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Milk Thistle Extract

4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(6298 ratings)
Milk Thistle 175 mg
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Score75
A simple, economical extract fits basic use, but source and active-potency details are incomplete.
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Capsule
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (30 servings)
Goals:
Detoxification

Score 75

A simple, economical extract fits basic use, but source and active-potency details are incomplete.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
200 servings Milk Thistle 175 mg • 200 Capsule(s) • 100 servings $13.59 ($0.13 per serving)
$5.59($0.18 per serving)
iHerb
$ 7.99
Pure Formulas
$ 7.06
Amazon
$ 6.72
iHerb
$ 5.59
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Analysis

A focused powdered extract provides a simple route to milk-thistle antioxidant and liver-cell support. The uncomplicated formula avoids diluted multi-herb positioning.

The 175 mg extract is identified as Silybum marianum, but the label does not confirm seed sourcing or silymarin yield. A standard capsule supplies no stated feature to address the botanical’s limited absorption.

Accessible value makes the product reasonable for basic daily use. Users seeking a precisely characterized or enhanced-delivery extract should look beyond the headline weight.

Who is it for
  • Budget-conscious adults
  • Users wanting a basic capsule
Best for
  • Simple daily supplementation
  • Low-cost single-active use

Pros

  • Focused formula
  • Clearly listed extract weight
  • Accessible regular-use value

Cons

  • Seed source is not confirmed
  • No silymarin percentage
  • No absorption support

Warnings

  • Milk thistle can cause digestive upset in some users; stop or reduce use if symptoms persist.
  • People allergic to ragweed-family plants may also react to milk thistle.
  • Milk thistle may affect blood sugar, so people using glucose-lowering medicine should discuss it with their clinician.

Nutrient quality

76 High impact

The botanical species is identified, but the extract offers no stated absorption advantage. The amount is relevant, though missing standardization prevents confirmation of active potency.

Ingredient transparency

74 High impact

The active ingredient has a stated amount without a hidden proprietary blend. Standardization or source details, daily-use directions, and non-active ingredients remain incomplete.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The supplied average rating is strong and is supported by very large review count. No detailed feedback is available to assess repeated complaints or purpose-specific experiences.

Value for money

81 Highest impact

A focused formula and low qualitative serving cost provide practical value. Missing potency details prevent a reliable comparison with standardized extracts.

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Goals

Detoxification
Detoxification
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitD Strength of SupportF CoverageA Formula Quality
Milk Thistle · 175 mg

Milk thistle directly supports liver-cell protection and antioxidant defenses. The 175 mg powdered extract amount is relevant, but identifies Silybum marianum but omits seed source, silymarin yield, and absorption support.

The focused formula provides depth in one liver-support pathway rather than broad metabolic clearance. Active silymarin yield and absorption quality remain the main uncertainties.

Study evidence
Milk Thistle Supportive 46 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Milk Thistle powdered extract (Silybum marianum)
 175 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegetarian
Report overview
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) · 175 mg OverallScore19
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityF Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The dry format provides no stated absorption advantage. The source plant part and active-marker yield remain unclear. The low serving cost partly offsets the weak potency disclosure.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
82 Performance

Super Milk Thistle

Nature's Way
Clearly disclosed silybin and silymarin give the milk-thistle component unusually strong active characterization. Its stronger combination of formulation quality and detoxification alignment makes it a more compelling focused option, although the added licorice may be unsuitable for some users.
84 Performance

Milk Thistle

Nature's Answer
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. Its stronger combination of formulation quality and detoxification alignment makes it a more compelling focused option, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
79 Performance

Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

Mason Natural
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. Its stronger combination of formulation quality and detoxification alignment makes it a more compelling focused option, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
84 Budget

Milk Thistle

Kroeger Herb Products Co.
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. A lower serving cost improves routine value, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
87 Budget

Milk Thistle Extract 175 mg

Lake Avenue Nutrition
A clearly labeled total-silymarin extract provides focused and readily assessable milk-thistle activity. A lower serving cost improves routine value, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
85 Budget

Milk Thistle

Paradise
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. A lower serving cost improves routine value, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
79 Value

Milk Thistle

Solgar
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. Favorable serving economics and a well-defined milk-thistle core create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
82 Value

Milk Thistle Phytosome 300 mg

Swanson
A named milk-thistle phytosome provides a better-characterized absorption strategy than a basic, unstandardized herb amount. Favorable serving economics and a well-defined milk-thistle core create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
80 Value

Milk Thistle

Kirkman
A silymarin-labeled milk-thistle extract provides more assessable active disclosure than a plain plant-mass claim. Favorable serving economics and a well-defined milk-thistle core create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although the formula remains focused rather than broad.
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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Are alterations needed in Silybum marianum (Silymarin) administration practices? A novel outlook and meta-analysis on randomized trials targeting liver injury.
    Shahsavari K; Ardekani SS; Ardekani MRS; Esfahani MM; Kazemizadeh H; Jamialahmadi T; Iranshahi M; Khanavi M; Hasanpour M · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2025
    Meta-analysis3,545 participants55 studies pooledDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  2. Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Effect of Silymarin Among Under Treatment Tuberculosis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Marjani M; Baghaei P; Kazempour Dizaji M; Gorji Bayani P; Fahimi F; Tabarsi P; Velayati AA · Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR · 2016
    Randomized trial70 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  3. Effect of 8 Weeks milk thistle powder (silymarin extract) supplementation on fatty liver disease in patients candidates for bariatric surgery.
    Mirhashemi SH; Hakakzadeh A; Yeganeh FE; Oshidari B; Rezaee SP · Metabolism open · 2022
    Observational studyDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  4. The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes in patients taking isotretinoin: A randomized clinical trial.
    Mirnezami M; Jafarimanesh H; Rezagholizamenjany M; Alimoradian A; Ranjbaran M · Dermatologic therapy · 2021
    Randomized trial74 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  5. Impact of Silymarin Supplements on Liver Enzyme Levels: A Systematic Review.
    Calderon Martinez E; Herrera D; Mogan S; Hameed Z; Jangda AA; Khan TJ; Mroke P; Sajid S; Shah YR; Baig I · Cureus · 2023
    Systematic review3,846 participants29 studies pooledDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  6. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine.
    Moayedi B; Gharagozloo M; Esmaeil N; Maracy MR; Hoorfar H; Jalaeikar M · European journal of haematology · 2013
    Randomized trial97 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  7. The hepatorenal protective effects of silymarin in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    Erfanian SS; Ansari H; Javanmard SH; Amini Z; Hajigholami A · BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2024
    Randomized trial100 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  8. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial of silymarin for the prevention of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury.
    Luangchosiri C; Thakkinstian A; Chitphuk S; Stitchantrakul W; Petraksa S; Sobhonslidsuk A · BMC complementary and alternative medicine · 2016
    Randomized trial55 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  9. A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis.
    El-Kamary SS; Shardell MD; Abdel-Hamid M; Ismail S; El-Ateek M; Metwally M; Mikhail N; Hashem M; Mousa A; Aboul-Fotouh A; El-Kassas M; Esmat G; Strickland GT · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2009
    Randomized trial105 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  10. Effect of aerobic training with silymarin consumption on glycemic indices and liver enzymes in men with type 2 diabetes.
    Ghalandari K; Shabani M; Khajehlandi A; Mohammadi A · Archives of physiology and biochemistry · 2023
    Randomized trial60 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle
  11. Impact of silymarin-supplemented cookies on liver enzyme and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.
    Jaffar HM; Bader Ul Ain H; Tufail T; Hanif A; Malik T · Food science & nutrition · 2024
    Clinical trial64 participantsDetoxification forMilk Thistle