Home / Ingredients / Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Evidence reviewed: 2026-10-02
Insufficient high-quality evidence for liver-disease benefits; broad liver-detox claims are not supported.
Systematic reviews of randomized trials have not shown reliable improvements in mortality, liver histology, or clinically meaningful liver-function outcomes. Evidence remains insufficient to support broad liver-treatment or detox claims.
Milk-thistle extracts differ in silymarin content and composition. Evidence from a standardized extract should not be generalized to unspecified milk-thistle powder.
Oral use is usually well tolerated, with digestive symptoms most common. Allergic reactions and supplement-quality problems can occur, and drug interactions are possible.
V-ORGANEX and V-TEDETOX list milk thistle, but the current manufacturer pages do not publish silymarin standardization or dose. Liver-support efficacy remains unverified.
Milk thistle for the treatment of liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials; PMID 12427501)
Population/scope: 14 trials in people with liver disease
Evidence scope: Mortality, liver histology, and biochemical liver outcomes
Finding: Milk thistle did not show reliable improvements in mortality, histology, or clinically meaningful liver-function outcomes.
Limitations: Trials were heterogeneous and often small; evidence was insufficient to exclude benefit or harm for specific preparations or subgroups.
Directness: Relevant human evidence ยท verified 2026-10-02
Important: Ingredient-level evidence is not proof that a finished product has the same effect. Dose, form, population, duration, and formulation must match.
For informational purposes only; not individualized medical advice.