Studies
Explore research connecting ingredients and health goals.
22 ingredient–goal connections
Liver & DetoxandMilk Thistle
46published studies
Most supplied research concerns silymarin, a Milk Thistle extract, in people with fatty liver disease, hepatitis or treatment-related liver injury. Pooled trials suggest reductions in some liver enzymes, with more favorable findings in certain liver conditions than others. Selected research also reports improved symptoms or imaging measures.
These changes are narrower than detoxification. Liver enzyme reductions do not directly measure toxin removal, and improvements in liver scarring, clinical complications or broader outcomes are less consistent. Trials aimed at preventing or treating medication-related liver injury have produced conflicting results. Some studies found no meaningful benefit, while reviews also included reports of increased rather than decreased enzyme levels.
Evidence from specialized extracts, combination products or use alongside medical treatment cannot establish that an ordinary Milk Thistle supplement provides a liver cleanse. Overall, the research supports possible effects on selected liver-health markers in specific patient groups, but does not demonstrate enhanced detoxification in healthy people.
46 linked studies · 21 sampled for detail · Sep 27, 2026
Study types
- Randomized trial20
- Meta-analysis7
- Systematic review5
- Non-randomized trial3
- Observational study3
- Single-arm trial3
- Narrative review2
- Clinical trial1
- Cohort study1
- Methods validation study1
Published by year
- 5Earlier
- 12010
- 12011
- 02012
- 22013
- 02014
- 12015
- 22016
- 02017
- 22018
- 22019
- 02020
- 12021
- 82022
- 32023
- 102024
- 52025
- 32026
Findings over time
Numbers above bars show study counts. Earlier groups years before 2010.
20263 studies
- Supportive1(33.3%)
- Mixed1(33.3%)
- No effect1(33.3%)
- Adverse0(0%)
- Unclassified0(0%)
Population over time
Reported participants by publication year. Select a year to see the total and reporting coverage.
— Participant count not reported. Earlier groups years before 2010.
20269,551 reported participants
Counts reported by 2 of 3 studies. 1 without a reported count.
Totals sum reported counts across studies and reviews; participants may overlap between sources.
Showing 5 top-ranked studies for Milk Thistle and Liver & Detox.
Top studies
Milk Thistle · Liver & DetoxHighest ranked first- The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes in patients taking isotretinoin: A randomized clinical trial.SupportiveView source for The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes in patients taking isotretinoin: A randomized clinical trial. (opens in a new tab)
Dermatologic therapy
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine.SupportiveView source for A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine. (opens in a new tab)
European journal of haematology
- Effect of aerobic training with silymarin consumption on glycemic indices and liver enzymes in men with type 2 diabetes.SupportiveView source for Effect of aerobic training with silymarin consumption on glycemic indices and liver enzymes in men with type 2 diabetes. (opens in a new tab)
Archives of physiology and biochemistry
- Impact of silymarin-supplemented cookies on liver enzyme and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.SupportiveView source for Impact of silymarin-supplemented cookies on liver enzyme and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. (opens in a new tab)
Food science & nutrition
- Impact of Silymarin Supplements on Liver Enzyme Levels: A Systematic Review.SupportiveView source for Impact of Silymarin Supplements on Liver Enzyme Levels: A Systematic Review. (opens in a new tab)
Cureus
Counts reflect published studies in our database, not the strength of a benefit. A study may appear in more than one connection.