Evidence supporting the use of: Milk thistle
For the health condition: Hangover

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has a long history of traditional use for liver-related ailments, which is the basis for its inclusion in some hangover remedies. In European herbal medicine, milk thistle seeds have been used for centuries to promote liver health and protect against toxins. The active compound, silymarin, is believed to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Since alcohol consumption can stress the liver and result in symptoms commonly associated with hangovers, milk thistle is often marketed as a supportive supplement for this purpose.

However, the direct evidence supporting milk thistle’s effectiveness specifically for hangover prevention or treatment is limited. Most scientific studies focus on its potential benefits in chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, not on acute alcohol-induced hangovers. While silymarin may help protect liver cells from damage and reduce inflammation, no high-quality clinical trials have demonstrated a significant effect of milk thistle on hangover severity, duration, or symptoms.

In summary, the use of milk thistle for hangover relief is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine, extrapolating its broader liver-protective reputation. Current scientific evidence specifically for hangover is weak, meriting a low evidence rating.

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