Milk thistle supports liver health in fatty liver disease, backed by scientific evidence

Fatty liver disease is often called a 'silent epidemic', and is one of the most common liver problems worldwide, affecting millions. According to National Institute of Health, about 24% of U.S. adults have NAFLD. NAFLD, or Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is especially widespread and often linked to common causes such as obesity, diabetes and other metabolic syndrome. Fat builds up in the liver in NAFLD, causing inflammation, oxidative stress and over time, scarring of the tissues. There are several factors that can help with fatty liver disease, and healthy diet and exercise remains at the pinnacle, but many people are curious about natural supplements that could support liver health. Of all, one of the most widely studied herbal options called milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum.

Milk thistle has been used for centuries to support liver and gallbladder health. The key ingredient present in milk thistle, called silymarin is actually a mix of several other compounds such as silybin, silychristin and silydianin, that work together to protect the liver, cells and keep inflammation in check. Let's take a look at how these compounds do their work in protecting liver health.
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How milk thistle may support the liver

Research published in the National Library of Medicine, under the title ' Silymarin in non alcoholic fatty liver disease', concludes the fact that silymarin when combined with a restricted diet has a positive effect on liver health and certain inflammatory markers, even if overall body weight or traditional metabolic parameters do not change significantly. The research's key finding includes:

Body mass index: No significant changes, meaning it did not effect the weight

Glucose and insulin resistance: Slight decrease in fasting glucose

Lipid profile: Cholesterol LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides showed small reductions

Liver fat and fibrosis: Significant decrease suggests reductions in liver fat content and improved liver function.

Another research published in Francis and Taylor Online, highlights that NAFLD, is the most chronic liver disease and its progression involves multiple pathogenic mechanisms. Currently, lifestyle changes are the primary therapeutic approach but milk thistle represents a promising therapeutic option derived from traditional medicine.

It suggest that milk thistle has hepatoprotective effects, improving insulin, lipid peroxidation and restores glutathione levels as well. These actions may help reduce liver fat and fibrosis in NAFLD patients.


How silymarin and its components (silybin, silychristin, silydianin) work in the liver at a cellular level

Silybin is the most active flavonolignan in milk thistle, and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The encouraging finding is the excellent safety profile of silybin, even at high doses with few or no adverse events reported, according to a study i n World Journal of Gastroenterology. This makes it a promising candidate for long term use, particularly for the chronic liver conditions such as NAFLD, or viral hepatitis.

Not only fatty liver, it helps with wide range of liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury. Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy explains how these compounds act together to improve liver function tests (ALT, AST)

• Reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis
• Alleviate symptoms of liver disease
• Protect against medication or toxin-induced liver damage.

Benefits of milk thistle and silymarin for liver health

Antioxidant effects: Silybin neutralises free radicals, protecting liver cells from oxidative stress

Supports liver regeneration: Promotes repair of damaged tissues

Protects against toxins and medications: It even helps mitigate drug-induced liver injury and damage from various environmental toxins.

Effective in multiple liver conditions: Beneficial for NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis

Complementary components: Silychristin and silydianin enhance silybin's protective effects on liver health

Dosage and precautions:Like most herbal supplements, milk thistle is orally administered and is available in capsules, tablets, or as a liquid extract containing ethanol-extracted silymarin in doses of 250 to 750 mg. The daily dosage varies, but the typical dose frequency is 2 to 3 times daily, according to National Library of Medicine .