Milk thistle (silymarin)
Silybum marianum: what milk thistle and silymarin are, how to read the standardisation percentage and how extracts, seed powder and oil differ.
This substance has no health claim authorised in the European Union. So we describe what it is and how it is taken, but do not say what it does in the body.
What it is
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a spiny plant of the daisy family with white-veined leaves, native to the Mediterranean. Its young leaves and flower heads were once eaten as a vegetable; the seeds are used for extracts. Silymarin is the group of seed compounds extracts are standardised to.
Milk thistle has no authorised health claims in the European Union, so we do not write about the liver or cleansing; we describe the plant and how to choose a product.
How to read the label
Extracts are usually standardised to 70–80 % silymarin; the label gives the extract's weight and the percentage. Phytosomes (silybin bound to phospholipids) cost more. Seed powder and milk thistle oil are different products with much less silymarin. Compare milligrams of silymarin per daily dose.
How it is taken, and precautions
Take as the pack directs, with a meal. People allergic to the daisy family (ragweed, chamomile, marigold) may react to milk thistle. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with hormone-sensitive conditions and anyone on regular medicines should ask a doctor first. With a liver condition a supplement does not replace treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is silymarin?
A group of compounds from milk thistle seeds. Extracts are standardised to it, usually 70–80 %.
How is the extract different from the oil?
The extract concentrates silymarin; the oil is the seeds' fatty oil, with little silymarin.
Can I take it with a chamomile allergy?
Be careful: milk thistle is from the same plant family. Ask a doctor.
Products with milk thistle (silymarin)
