Milk thistle extract 80% optimized purity
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb that has been traditionally used for centuries to support liver health and detoxification. Its active constituents, collectively known as silymarin, are flavonolignans that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. One of the most effective ways to supplement with milk thistle is through standardized extracts, which ensure a consistent, therapeutic dose of its key compounds.
Milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin is considered the most clinically effective form of this supplement. Silymarin, particularly its major component silibinin, has been studied for its ability to protect liver cells from toxins, enhance liver regeneration, and reduce oxidative stress. This high-concentration extract provides a potent dose of these bioactive compounds to maximize therapeutic benefit.
Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of milk thistle extract, particularly at 80% silymarin concentration, for various liver-related conditions and oxidative damage. For example:
- In a systematic review of 19 clinical trials, patients with chronic liver disease who received milk thistle extract (standardized to ~70–80% silymarin) showed significant improvement in liver enzymes such as ALT and AST, compared to placebo (Saller et al., 2008).
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving patients with hepatitis C who had failed conventional therapy, high-dose milk thistle extract (nearing 80% silymarin) led to meaningful reductions in ALT levels, indicating improved liver function (Fried et al., 2012).
- In a clinical study of oncology patients, milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin was found to prevent chemotherapy-induced liver toxicity, offering protective benefits without adverse effects (Jacobs et al., 2002).
Overall, the clinical evidence suggests that milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin is an effective and safe supplement for supporting liver function, combating oxidative stress, and enhancing detoxification. As with any supplement, individual responses may vary, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before beginning a new regimen.
References:
- Saller, R., Meier, R., & Brignoli, R. (2008). The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Phytomedicine, 15(5), 393–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2007.12.013
- Fried, M. W., Navarro, V. J., Afdhal, N., Belle, S. H., Wahed, A. S., Hawke, R., ... & Hoofnagle, J. H. (2012). Effect of silymarin (milk thistle) on liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C unsuccessfully treated with interferon therapy. JAMA, 308(3), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.9265
- Jacobs, B. P., Dennehy, C., Ramirez, G., Sapp, J., Lawrence, V. A., & Fernandez, C. (2002). Milk thistle for the treatment of liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 1(2), 98–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735402001002003