What is milk thistle extract good for?
Milk thistle extract is derived from the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum, also known as blessed milkthistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, or Scotch thistle, and easily recognizable for its bright purple flower.
Milk thistle has been used in herbal medicine for centuries as a remedy for a plethora of health conditions, although only in modern times are we beginning to understand the mechanisms behind it. The active ingredient in milk thistle is a group of compounds called silymarin, and milk thistle extract contains a concentrated amount of silymarin.
Role in liver health
Silymarin is known to have many antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and is often promoted for its role in protecting the liver. People who suffer from alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, liver cancer or hepatitis for example, often use milk thistle extract as part of their therapy.
Studies have shown that milk thistle extract improves liver function and reduces inflammation in people that have liver damage, and it also has been found to extend the life expectancy of people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.
Role in brain health
Aside from its potent benefits for liver health, milk thistle has also been used as a natural remedy for cognitive and neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
The same anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work so well to protect the liver also seem to serve a neuroprotective function in the brain, preventing oxidative damage and thus avoiding the onset of neurological problems as you age.
Animal studies have shown that milk thistle extract can reduce the amount of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a driver of Alzheimer's disease.
Role in diabetes
Diabetes is another emerging topic of interest for the potential benefits of milk thistle extract, as recent research shows that one of the compounds in silymarin could have similar effects to some diabetic medications, by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing blood sugar levels.
For example, a review in 2021 revealed that people who regularly take silymarin experience a significant reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels.
Role in bone health
Milk thistle has also been demonstrated to stimulate bone mineralization in some animal studies, which could help reduce bone loss, especially in people who suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis.
When should I take milk thistle extract?
Milk thistle extract can be taken at any time of day, and can even be consumed on an empty stomach between meals, however it is thought that taking milk thistle extract with a meal, or immediately after a meal, can help your stomach to digest the food, which is especially beneficial if you have a sensitive liver.
What does milk thistle extract combine well with?
Milk thistle extract with grape seed extract, for antioxidant activity
Milk thistle extract and grape seed extract seem to reinforce each other's antioxidant properties.
Animal studies have revealed that a combination of milk thistle extract and grape seed extract works together to inhibit the spread of cancer cells and tumors in the lungs of rats, a promising result and definitely something to take into account if cancer is of concern.
Milk Thistle Extract data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025