Milk thistle

Buy milk thistle: the extract standardized to silymarin

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a thistle-like plant with purple flowers that originates from the Mediterranean region and has a long tradition in herbal medicine. The characteristic plant substances are found in the seeds and are collectively called silymarin. For supplements, the seeds are processed into an extract that is standardized to the silymarin content. In our range, you will find milk thistle as a standardized extract and in herbal complexes, in various dosages.

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle is the Dutch name for Silybum marianum, an annual or biennial thistle with striking, white-veined leaves and purple flower heads. The plant owes its name to an old legend about the milk-white veining of the leaves. The characteristic plant substances are found in the ripe seeds (fruits) and are collectively referred to as silymarin, a group of flavonolignans of which silibinin is the best-known component. For supplements, the seeds are processed into an extract that is standardized to the silymarin content. We describe milk thistle here factually; no official health claims have been approved for milk thistle.

Milk thistle and the regulations

Milk thistle has a long tradition in European herbal medicine. However, it is important to be clear: no official health claims have been approved for milk thistle as a food supplement. The claims submitted for milk thistle are being processed by the European authorities ("on hold") and have not been approved. We therefore cannot and may not promise what milk thistle "does" or what it is "good for". What we can say is that milk thistle is a traditional herb with silymarin as its characteristic plant substance, and that the interest in it mainly stems from this traditional use. For personal advice or if you are taking medication, consult a doctor.

Milk thistle and silymarin

Silymarin is the plant substance that gives milk thistle its fame. Extracts are standardized to a fixed percentage of silymarin, for example 80%, so that you know how much of this substance you receive per serving. The higher the percentage, the more concentrated the extract. Silymarin is poorly soluble in water, which affects absorption; some products therefore combine milk thistle with other ingredients. We describe silymarin here as the characteristic plant substance, without attaching any promises of efficacy to it. When comparing products, the silymarin percentage, along with the amount of extract, is an important point to consider.

Where does milk thistle come from?

Milk thistle originally comes from the Mediterranean region and Western Asia, but now grows in many temperate regions worldwide, often in dry, sunny places. The plant is cultivated for the extraction of the seeds, from which the silymarin-rich extract is made. After harvest, the seeds are dried and processed into a standardized extract. The origin and the silymarin content can vary by brand and are often stated on the product page. Milk thistle is not eaten as a regular food, but used as a herbal extract in supplements.

Milk thistle in herbal complexes

Milk thistle is regularly combined with other herbs and substances in supplements. A well-known combination is with artichoke and dandelion, herbs that have traditionally been mentioned together. You will also find milk thistle in combination with NAC and glutathione. These complexes are intended for those who want to use multiple ingredients in one product. Therefore, in our range you will find milk thistle both as a pure, standardized extract and in herbal complexes. Which choice is right for you depends on your preference. The label states which herbs and quantities a product contains.

How much milk thistle per day and for how long?

No official recommended daily amount has been established for milk thistle. The dosage varies per product and depends on the concentration of the extract and the silymarin content. The recommended dosage is stated on the packaging, expressed in milligrams of extract per serving. There is also no general, established maximum duration of use; follow the instructions on the packaging and use the product as indicated. Do not exceed the recommended dosage without advice. When using medications, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in case of doubt, it is wise to consult a doctor or therapist beforehand, because milk thistle can affect the processing of certain medications.

Buying milk thistle: what to look out for?

When choosing a milk thistle supplement, there are a few practical points to look out for. Look at the amount of extract per capsule and at the standardized percentage of silymarin (for example 80%), because both determine the strength of the product. Determine whether you are looking for a pure milk thistle extract or a herbal complex, for example with artichoke and dandelion. Pay attention to the origin, the purity, and the price per daily serving. Milk thistle falls under herbs and plants; for related products, also view our collection Herbs & Plants.