Last update
5/12/2026
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 3 Researches
6.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Milk Thistle extract (seed) standardized to 80% silymarin (140 mg)
175 mg
**
📅 Last updated:

Top Medical Research Studies

8
We explored the potential of intravenous silibinin, a milk thistle extract, in treating an HIV-HCV coinfected patient who didn't respond to standard therapy. After just two weeks of silibinin treatment, both HCV and HIV levels became undetectable.

While silibinin appeared promising, leading to a trend of increased CD4+ cells, the follow-up showed that HIV levels returned to their previous state after stopping additional therapy.

These findings suggest that while silibinin may help some, more research is needed to understand its benefits fully.
Read More
We directly evaluated the effects of silymarin, or milk thistle extract, on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver protection.

Our study found that while silymarin does show some promise in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, it didn't consistently surpass the potency of its individual flavonolignan compounds in battling the virus.

Overall, these findings indicate that silymarin-derived compounds could influence the progression of HCV in certain patients.

However, further research is needed to pinpoint clinical outcomes with standardized doses.
Read More
4
Silymarin showed no significant effect
We examined the use of silymarin, a popular herbal extract from milk thistle, among participants in the HALT-C Trial, focused on individuals with chronic hepatitis C. Our findings indicated that while many people were eager to utilize silymarin hoping to enhance treatment outcomes, there was no significant effect on liver enzyme levels or hepatitis C virus activity.

However, those taking silymarin reported fewer symptoms and somewhat better quality of life. Ultimately, since this study was observational, we believe more rigorous research is necessary to conclusively determine the benefits of silymarin for hepatitis C patients.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Therapeutic benefits
32 people found this helpful
This product is incredibly safe and offers unmatched protection for the liver. Clinical studies indicate that standardized milk thistle, particularly in doses of around 600 mg, can improve conditions such as alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis over 8-12 weeks. It’s essential to consult a physician before use, but this product is both beneficial and safe while taking prescriptions.
Read More
9
Standardized doses
23 people found this helpful
This is the top product for maintaining a healthy liver. The therapeutic benefits of standardized milk thistle only come from specific doses, around 600 mg daily. Research shows it improves several serious conditions, including hepatitis, over time. I recommend consulting a physician prior to use, as it’s vital for those on multiple medications or concerned about liver health. The product is safe and effective when used properly.
Read More
9
Healthy enzymes
11 people found this helpful
I have autoimmune hepatitis secondary to Sjogren's disease, making it crucial to manage my liver enzymes. After four months on a strict diet with little improvement, I incorporated milk thistle along with ALA and turmeric. The combination worked wonders, and my liver enzymes are now healthy and stable. The effort was absolutely worth it!
Read More

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Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 3 Researches
6.7
  • All Researches
8
We explored the potential of intravenous silibinin, a milk thistle extract, in treating an HIV-HCV coinfected patient who didn't respond to standard therapy. After just two weeks of silibinin treatment, both HCV and HIV levels became undetectable.

While silibinin appeared promising, leading to a trend of increased CD4+ cells, the follow-up showed that HIV levels returned to their previous state after stopping additional therapy.

These findings suggest that while silibinin may help some, more research is needed to understand its benefits fully.
Read More
We directly evaluated the effects of silymarin, or milk thistle extract, on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and liver protection.

Our study found that while silymarin does show some promise in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, it didn't consistently surpass the potency of its individual flavonolignan compounds in battling the virus.

Overall, these findings indicate that silymarin-derived compounds could influence the progression of HCV in certain patients.

However, further research is needed to pinpoint clinical outcomes with standardized doses.
Read More
4
Silymarin showed no significant effect
We examined the use of silymarin, a popular herbal extract from milk thistle, among participants in the HALT-C Trial, focused on individuals with chronic hepatitis C. Our findings indicated that while many people were eager to utilize silymarin hoping to enhance treatment outcomes, there was no significant effect on liver enzyme levels or hepatitis C virus activity.

However, those taking silymarin reported fewer symptoms and somewhat better quality of life. Ultimately, since this study was observational, we believe more rigorous research is necessary to conclusively determine the benefits of silymarin for hepatitis C patients.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.7
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Therapeutic benefits
32 people found this helpful
This product is incredibly safe and offers unmatched protection for the liver. Clinical studies indicate that standardized milk thistle, particularly in doses of around 600 mg, can improve conditions such as alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis over 8-12 weeks. It’s essential to consult a physician before use, but this product is both beneficial and safe while taking prescriptions.
Read More
9
Standardized doses
23 people found this helpful
This is the top product for maintaining a healthy liver. The therapeutic benefits of standardized milk thistle only come from specific doses, around 600 mg daily. Research shows it improves several serious conditions, including hepatitis, over time. I recommend consulting a physician prior to use, as it’s vital for those on multiple medications or concerned about liver health. The product is safe and effective when used properly.
Read More
9
Healthy enzymes
11 people found this helpful
I have autoimmune hepatitis secondary to Sjogren's disease, making it crucial to manage my liver enzymes. After four months on a strict diet with little improvement, I incorporated milk thistle along with ALA and turmeric. The combination worked wonders, and my liver enzymes are now healthy and stable. The effort was absolutely worth it!
Read More
9
Called liver herb
5 people found this helpful
Milk thistle is an excellent herb, particularly beneficial for those with liver disease. It's often referred to as the "liver herb" by herbalists, and its benefits are especially pronounced for hepatitis patients. Nature's Way milk thistle is a standout product from a great company. Plus, shipping is affordable regardless of order size!
Read More
9
Detoxified liver
1 people found this helpful
Simply amazing! My husband suffered from hepatitis with severe jaundice. After researching, I discovered that milk thistle and turmeric could assist his liver. After starting Nature's Way milk thistle and turmeric, his jaundice began clearing within two days, and he could eat solid food again. Remarkably, he returned to work after two weeks of taking these vitamins!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

References

  1. Payer BA, Reiberger T, Rutter K, Beinhardt S, Staettermayer AF, et al. Successful HCV eradication and inhibition of HIV replication by intravenous silibinin in an HIV-HCV coinfected patient. J Clin Virol. 2010;49:131. 10.1016/j.jcv.2010.07.006
  2. Polyak SJ, Morishima C, Lohmann V, Pal S, Lee DY, et al. Identification of hepatoprotective flavonolignans from silymarin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107:5995. 10.1073/pnas.0914009107
  3. Seeff LB, Curto TM, Szabo G, Everson GT, Bonkovsky HL, et al. Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial. Hepatology. 2008;47:605. PubMed
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