Milk Thistle Extract

(Silybum marianum)

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

None

Adult Maintenance - Therapeutic Range

100 - 600 mg (@80% silymarin)

Major Sources

Milk thistle seeds

Non-Therapeutic Importance

None

Possible Therapeutic Applications

CONSULT WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FIRST: Milk Thistle consists of three powerful liver-protective flavonoids. These flavonoids, silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, are usually referred to as silymarin. The effects of silymarin are well researched, showing protection against such hepato-toxins as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, pesticides, heavy metals, and acetaminophen overdose. Not only can silymarin protect liver cells, it can regenerate already damaged ones. Additionally, silymarin was shown to increase liver, stomach, and intestinal glutathione. Supplementation may prevent, or be helpful with, the following conditions:

Aging
Alcoholism
Atherosclerosis (heart disease)
Cancer
Diabetes
Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
Hepatitis
Immunodepression (immune function)
Psoriasis