Milk Thistle for Liver Disease

A 1989 study found that 140mg of silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, three times daily significantly improved survival in people with liver disease (cirrhosis) compared to placebo over a 2 year treatment period. Participants were observed for a mean of 41 months. The trial included a mix of people with alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease. No side effects were observed but silymarin or milk thistle may cause digestive or other side effects.

Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, Frank H, Benda L, Lochs H, Meryn S, Base W, Schneider B. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol. 1989 Jul;9(1):105-13. doi: 10.1016/0168-8278(89)90083-4. PMID: 2671116.