Journal

Milk Thistle

July 2, 2026 · Omnia Sana
Silybum marianum
Family: Asteraceae  ·  Parts used: Seed (fruit)  ·  Also known as: Mary thistle, Holy thistle, Silybum

Key actions

Anti-inflammatoryAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntioxidantDigestive aidHepatoprotective (liver support)

Traditional & clinical uses, by strength of evidence

  • Liver supportGood
  • Blood sugar / diabetes supportGood
  • Metabolic supportGood
  • Arthritis / joint painModerate
  • BloatingModerate
  • Detox / cleansingModerate
  • IndigestionModerate
  • Inflammation (general)Moderate
  • Skin irritationModerate

Selected studies & references

ReviewEfficacy and Mechanisms of Silybum marianum, Silymarin, and Silibinin on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Systematic Review (2024)
ReviewThe efficacy of novel metabolic targeted agents and natural plant drugs for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment: A PRISMA-compliant network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2021)
ReviewHealth Benefits of Silybum marianum: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications (2020)
ReviewThe food plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.: Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and clinical evidence (2020)
ReviewMilk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases (2018)
ReviewSilybum marianum (milk thistle) and its main constituent, silymarin, as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: A review (2018)
ReviewThe effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials (2018)
ReviewRecent advances in the analysis of flavonolignans of Silybum marianum (2016)

All 29 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions — always check before use.

← Explore plants by symptom

← Back to Journal
← PreviousNext →

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by