Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries for its health benefits.
Milk thistle is an herb with characteristic purple flowers, containing silymarin, a compound with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Milk thistle has a history of traditional application in the support of hepatic health and is currently utilized by some individuals as a dietary supplement. However, the scientific investigation into its efficacy remains ongoing.
What are the benefits of milk thistle?
Here are the key benefits of milk thistle, based on current research:
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Potential liver protection: Milk thistle, and especially silymarin, are thought to have protective effects on the liver. Milk thistle might offer benefits for individuals with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
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Possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Silymarin may act as an antioxidant to reduce cell damage and might also have anti-inflammatory effects.
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Uncertain benefits for other conditions: Some research suggests milk thistle might help with diabetes or certain cancers, but more studies are needed.
It’s important to note that the evidence for milk thistle‘s benefits is still developing, and it’s not a guaranteed cure for any condition. It’s always best to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.
Here are the top 5 milk thistle brands on the market:
1. Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle
This brand offers 250 mg milk thistle extract per capsule (80% silymarin) to support liver health and function. Made with natural, non-artificial ingredients, it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, vegetarian, and available on Amazon for $14.99 (200 capsules).
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2. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle
This brand provides 150 mg milk thistle extract per capsule (80% silymarin) to support liver function and detoxification. Made with natural ingredients and free of common allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, peanuts/tree nuts), it’s vegan, non-GMO, and $15.99 for 200 capsules on Amazon.
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3. NOW Foods Milk Thistle
This brand offers 300 mg milk thistle extract per veggie capsule (80% silymarin) for liver function and detox support. Natural, vegan/vegetarian, non-GMO, and free of many common allergens. 200 capsules for $16.99 on Amazon.
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4. Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle
This brand offers 175 mg of milk thistle extract per softgel, standardized to contain 80% silymarin. Promote your liver health and overall wellness with this product’s natural formula, which is also free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, as well as being gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free. A 200-softgel bottle costs $9.99 on Amazon
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5. Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle Seed
Support your liver function and cellular health with this organic, vegan/vegetarian milk thistle supplement. Each liquid phyto-capsule contains 360 mg of seed extract (80% silymarin) and is free of gluten, soy, dairy, and meat, plus it’s non-GMO. A 120-capsule bottle is $29.99 on Amazon.
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Milk thistle shows promise for liver health and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it’s best to talk to a doctor before taking any supplements.