Milk thistle, also called silymarin to refer to its main active compound, is a medicinal plant traditionally associated with the care of the liver and digestive system. You can find this plant in pharmacies, health food stores and herbal medicine offices. In recent years, more and more people have become aware of milk thistle due to the growing interest in therapies (…)
Milk thistle, also called silymarin When we talk about its main active compound, it is a medicinal plant traditionally associated with the care of the liver and the digestive system. You can find this plant in pharmacies, health food stores and herbal medicine offices. In recent years, more and more people have become aware of milk thistle due to growing interest in complementary therapies. Despite widespread use, its consumption requires particular attention to doses, indications and possible interactions with medications.
Various clinical and laboratory studies have studied, in recent years, the potential of milk thistle in the protection of liver cells. Researchers are analyzing conditions linked to excessive alcohol consumption as well as chronic inflammation of the liver. Experts emphasize, however, that the plant does not replace conventional medical treatments. Milk thistle is therefore only an additional resource as part of adequate professional support.
How does milk thistle act on the liver?
The central keyword related to milk thistle is liver protection. The plant concentrates a group of substances called flavonolignans, including silybin, which explains a large part of its effects. These compounds have strong antioxidant potential and fight free radicals that can damage liver cells, called hepatocytes.
In addition to its antioxidant action, milk thistle has properties hepatoprotective and regenerative. Studies suggest that the plant helps stabilize the liver cell membrane and prevents the entry of toxins. Additionally, milk thistle may promote protein synthesis, an important process for tissue regeneration. In some groups of patients monitored by healthcare professionals, reports indicate improvement in laboratory markers, such as liver enzymes.
Ongoing research is evaluating the plant’s use in situations such as fatty liver diseasedrug-induced injuries and exposure to toxic substances. However, the evidence still varies widely depending on the type of study, the dose used, and how milk thistle extract is presented. Therefore, you need specialist advice before including herbal medicine in your routine.
What are the digestive benefits of milk thistle?
When we talk about digestive healthMilk thistle mainly acts on the digestion of fats. Traditionally, herbal medicine professionals associate the plant with stimulating the production and release of bile. The liver produces bile and the gallbladder stores this liquid, which is essential for the emulsification and digestion of lipids. Thus, some people report a lighter stomach feeling after fatty meals, always as part of balanced eating habits.
In different herbal medicine practices, milk thistle is used for conditions such as poor digestion, gas, and mild abdominal discomfort. The improvement generally involves more efficient biliary function and general liver support. This organ actively participates in the metabolism of nutrients, hormones and toxins, which reinforces the importance of care. Professionals also often combine milk thistle with other digestive species, such as boldo and artichoke, in herbal formulas under proper supervision.
Despite its reputation for relieving digestive symptoms, there are some warning signs you should be aware of. Severe abdominal pain, frequent reflux, or unexplained weight loss may indicate more complex problems. In these cases, milk thistle should not delay medical evaluation and imaging or blood tests. These examinations help to clarify the picture and guide the correct treatment. The plant therefore functions as a supplement and not as an isolated solution.
How to use milk thistle safely?
Safe use of milk thistle involves three main points: form of presentation, appropriate dose and timing of use. Standardized extracts, capsules, tablets and teas appear to be the most common versions available on the market. In general, standardized presentations of silymarin allow more precise control of the quantity ingested. This facilitates monitoring by doctors and nutritionists, in addition to reducing the risks of inappropriate use.
- Capsules and tablets: concentrate standardized milk thistle extracts, at doses defined by the manufacturer and the prescriber.
- Tea or infusion: you prepare it from the seeds or dried aerial parts; the concentration of active compounds varies more.
- Phytotherapeutic associations: Products combining milk thistle with other digestive or hepatic plants require particular attention to interactions.
Medical professionals generally advise people who are taking medications continuously to indicate interest in using milk thistle. This applies to blood thinners, oral antidiabetics, cholesterol medications, and other commonly used medications. Milk thistle may interfere with the way the liver metabolizes certain medications and change their levels in the body. In addition, doctors evaluate pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children more carefully before giving any indication. In many cases, advice includes avoiding use without specialist supervision.
Is milk thistle suitable for everyone?
The short answer is that milk thistle is not suitable for everyone in an unlimited way. Some conditions require special attention, such as allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, which also includes chamomile and daisy. Additionally, people with a history of gallstones and advanced liver disease need an individualized evaluation before starting any herbal supplement.
For those who receive professional authorization, milk thistle is part of a broader liver care plan. This plan includes lifestyle changes and periodic monitoring. Among the most frequent measures are:
- Reduction in alcohol consumption.
- Adjustment of body weight, focusing on gradual fat loss.
- Foods rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber and good quality fats.
- Review of current medications and possible supplements.
- Regular practice of physical activity, respecting individual limits.
In this context, milk thistle acts as a possible ally for the protection and regeneration of the liver. Periodic exams help monitor liver enzymes, lipid profile, and other relevant markers. In addition, these examinations make it possible to adjust the treatment and doses of herbal medicine, when necessary. The combination of medical monitoring, healthy habits and responsible use of medicinal plants tends to offer a more favorable scenario for the health of the liver and digestive system in 2025 and in the years to come.
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