Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

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Other names for milk thistle

Milk Thistle Seed
Silymarin
St. Mary’s Thistle

Synopsis of milk thistle

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is a spiny, flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region and now cultivated worldwide. Its distinctive purple flowers and milky-white veins on the leaves give the plant its name. The active medicinal compound in milk thistle is a group of flavonolignans collectively called silymarin, with silibinin being the most well-studied. Silymarin is concentrated in the seeds and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties. Milk thistle is most commonly used to support liver health, particularly in cases of liver inflammation, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and toxic exposure (e.g., from alcohol, medications, or environmental pollutants).

Beyond liver health, silymarin has shown promise in supporting kidney function, regulating blood sugar, and offering protective effects against oxidative stress. It has been incorporated into both herbal remedies and modern standardized supplements, often in extract or capsule form, and is generally well tolerated.

Historical Use
The use of milk thistle dates back over 2,000 years. It was referenced in the writings of ancient Greek and Roman physicians such as Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, who noted its use for “expelling bile” and treating liver-related complaints. During the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, herbalists across Europe used milk thistle to treat jaundice, spleen disorders, and “melancholia”—which at the time was often associated with liver dysfunction.

By the 17th century, famed English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote that milk thistle was effective for removing obstructions of the liver and spleen. Its role in treating poisoning was also emphasized in historical texts, and it was traditionally used as a remedy for ingestion of toxic plants such as death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides). This historical use has been confirmed in modern clinical settings, where silymarin is used as an adjunct therapy in mushroom poisoning.

Overall, milk thistle has remained a central herb in traditional Western herbal medicine systems, especially for detoxification and liver repair. Its enduring popularity has led to widespread clinical research, securing its place as one of the best-documented liver-supporting herbs in both historical and contemporary medicine.

Milk thistle is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Alcoholism (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemical Poisoning (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Scientific)
Environmental Pollution (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gall Stones (Traditional)
Hangover (Traditional)
Heavy Metal Poisoning (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Scientific)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Scientific)
Poisoning (general) (Scientific)

milk thistle is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)