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Botanical

Silymarin

Silymarin is a mixture of plant compounds extracted from the seeds of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, and is mostly studied for liver conditions.

Immune SupportLongevityOrgan Function

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Immune SupportModerateA3 studies
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateA3 studies
Liver healthOrgan FunctionModerateA3 studies
LiverOrgan FunctionModerateA3 studies
InflammationModerateBNo linked study
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is silymarin?

Silymarin is a mixture of substances in milk-thistle extracts. It is studied particularly for liver conditions, but NCCIH finds too little high-quality evidence for firm conclusions. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Silymarin's ratings.

The Impact of Silymarin on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2025The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.2024Effects of silymarin supplementation on liver and kidney functions: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis2024The protective effects of silymarin on the reproductive toxicity: a comprehensive review.2023The favorable impacts of silibinin polyphenols as adjunctive therapy in reducing the complications of COVID-19: A review of research evidence and underlying mechanisms2022
All 9 studiesEvery publication linked to Silymarin

Why people take it

Immune Support20.8%
Detox14.3%
Organ Function13.8%
Essential Health12.6%
Longevity8.6%
Energy7.5%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is lower ALT proof that the liver is healed?

No. The Cochrane review could not establish patient-important benefits from the available evidence. 2

Does silymarin improve every antioxidant marker?

No. The 2024 meta-analysis found changes in some markers and null results in others. 3

When should persistent digestive symptoms be checked?

EMA advises medical assessment if symptoms worsen or last beyond two weeks during use. 4

Sources

  4. Silybi mariani fructus European Medicines Agency