What is Milk Thistle?

Perhaps our favourite of all the latin names, Silybum marianum...

What are the benefits of milk thistle?

Also known as 'Holy Thistle', milk thistle is one of the most used and well known natural compounds for the treatment of liver diseases worldwide due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities. Let's break down the benefits of milk thistle in more detail.

Liver protection

Milk thistle has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, medications, and certain diseases. Silymarin also enhances hepatic glutathione (our master antioxidant) and therefore, may contribute to the antioxidant defences of the liver.

Liver detoxification support

Silymarin in milk thistle may help to enhance the detoxification process in the liver by promoting production of the enzymes involved in phase I and phase II detoxification pathways. Phase I and phase II detoxification pathways are processes in the liver that help break down and eliminate toxins and harmful substances from the body.

Antioxidant activity

Silymarin acts as an antioxidant, which helps reduce harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the liver.

Liver regeneration

Milk thistle has been suggested to stimulate the growth of new liver cells and promote liver tissue regeneration, aiding in the recovery from liver damage.

Cholesterol management

Some studies have shown promise for milk thistle may possessing a modest effect on lowering LDL cholesterol levels and improving lipid profiles.

Methods of action

So, to recap, how does Milk Thistle achieve all this? The hepato (liver) protective and antioxidant activity of silymarin, a flavonoid from Milk Thistle, is caused by its ability to inhibit the free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of toxic substances in the liver such as alcohol [i].