Cardo Mariano

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, known primarily for its content of silymarin, a complex of flavolignans concentrated mainly in the plant’s fruits. The main components of silymarin include silybin, silychristin, and silidianin.

Milk thistle supplements are used to provide the plant’s characteristic compounds and may be available in various formulations to support normal liver function, provide antioxidant effects, promote cellular protection, and support digestive health.

Milk Thistle Benefits

Those looking for detox supplements, liver support or natural digestive wellness support often come across milk thistle. Silymarin can help to:

  • protect liver cells from oxidative damage;
  • support liver regeneration in cases of metabolic stress;
  • improve digestion and fat metabolism;
  • reduce feelings of heaviness after rich meals;
  • support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

This is also where the idea of taking Milk Thistle for weight loss comes from: it does not burn fat, but by supporting liver function and lipid metabolism, it may help reduce bloating and promote more efficient metabolism.

Milk Thistle and Hair

When discussing the association between milk thistle and hair wellness, it is important to know that silymarin is a powerful antioxidant and helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress. It is not a direct hair-loss treatment, but it may provide support for the scalp as part of overall wellness protocols.

How to Take Milk Thistle

A frequently asked question is whether to take Milk Thistle before or after meals. It is generally taken with meals or immediately afterwards, in order to support fat digestion and reduce any potential gastric discomfort. Standardised extracts can also be taken away from meals if the goal is a more detoxifying action.

As for the duration, if you are looking for information on how long to take milk thistle, it is often used in cycles: 20–40 days during detox periods, or for longer periods (with a break) if recommended by a professional.

Where to Buy It

You can easily find it as:

  • supplements in capsules or tablets;
  • dry extracts standardised for silymarin;
  • herbal teas and detox blends;
  • herbalist shops, pharmacies and specialised online stores.

Milk thistle leaves are mainly used for infusions and herbal teas.

Side Effects and Safety

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated. When they occur, side effects are usually mild: bloating, slight nausea or intestinal discomfort, especially when taking high doses or on an empty stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of milk thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant known mainly for its content of silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans found in the fruit of the plant. Silymarin has been studied for its characteristics and its role in relation to liver function and antioxidant processes.

It is also traditionally used in relation to digestive function. However, it is important to distinguish the traditional use of the ingredient from the available clinical evidence: its effectiveness may depend on the preparation used, the amount and the concentration of its components.

What are the side effects of milk thistle?

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated, but, as with other plant extracts, adverse effects may occur. Those reported mainly include mild gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, irritation or stomach discomfort, bloating and diarrhoea. Skin allergic reactions have also been reported, although less frequently.

People who are allergic to milk thistle or other plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid taking it. 

Why does milk thistle cause weight loss?

Milk thistle does not directly cause weight loss, but it supports liver function and lipid metabolism. This may support digestion, reduce bloating and contribute to the management of fats.

Its association with metabolism and liver function derives from studies conducted on silymarin and the components of milk thistle, but this does not mean that taking the extract automatically results in a reduction in body weight.

When should you take milk thistle?

There is no time of day that is suitable for all milk thistle supplements. Intake instructions may depend on the formulation, the amount of extract and the directions provided on the packaging.

Usually with meals if the goal is digestion; also away from meals if the purpose is detoxification. Traditional courses range from 20 to 40 days of use.

For some milk thistle preparations, intake may be recommended during or around meals, while other products may indicate different intake instructions.