production. Using them together can enhance these effects but may lead to excessive bile production and gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Goldenseal: Affects liver enzyme activity similarly to milk thistle. Goldenseal inhibits some enzymes that milk thistle might stimulate, possibly altering the metabolism and effectiveness of both supplements.
• CYP3A4 enzyme substrates (e.g., some herbal supplements): Milk thistle might inhibit this enzyme, leading to increased effects or prolonged activity of supplements metabolized by CYP3A4.
• Turmeric/Curcumin: Both have anti-inflammatory properties and affect liver health. When taken together, they may enhance liver protection synergistically, but starting with lower doses is recommended to gauge tolerance.
• Selenium: Milk thistle can increase selenium levels by improving liver function, which affects selenium metabolism. Monitoring is necessary when used together to avoid selenium toxicity.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Food Sources of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is not typically found in common foods that we eat daily. It is a plant that is primarily used for its medicinal properties rather than as a food source. Instead, milk thistle is mainly available in various supplement forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, powders, and teas. These supplements are made using the seeds of the milk thistle plant.

To Sum It Up

Milk thistle has been a subject of interest for its liver-protective qualities. Studies show that its active component, silymarin, may help protect the liver from toxins and even help in liver regeneration. Some evidence also suggests that milk thistle can improve blood sugar control and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. While research continues, milk thistle remains a widely used supplement for liver health and beyond.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Supplement Sciences does not provide medical care and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of any product for your personal use. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition such as cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

UNREVISED DRAFT

Secure Ordering | Free Shipping | Best Quality | Best Prices

Along with providing information on whether Milk Thistle supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Milk thistle is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Today, it’s being studied for its effects on liver function, skin health, and other areas of wellness. While more research is needed to fully understand how it works, early studies suggest it may support the body in several ways.

If you’re considering milk thistle supplements, this article will guide you to trusted sources. Supplement-Sciences partners with Fullscript to offer access to professional-grade products, with a 20% discount on every order.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider or exploring options for your own health, learning about milk thistle may help you make informed choices about how to include it in your routine.

What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is a plant known for its purple flowers and green leaves marked with white veins. Native to Europe, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The seeds are the part most often used for health purposes and contain a group of compounds known as silymarin.

People commonly take milk thistle to support liver function. It’s believed to help protect the liver and support its ability to recover from certain types of stress. Some also use it for digestion, cholesterol balance, and skin concerns. Milk thistle is available in several forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

What Are the Health Benefits of Milk Thistle?

• Supports Liver Health: Milk thistle is known for its ability to help protect the liver from damage and promote healing by improving liver function. Researchers now suggest, “treatment with silymarin should be initiated as early as possible in patients with fatty liver disease and other distinct liver disease manifestations such as acute liver failure, when the regenerative potential of the liver is still high and when removal of oxidative stress, the cause of cytotoxicity, can achieve the best results.” [PMC7140758] Researchers found that “Silymarin improved ultrasound fatty liver grading and liver enzymes morbidly-obese patient candidates for bariatric surgery with NAFLD after only eight weeks.”[PMC9149185]
  • Increases Bile Flow: For centuries, milk thistle extracts have been used for liver and gallbladder issues, containing beneficial compounds called flavonolignans, notably silymarin. Milk Thistle increases bile flow and bile salt secretion. [PMID: 10692567]
• Aids Digestion: Milk thistle may improve digestion by helping the liver produce more bile, which is necessary for breaking down fats. [PMID: 16611084]
• Lowers Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that milk thistle can help lower cholesterol levels, which is good for heart health. [PMID: 30834633] “In clinical trials, the most important findings are improved (1) glycemic and (2) lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hyperlipidemia, while (3) the anti-hypertensive effects of silibinin/silymarin seem very modest.” [PMC9145573]
• Improves Skin Health: Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve skin conditions, such as acne [PMID: 36204969] or eczema. [PMID: 26345246]
• Boosts Antioxidant Levels: The silymarin in milk thistle has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation, has antifibrotic activity and may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the [liver] cell membrane receptors. [PMID: 20564545]
• Reduces Inflammation: Milk thistle may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases. [PMID: 20471811]
• Supports Weight Loss: Some evidence suggests that milk thistle can help with weight loss by improving liver function, which plays a role in metabolism. [PMID: 30015401]
• Enhances Brain Function: Compounds in milk thistle have shown promise in protecting brain cells and could contribute to better cognitive function. [PMC6493565]
• Boosts Immune Response: Milk thistle may strengthen the immune system, making it more effective in fighting off infections. [PMID: 28672215]
• Improves Blood Sugar Control: Some studies indicate that milk thistle can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. [PMID: 29895491]
• Detoxifies the Body: By supporting liver function, milk thistle aids in the detoxification process, helping to cleanse the body of harmful substances. It is often prescribed to help the liver in the processing of drugs prescribed to cancer patients. [PMC3098397]
• Alleviates Allergic Reactions: The anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. [PMID: 21952357]
• Protects Bone Health: Some research suggests that milk thistle can improve bone health by increasing bone mineral density. Researchers state, “Silymarin appears to play a crucial role to prevent bone loss and might regulate osteogenesis and may be beneficial for fracture healing.” [PMID: 24093748]
• Fights Oxidative Stress: The antioxidant properties of milk thistle can combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic disease. Researchers found, “Silymarin supplementation improves some antioxidant indices (SOD, GPX and TAC) and decrease hs-CRP levels in Type 2 Diabetes patients.” [PMID: 25765835]
• Promotes Healthy Skin: Beyond helping with specific skin conditions, the antioxidants in milk thistle can promote overall skin health. [PMID: 26345246]
• May Help Prevent Cancer and Reduce Toxicity in Cancer Treatment: Although research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that milk thistle has anti-cancer properties. Possible uses during cancer treatment include detoxification after chemotherapy and preventing liver damage during after chemotherapy. [PMID: 17548794]
• Mold Toxicity: Research in animals shows milk thistle may protect the liver from liver damage caused by mycotoxins. [PMC9967284]

Why Your Liver Is So Important

Milk thistle is most often used to support the liver. To understand its role, it helps to look at what the liver does. The liver acts as a central processing center for the body, handling detoxification and producing bile, which helps with digestion.

Toxins can come from normal body functions as well as from the environment, including air, food, and water. For the liver to carry out detoxification properly, it needs a steady supply of nutrients. This makes a nutrient-rich diet an important part of keeping liver function steady and effective. Milk thistle is often used alongside good nutrition to help support this process.

Phase I Detoxification: The liver begins detoxification by using enzymes, mainly from the cytochrome P450 family, to process toxins. These enzymes modify toxins through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, making them more water-soluble. However, in this process, the resulting compounds—called reactive intermediates—can become more chemically active and sometimes more harmful than the original substance. These need to be handled quickly by the next phase to prevent buildup.

Nutrients for Phase I: This phase relies on several nutrients to work properly. Key ones include B vitamins (especially B2, B3, and B6), along with vitamins A, C, and E. Minerals like zinc and selenium also support enzyme activity during this step. A well-balanced diet helps provide these nutrients and keeps this phase running smoothly.

Phase II Detoxification: In this phase, the liver processes the reactive intermediates created in Phase I by attaching small molecules such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, or specific amino acids. This step, known as conjugation, makes the substances more water-soluble so they can be removed from the body through urine or bile.

Nutrients for Phase II: This phase depends on several nutrients, including amino acids like glycine, taurine, and glutamine. Sulfur-containing compounds from foods like garlic and onions also support this process. Other important nutrients include folic acid, vitamin B12, and glutathione, which all play a role in helping the liver clear out waste products.

Bile Production: The liver also produces bile, which helps break down fats during digestion. Bile is made from cholesterol and stored in the gallbladder. When fat is eaten, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine. There, bile acids help break fat into smaller pieces so enzymes can digest it.

Where Milk Thistle Fits In: By supporting liver cell health, milk thistle may help the liver manage everyday exposure to toxins and maintain steady bile production. This support can contribute to both detoxification and digestion.

Is Milk Thistle Safe?

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and modern studies have found that side effects are uncommon. When they do occur, they are usually mild and may include digestive changes like bloating or loose stools. For most people, milk thistle can be used safely as part of a routine that supports liver health.

Medication Interactions with Milk Thistle

• Diabetes Medications (e.g., insulin, metformin): Milk thistle may lower blood sugar. When taken with diabetes medications, this could lead to blood sugar dropping more than expected. Monitoring is important if both are used together.
• Blood Thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin): There may be an increased risk of bleeding when milk thistle is taken with blood-thinning medications. While more research is needed, it’s best to use caution and speak with a healthcare provider.
• Allergy Medications (e.g., fexofenadine): Milk thistle might change how some allergy medications are broken down in the body, which could reduce their effect.
• Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin): Milk thistle may affect how the body processes certain statins, which could influence how well these medications work.

Supplement Interactions with Milk Thistle

• St. John’s Wort: May reduce the effect of milk thistle by speeding up how the liver processes silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle. This can lower its presence in the body.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Both may affect blood clotting. Using them together could raise the chance of bleeding, especially if also taking blood-thinning medications.
• Glutathione: Milk thistle supports glutathione levels in the liver. Taking both together may increase detox activity, which might require monitoring to avoid unwanted effects.
• Dandelion: Both herbs support liver function and bile flow. Combined use may increase these actions, which can sometimes cause digestive discomfort from too much bile production.
• Goldenseal: Goldenseal and milk thistle affect liver enzymes differently. One may speed up or slow down how the other is processed, which could change how each works in the body.
• CYP3A4 Substrates: Milk thistle may slow the activity of CYP3A4, an enzyme involved in breaking down many supplements and medications. This could increase their effects or how long they stay in the body.
• Turmeric/Curcumin: These may work together to support liver health. Starting with low doses is a good approach to monitor how your body responds.
• Selenium: By improving liver function, milk thistle may raise selenium levels. If taken together, it’s important to monitor selenium status to avoid taking in too much

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Food Sources of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle isn’t something you’d usually find in everyday meals. It’s a plant used more for its health-related properties than as a food. Most people take it in supplement form, which is made from the seeds. These are available as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, powders, or teas.

To Sum It Up

Milk thistle has been studied for its effects on liver function. Its main active compound, silymarin, may help protect liver cells from toxins and support their recovery. Some research also points to a role in blood sugar balance and reducing inflammation. While studies are ongoing, milk thistle continues to be commonly used to support liver health and related functions.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Supplement Sciences does not provide medical care and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of any product for your personal use. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition such as cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.