Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, is a flowering plant that originated in the Mediterranean. People have been using it since ancient times as a herbal medicine for purported health benefits, such as improved liver function and improved digestion, and it contributes to cholesterol reduction, support weight loss, promote healthy liver function, and inflammation reduction, among other benefits.
To be more specific, Milk-thistle compounds are called silymarin, and they are a category of flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. There are a variety of thistle supplements on the market; how can you tell which ones are beneficial to you? Let's find out in this article.
A Brief Overview of Milk Thistle
The milk thistle is also known as the "holy thistle," "Marian thistle," or "Mary thistle." It has a history of use in the treatment of the liver, including alcoholic liver diseases and maintain healthy liver function.
Some experimental data suggest that taking milk thistle extract may be helpful in destroying cancer cells and aiding in neurodegenerative diseases. It is also believed to have benefits for cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, and skin health.
Nowadays, milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, liquid milk thistle supplement, milk thistle seed powder, and is commonly used as a dietary supplement to liver protect and overall wellness. Nevertheless, more research is required to fully understand the health advantages of milk thistle and its efficacy as a supplement.
Definition And History of Milk thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a Mediterranean herb, has been used medicinally for millennia. It is well-known for having large leaves that are covered with spines, in addition to having flowers that are a dark purple color.
As well as that it has been utilized in the practice of traditional medicine to treat a range of health conditions, including boost cognitive function, treatment of type 2 diabetes, liver injury, and heart health.
The use of milk thistle as a medicinal herb can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as an additional liver support to treat liver ailments.
North America and many civilizations have adopted milk thistle for its health advantages, and its reputation as a natural medicine has grown.
Silymarin (a component of milk thistle) some researchers think that it is responsible for milk thistle's health advantages. It is often extracted from the plant to create milk thistle supplements.
Today, milk thistle is widely available as a dietary supplement in various forms, including capsules, liquids, and powders. It is commonly used to support liver health, but it is also believed to have benefits for cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, and skin health.
Science Behind Milk Thistle and Active Ingredients
Silymarin is an active ingredient in milk thistle, a compound of flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Silybin, silibinin, and silicristin are the three main components of silymarin, which is derived from milk thistle seeds.
For its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, silymarin is often recommended to reduce the risk of liver damage from drugs, alcohol, and other substances. It is also thought to promote liver cell regeneration and support healthy liver function as well as work as a liver detox.
In addition to silymarin, milk thistle extract also contains other active compounds, including flavonoids, fatty acids, and phytosterols. These compounds work together to improve the health of the liver, the cardiovascular system, and the digestive system, and they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Health Benefits
Milk thistle is believed to have several potential health benefits, including:
Supports liver health
Milk thistle is best known for its benefits for liver health and against the treatment of liver disease. It has been shown to support liver function, reduce liver damage, aid against chronic liver disease, and promote liver cell regeneration.
Antioxidant property
There is preliminary evidence that milk thistle can enhance cardiovascular health by doing things like lowering cholesterol and increasing blood flow.
Supports cardiovascular health
Milk thistle extract may improve cardiovascular health, including reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.
Helps regulate blood sugar
Some studies of milk thistle show that milk thistle extract may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential supplement for people with type 2 diabetes or other blood sugar disorders.
Milk Thistle Benefits for Skin
Milk thistle seed extract has been used traditionally to support skin health.
Importance Of Taking a Supplement
Taking a milk thistle supplement can be important for several reasons:
Supports liver health
The liver is a vital organ that performs various functions, including detoxifying the body, boost immune response, producing bile, and regulating metabolism. Milk thistle protects the liver from pollutants, alcohol, and fatty liver disease.
Antioxidant properties
There is evidence that milk thistle can protect the liver from the ill effects of pollutants, alcohol, and certain medications and keep it functioning normally. The antioxidant effects of milk thistles have been studied extensively. Antioxidants have been shown to play a significant part in promoting overall health and warding off chronic diseases.
Convenient and easy to use
Milk thistle supplements make it simple to acquire the plant's advantages without eating it. Milk thistle supplements are readily available and come in various forms, making them easier to incorporate into a daily routine.
Supports other health benefits
In addition to liver health, milk thistle has been shown to have potential benefits for heart disease, insulin resistance for diabetic patients, alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, ovarian cancer, and skin health.
Possible Side Effects of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle supplement is considered one of the safest dietary supplements than other herbal supplements. But there are reports of skin rashes, headaches, itching, and dizziness can be seen.
In particular, it can interfere with the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and diabetes medications. It can also interact with some blood thinners, who have hormone-sensitive conditions.
Finally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid doses of milk thistle, as there is limited information on its safety during these times. In the meantime, people with allergies to other plants in the same family, such as daisies and marigolds, may also develop allergic reaction to milk thistle and should avoid using it.
Before starting to take supplements, you should consult Health care professionals to be sure that doing so is safe and appropriate for you.
Tudca vs Milk Thistle Supplements
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) and Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) are two different compounds often used for liver support and protection. TUDCA is a bile acid that is naturally produced by the liver and is used as a supplement to provide more potent liver support.
It has been shown to be helpful in lowering inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the liver, which can help protect the liver from damage caused by a variety of causes, such as beer and unwanted toxins. These benefits can help keep the liver safe from harm.
On the contrary hand, milk thistle is a herbal supplement that is extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. It is widely used as a natural remedy for liver problems, as it has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties. Milk Thistle is believed to work by stimulating the production of new liver cells and reducing oxidative stress in the liver.
Both TUDCA and Milk Thistle have been shown to be effective in supporting liver health, and both have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Form of Milk thistle
There are several milk thistle products that may be purchased, such as milk thistle oil, capsules, pills, rapid release soft gels, liquid form tinctures, and milk thistle tea. The form of the supplement can impact its absorption and effectiveness, so it is important to choose a form that is best suited for your needs.
For example, liquid extracts and tinctures are typically absorbed more quickly and effectively than capsules or tablets, but they may have a strong taste. Which is twice of standard milk thistle capsules.
On the other hand, soft gel, capsules and pills are simple to use. However, absorption may be slower than in other forms.
Teas are a convenient and enjoyable way to get the benefits of milk thistle, but they may not provide as much silymarin as other forms.
Quality of Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients in a milk thistle supplement can greatly affect its potency and effectiveness. When you choose a milk thistle supplement, it is important to look for a product that uses high-quality ingredients that have been tested for purity and potency.
Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the quality of milk thistle supplements:
Source of ingredients
The source of the milk thistle used in a supplement can impact its quality and potency.
Extraction method
The extraction method used to obtain silymarin from the milk thistle seeds can also impact the quality of the supplement. Look for a product that uses a safe and effective extraction method like cold extraction. This preserves the potency of the active ingredients.
The potency of silymarin
The potency of silymarin in a milk thistle supplement can vary greatly. Look for a product that provides a standardized dose of silymarin that has been tested for purity and potency.
Third-party testing
A quality milk thistle supplement should undergo third-party testing to verify its potency and purity.
Brand reputation
Pick a well-known brand/company that has a record of making effective supplements. Look for the best milk thistle brand that is transparent about its ingredients and production processes, and that has a good reputation in the industry.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you are choosing a high-quality milk thistle supplement that will provide the best possible health benefits.
Dosage
Milk thistle dosage varies from person to person and varies on the person's condition. Common daily doses of organic milk thistle range from 120 milligrams to 420 milligrams of silymarin, taken in divided doses in one day.
Some clinical trials have used higher doses of up to 1000mg milk thistle to 1,500 milligrams per day. It is recommended to begin treatment with a lesser dose and then gradually raise it under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
7 Best Milk Thistle Supplements
Solgar Milk Thistle Capsules
Solgar Milk Thistle Capsules
To guarantee that milk thistle provides all of its advantages, Solgar's milk thistle supplement uses traditional herbal extracts in a foundation of active herbs.
These capsules are made with a standardized extract of silymarin, providing a potent dose of the active ingredient in each serving.
Pros
- Solgar Active herb-based traditional herbal extracts maximize benefits.
- Solgar's Full Potency products blend dried herb extracts with fresh herb advantages. Solgar's herbs excel.
- Solgar herbal treatments include all the plants' natural, synergistic components, not only phytochemicals.
- Antioxidant milk thistle boosts health. Milk thistle maintains liver cell membrane structure, promoting liver conditions.
- These vegetable capsules are kosher, vegetarian, certified organic and gluten-free.
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or colors are present in this clinical strength organic supplement.
Cons
- Solgar milk thistle may interact with certain medications, such as warfarin or blood pressure medications.
Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle Capsules
Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle Capsules
Milk by Nature's Bounty Thistle is only one of the many amazing herbal supplements available to help your body and health.
Nature's Bounty capsule contains a standardized extract of silymarin, providing a potent dose of the active ingredient in each serving. These capsules are one of the best milk thistle supplements which is non-GMO and free from added colors, flavors, and preservatives. This makes them a high-quality and natural option among many herbal supplements.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidant effects and that's why nature's bounty recommends taking this supplement to reduce oxidative damage.
- Safe and effective ingredients
- Non-GMO and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it a pure and natural option.
- High-quality and safe ingredients
- One of the best milk thistle supplement that has positive liver protecting benefits
Cons
- It may increase the heartbeat
- The outcome may vary from person to person
Now Foods Milk Thistle Capsules
Now Foods Milk Thistle Capsules
Now Silymarin Milk Double Strength Thistle Extract Silymarin has two times as much milk thistle extract (300 mg per capsule)
Now Foods milk thistle capsules are made with a standardized extract of silymarin, providing a potent dose of the active components in each serving. These capsules are vegan and free from common allergens, making them a safe and effective option for a variety of dietary needs.
Pros
- Its capsules contain double-strength silymarin
- 100% veg capsules
- One of the best milk thistle health supplement for fatty liver diseases.
- Non-GMO, Dairy free, Halal, Kosher certified,
- GMP certified.
Cons
- Some individuals see allergic reactions from these capsules.
Pure Encapsulations Milk Thistle Capsules
Pure Encapsulations Milk Thistle Capsules
Nutritional specialists helped choose the only quality ingredients for this dietary supplement, which were then expertly prepared and put through testing to ensure their efficacy and purity.
Pure Encapsulations milk thistle capsules contain a standardized extract of silymarin, providing a potent dose of the active ingredient in each serving. These capsules are hypoallergenic and free from common allergens, making them a safe and effective option for those with dietary restrictions.
Pros
- Works as liver support
- This potent plant boosts liver, glutathione, and antioxidative enzyme activities.
- Suggested by dietary experts for potency and purity using high-quality ingredients.
- Certified organic
- Free from Dairy, egg, artificial flavors, or color
Cons
- It might cause nausea and headaches.
- People with diabetes and who have insulin sensitivity.
BioSchwartz Milk Thistle Capsules
BioSchwartz Milk Thistle Capsules
Quercetin and milk thistle are added specifically to the BioSchwartz glutathione complex to maintain and promote liver function and aid in the removal of toxins that may be harmful to immunological and general health.
BioSchwartz milk thistle capsules are made with a standardized extract of silymarin, providing a potent dose of the active ingredient in each serving. These capsules are free from fillers, fake ingredients, and preservatives, making them a pure and natural option.
- A potent antioxidant supports
- Immune support and liver detox supplement
- Protect against environmental toxins
- Boost glutathione level
- Non-GMO, No fillers, and Gluten free
Cons
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach or diarrhea, can be seen.
Natures Craft Liver Support
Natures Craft Liver Support
Natures Craft milk thistle extract capsules are enhanced with yarrow, chicory root powder, chanca piedra, berberine, and other ingredients for a thorough liver cleansing.
Natures Craft Liver Support is a supplement formulated to help your body heal and protect the liver. It is made from the best milk thistle extract, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
This extract is combined with ingredients such as artichoke extract, turmeric root, milk thistle seed oil, vegetable glycerin, chanca piedra extract, chicory root, dandelion root, and alpha-lipoic acid to create a powerful combination of natural compounds that work together to detoxify and rejuvenate the liver.
Artichoke extract helps to improve bile production and flow, while turmeric root can help to protect the liver from damage caused by environmental toxins. The combination of all of these ingredients can help to improve overall liver health, support the immune system, and promote optimal detoxification. Natures Craft Liver Support is a powerful way to support liver health and reduce the damaging effects of toxins on the liver.
Pros
- This supplement assist to manage in maintain healthy liver.
- Made from herbal, highly concentrated formula formula that promotes free radical scavenging activity
- Non-GMO
- Assist people with fattry liver issues
- Assist in better digestion, improved energy levels.
Cons
- It can be expensive, especially when taken regularly over long periods of time.
Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle
Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle
The dietary supplement Puritan's Pride claims to offer all the health advantages of the natural plant Milk thistle
Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle is a popular dietary supplement that promises to provide all the health benefits of the natural herb. It is derived from the flowering plant, Silybum marianum, and contains silymarin, the active component of milk thistle.
This substance is believed to help promote liver health and support healthy digestion, among other potential benefits. The supplement contains high levels of silymarin, excellent option for everyone who is looking to find for a natural method to enhance their general wellness.
Pros
- Puritan's pride 1000mg milk thistle has been tested for purity and potency and contains only natural ingredients.
- Many users report feeling more energetic and healthier after taking the supplement.
Cons
- Although Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle is a natural supplement, it can still cause side effects such as nausea and stomach discomfort in some people.
- Some users find the taste of the capsules unpleasant.
Comparison of Different Products
Solgar Milk Thistle Capsules vs. Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle Capsules: Both Solgar and Nature's Bounty offer high-quality and best milk thistle capsules that contain a standardized extract of silymarin.
However, Solgar's capsules are free from Gluten, wheat, Dairy, soy, and yeast, while Nature's Bounty's capsules are non-GMO and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Both options are safe and effective, so the choice may come down to personal dietary restrictions and preferences.
Now Foods Milk Thistle Capsules vs. Pure Encapsulations Milk Thistle Capsules: Both Now Foods and Pure Encapsulations offer one of the best milk thistle capsules that contain a standardized extract of silymarin.
Now Foods capsules are vegan, while Pure Encapsulations capsules are hypoallergenic and free from common allergens. Both options are safe and effective, so the choice may come down to personal dietary restrictions and preferences.
BioSchwartz Milk Thistle Capsules vs. Solgar Milk Thistle Capsules: BioSchwartz and Solgar both offer high-quality milk thistle capsules that contain a standardized extract of silymarin. However, BioSchwartz capsules are free from fillers, artificial ingredients, and preservatives, while Solgar's capsules are free from Gluten, wheat, Dairy, soy, and yeast. Both options are safe and effective, so the choice may come down to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
Puritan Pride Milk Thistle Vs Natures Craft Liver Support: Each of these products include silymarin, the active component of milk thistle, which possesses qualities that make it both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Besides, natures craft liver support also contains dandelion Root, which is known for its ability to support healthy liver function, as well as Artichoke Leaf Extract, which helps with digestive health. But puritan's pride milk thistle only contain Silybum marianum seed extract.
In terms of cost, both supplements are reasonably priced and available at most health food stores and online retailers. However, Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle is slightly more affordable than Nature's Craft Liver Support.
Ultimately, if you're looking for a supplement to help support the liver, Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle and Nature's Craft Liver Support are more effective. But puritans pride is less pricer than nature's craft liver support.
Precautions
The standard dose and the quality of the contents should be taken into consideration before buying milk thistle supplements. There are lots of other supplements and milk thistle brands available in the market; before purchasing any health and wellness supplements, try to buy from milk thistle makers or manufacturer websites. Then you will get genuine products because good brands provide high-quality ingredients that should contain pure and natural ingredients, and the recommended dosage should be based on the latest scientific research.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is necessary to consider the quality of the contents and the suggested dosage, as well as to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. With a healthy lifestyle and adding milk thistle supplements, you can fight against alcoholic hepatitis, breast cancer, patients with cirrhosis, and virus liver diseases, and improve your overall well-being.
F.A.Q
Q: What are the top milk thistle supplements
Ans: There are several top-rated milk thistle supplements available, including Berberine with Milk Thistle, GNC milk thistle supplement, puritan's pride milk thistle, milk thistle Jarrow, natures craft liver support, nature's way milk thistle, etc.
Each of these supplements has received positive customer reviews and ratings and is considered to be among the best options available on the market. If you are following a plant-based diet, you may want to choose a vegan formula.
Q: Where to buy milk thistle?
Ans: You can buy from milk thistle supplement manufacturer's websites, milk thistle Walmart or milk thistle amazon.
Q: Does Milk thistle benefits weight loss
Ans: Some clinical study (human studies)shows that people with viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and obesity may benefit from milk thistle supplements.
Q: What does milk thistle look like
Ans: Milk thistle has huge, glossy green leaves with white striping. Vibrant magenta or violet flowerheads have thick, sticky, spine-tipped bracts surrounding the base. Spiny leaves, stalks, and flowers.
Q: What is milk thistle used for?
Ans: The active component of milk thistle, silymarin, is thought to have many beneficial properties. Studies have shown that it may help protect against certain forms of cancer, protect the liver from toxins and damage, and help with digestive issues such as gallstones, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition to its potential therapeutic benefits, milk thistle is also commonly taken as a dietary supplement. Silymarin is thought to be helpful in supporting healthy liver function, reducing cholesterol levels, and aiding digestion.