Silybum marianum · Seed
Milk Thistle
Traditional + some evidenceTradition says the white veins on its leaves came from a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk, giving it the name 'Mary thistle'. It has been used in Europe for some 2,000 years.
Traditionally used for
- Traditionally used in European folk practice to support the liver
- Young leaves once eaten as a vegetable
What research says
NCCIH notes that milk thistle has been studied for liver conditions, but results are mixed and no strong conclusions have been reached.
How people use it
- Ground seed sprinkled on food
- Standardized silymarin capsules
Safety and interactions
- Generally well tolerated; may cause digestive upset
- May cause allergic reactions in people allergic to daisy-family plants
- May lower blood sugar in people with diabetes
Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using milk thistle as a supplement, especially with prescription medicine, in pregnancy or before surgery.
Sources
Reviewed October 25, 2026. Evidence tier: Traditional + some evidence: Long traditional use; human research is limited, small or mixed. How we rank evidence.