Milk Thistle Seed
Gaia Herbs
Milk Thistle Seed
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2171 ratings)
Milk Thistle 600 mg
Score 55.0
A large, high-dose, single-ingredient liquid Milk Thistle extract for liver support, offering slightly better value than its smaller counterpart, but still expensive and lacks silymarin standardization.
Quantity: 120 Liquid(s)Servings size: 3 Capsule(s) (40 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Detoxification
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
A large, high-dose, single-ingredient liquid Milk Thistle extract for liver support, offering slightly better value than its smaller counterpart, but still expensive and lacks silymarin standardization.
insights Analysis
Identical in formulation to ID 140113, this product offers 600mg of Milk Thistle seed extract per serving in an absorbable liquid form. Milk Thistle is a well-established herb for its hepatoprotective effects, making it relevant for detoxification. By supporting liver function, it can indirectly contribute to skin health by reducing the body's toxin burden. However, the absence of silymarin standardization means its precise potency for liver benefits is not explicitly stated. The primary advantage of this particular SKU is the larger quantity, which brings down the price per serving somewhat, making it marginally more cost-effective for regular use. Despite this improvement, its cost remains elevated when compared to many other standardized Milk Thistle supplements or multi-herb liver support formulas, diminishing its overall competitive edge in terms of value for money.
- Provides a substantial 600mg dose of Milk Thistle, beneficial for liver detoxification.
- Liquid form for potentially faster absorption and ease of use.
- Larger quantity offers a slightly better price per serving compared to the smaller bottle, improving value for consistent users.
- From Gaia Herbs, a brand known for quality herbal products.
- Lack of standardization to silymarin makes the exact active compound content uncertain.
- Despite the improved price, it remains relatively expensive per serving compared to many other standardized Milk Thistle supplements.
- As a single-ingredient product, it does not offer the broader synergistic benefits of multi-herb detoxification formulas or direct skin-specific ingredients.
- Accurate measurement of liquid supplements is crucial for consistent dosing.
- Pregnant or nursing individuals, and those with underlying health conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.
$51.29($1.28 per serving)
 Pure Formulas | $ 51.29 | |
 iHerb | $ 51.29 | |
 Amazon | $ 51.29 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Milk Thistle, primarily through its active compound silymarin, is widely studied for its potential to support liver health. Research suggests it may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to liver cells. However, more comprehensive studies are ongoing to fully understand its extent of effectiveness.
Historically, Milk Thistle has been used in relation to alcoholic liver disease, and some studies suggest it may help shield liver cells from alcohol-related harm. While it shows potential, it is not considered a cure or a replacement for conventional medical treatment and abstinence. Its role is primarily supportive.
Milk Thistle is often associated with supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes due to its antioxidant properties. It may help protect liver cells from damage by harmful substances. However, the human body has its own efficient detoxification systems, and the term 'detoxification' can be broadly interpreted.
The general scientific consensus is that Milk Thistle shows promise as a supportive supplement for liver health, backed by traditional use and some research. While it's not a proven cure for severe liver diseases, it's considered a potentially beneficial agent for liver protection. More large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy for various conditions.
Some preliminary studies indicate Milk Thistle may offer benefits for individuals with NAFLD, potentially by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Despite promising early findings, the current scientific evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Typical daily dosages of Milk Thistle extract often range from 200 mg to 400 mg, standardized to 70-80% silymarin. Some research has explored higher doses for specific contexts. For general use, dosages usually fall within the 200-400 mg range, often divided into multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Milk Thistle is generally recommended to be taken with food. This can help improve the absorption of its active compounds, particularly silymarin. Taking it with food may also help reduce the likelihood of minor digestive upset.
Many formulations of Milk Thistle recommend taking it two to three times per day. Dividing the daily dose helps maintain consistent levels of its active compounds in the body. Always refer to the specific product label for detailed instructions.
Milk Thistle is commonly available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. It can also be found in tea bags or powder form. Capsules and tablets are the most prevalent, often standardized for their silymarin content.
Standardization means the extract is processed to contain a specific, guaranteed percentage of the active compound, silymarin. This process helps ensure consistency in potency between different batches and brands of the supplement. A common standardization level is 70-80% silymarin.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, milk thistle can interact with certain prescription medications, particularly those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. This could potentially alter how the body processes drugs, affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining milk thistle with any medications.
Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. If severe or persistent side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Some research suggests that milk thistle might have mild antiplatelet effects, which theoretically could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. However, the evidence for this interaction is limited and conflicting. Individuals on blood thinners should discuss milk thistle use with their healthcare provider.
Milk thistle may have a mild blood sugar-lowering effect, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Those managing diabetes or taking medications to control blood sugar should monitor their glucose levels closely if using milk thistle. Discussing this with a healthcare provider is advised to prevent potential hypoglycemia.
Due to insufficient scientific data on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, milk thistle is generally not recommended for these populations. There is limited information regarding its potential effects on the fetus or infant. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements during these periods.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 10 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 2 Gram(s) |
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract | 600 mg |
Categories
Milk Thistle 58.0
This product delivers a high dose of Milk Thistle in a liquid format, which are positive aspects. The larger size offers improved value compared to its smaller counterpart. However, the lack of explicit silymarin standardization and the continued high price point relative to many other effective Milk Thistle supplements still limit its overall score within the collection.
Goals
Detoxification 62.0
The 600mg dose of Milk Thistle is a strong foundation for liver detoxification. The larger quantity offers better cost-effectiveness for long-term use compared to the smaller size. However, the absence of silymarin standardization means its exact potency is not as transparent as other products, and it does not offer the comprehensive multi-herb approach for detoxification found in higher-scoring alternatives.
Skin Health 48.0
Benefits for skin health are indirect, relying on improved liver function and systemic toxin reduction. While the larger size makes it more economical for sustained use, it does not contain specific skin-targeted ingredients or offer direct benefits for skin beyond supporting internal detoxification, and its overall cost is still high for this purpose.
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