Milk thistle is an herb used predominantly as a treatment for liver ailments, and its use dates back to ancient Greece and has been used in Chinese medicine for 2000 years. Milk thistle has been widely researched and has been shown to be very beneficial in terms of liver-related diseases such as toxic liver damage, inflammatory liver disease, and cirrhosis. Beyond being a powerful liver support supplement, milk thistle helps to protect against various diseases and promote the regeneration of new cells.

Silymarin, the active ingredient in the milk thistle complex, is a potent antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that cause cellular damage. In this way, milk thistle has some anti-aging effects by neutralizing free radicals that advance the oxidative signs of aging and age-related degenerative diseases. For many people weight gain can be a result of faulty digestive processes related to the metabolic activities that occur in the body. Milk thistle antioxidants have been shown to improve digestion, thereby smoothing metabolic activity and supporting weight loss.

Milk thistle extract can also encourage other compounds that have antioxidant properties, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Milk thistle use has also been shown to elevate levels of glutathione in the body by more than 30% in some studies. In doing so, milk thistle ensured that the liver was more effective at cleansing the body and eliminating toxic substances. Milk thistle stimulates the flow of bile and is helpful in both preventing and treating gallstones.

Alcohol-related liver diseases are a common problem that milk thistle can play a vital role in alleviating. Milk thistle is able to work as a guardian to the liver, preventing the toxicity caused by alcohol consumption. Alcohol use in large to excessive amounts forces the liver to exert itself beyond healthy limits, leading to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Milk thistle supplementation can help to maintain, repair, and regenerate liver cells, and also help to block fibrosis, which can also lead to cirrhosis if not adequately addressed.

Although there have not been any clinical studies on humans, laboratory studies have shown promising indications that silibinin, an active compound of silymarin, can be effective in fighting cancer cells found in prostate, cervical, and breast cancers. Milk thistle supplementation has also helped reduce cancer cell growth and has improved the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. The effects of the herb as an anti-inflammatory can help stop the cells of the liver from swelling as a result of damage. By providing a positive influence on the growth of liver cells, milk thistle is able to protect the livers of patients on medication for schizophrenia.