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Milk thistle – gentle guardian of the liver

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When we enter the world of medicinal plants, milk thistle – a mighty plant with distinctive spots on its leaves – awaits us as the silent guardian of our liver. Its scientific name Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. reveals an ancient tradition of knowledge of its benefits, dating back to the times of ancient Greece.

The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a real feast for the eyes with its spiky beauty and purple flowers. The name “spotted” comes from the light spots on the leaves, which, according to legend, were formed from drops of milk from the Virgin Mary.

Milk thistle is one of the most well-known natural liver support herbs – it contains a complex of active ingredients called silymarin , which is found in the seeds of the plant. This complex consists of flavonolignans, the most important of which is silibinin.

The power of nature throughout history

Milk thistle has a rich history of use as a natural liver care aid. Its effects were valued in ancient medicine, especially for mushroom poisoning and digestive problems, which was later confirmed by modern science. (1*)

Scientifically proven benefits

Today, milk thistle is considered one of the most researched herbal remedies for the liver. The active ingredient silymarin has numerous positive effects on the body:

  • Hepatoprotective action – protects liver cells from toxins and promotes their regeneration. (2*)
  • Antioxidant effect – silymarin acts as a free radical scavenger and thus prevents oxidative stress in the body. (3*)
  • Anti-inflammatory action – helps reduce inflammatory processes, which is beneficial in chronic liver diseases. (3*)
  • Support for metabolic diseases – studies show positive effects in type 2 diabetes, reducing cholesterol, and managing metabolic syndrome. (4*)
  • Possible neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effect – research also suggests a role in protecting the nervous system and regulating the immune response. (5*)

Milk thistle tea – more than just a warm drink

Although standardized seed extracts are most commonly used, tea made from ground seeds can also offer gentle support for the liver and digestion. Prepare by pouring one to two teaspoons of ground seeds into hot water and letting it steep for 10–15 minutes. The tea has a mild, nutty flavor and is a great way to wind down in the evening.

This ritual is not only beneficial for the body, but it also reminds us of the power of nature and the importance of taking care of ourselves.

When should we be careful?

Milk thistle is generally safe to use, but:

  • It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding , as there is insufficient data on safety. (6*)
  • It may cause mild digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. (7*)
  • Caution is required when taking medications at the same time – especially those that are metabolized in the liver – as it may affect their breakdown. (8*)

Traditionally recognized medicine

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes the traditional use of milk thistle fruit for the relief of digestive problems and as a support for liver diseases . Its long history of safe use and scientifically supported effects place it among the herbs that gently support modern man with their power. (6*)

Regardless of whether you are already familiar with milk thistle or are just getting to know it, its role remains the same: a faithful companion in caring for the liver, metabolism, and internal balance.

Literature: (*)

  1. Source: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease , (K. Flora, M. Hahn, H. Rosen, K. Benner), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9468229/

2. Source: Milk thistle for the treatment of liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis , (BP Jacobs, C. Dennehy, G. Ramirez, J. Sapp, VA Lawrence), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002934302012445

3. Source: Chapter 11 – Aromatic plants: A source of compounds with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects , (S. Gonçalves, I. Mansinhos, A. Romano), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128177808000116

4. Source: Determine the Curing Effects of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) Administered Orally to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patients for Six Months , (A. Qurban, H. Khan, F. Ali, S. Abbas, SA Hameed, N. Hussain), https://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/article/view/869

5. Source: Milk thistle to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: dream or reality? , (L. Abenavoli, S. Bellentani), https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1586/17474124.2013.842893

6. Source: European Union herbal monograph on Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., fructus , (EMA), https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-silybum-marianum-l-gaertn-fructus_en.pdf

7. Source: Herbal hepatotoxicity: analysis of cases with initially reported positive re-exposure tests , (R. Teschke, A. Genthner, A. Wolff, C. Frenzel, J. Schulze, A. Eickhoff), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24315480/

8. Source: Drug–drug interactions of silymarin on the perspective of pharmacokinetics , (JW Wu, LC Lin, TH Tsai), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108006211

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