Milk Thistle

Buying milk thistle: Extract or Phytosome®?

When purchasing a Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) supplement, make sure that it contains a phytosome form of Milk Thistle. These patented Phytosomes® from the Italian nutritional ingredient manufacturer Indena are many times more absorbable than the standard extracts and ensure a higher blood level of active silymarin and its isomers.

Siliphos®

Siliphos®, produced by Indena, is a patented extract of milk thistle bound to phosphatidylcholine. This provides greatly increased absorbability and higher plasma levels in blood and tissues. Research shows that 180 mg of Siliphos® (1 capsule) is more effective than 1000 mg of normal milk thistle extract.

How does Milk Thistle work?

The active substances of milk thistle are in the seeds. Silibinin is the most important of these. Have recently However, scientists found that there are many more active substances in the plant. With advanced modern extraction methods they have now succeeded in isolating other silymarin substances. Among the substances tested is found that Isosilybin B was the most effective.

For liver and blood sugar levels*

Milk thistle extract has been used for a long time as a support for the liver function en blood sugar level. It contributes to the effect of liver cleansing, to the normal functioning of liver and bile function and also has an antioxidant operation.*

In addition, milk thistle is good for the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels and for normal blood sugar regulation.*

Other substances found in the seeds of milk thistle are histamine, quercetin, tyramine and tannin.

* Health claim(s) pending approval by the European Commission.

Milk thistle experiences

Because of the positive experiences with milk thistle over the years, a great deal of scientific research has now been conducted on its effects. In particular, the constituent silybin (the most active flavonoid in milk thistle) has been the subject of numerous clinical studies on liver health.

Siliphos® Phytosome® 10x higher absorption

Research has shown that the bioavailability of silybin from the patented Siliphos® due to its phytosome technology is as much as 10x higher than standard herbal extract. This means that it is therefore much more effective when it comes to efficacy and results.

Mary thistle side effects

The risk of side effects from using milk thistle is small. And it has long been one of the most widely used herbs. In high doses, it might cause gastrointestinal upset in people who are sensitive to it. Discontinuing use will make those symptoms disappear again.

Interactions

The use of milk thistle is not dangerous. However, it does interact with the drug Simeprevir, an antiviral agent. Also, milk thistle can enhance the effect of anticoagulants. Users of these drugs should consult with their treating physician.

Milkthistle supplements

Mariadistel supplements are available in different forms, particularly capsules and tablets. For people who have swallowing problems, powdered or liquid milk thistle is available, in drops or as a tincture. Which form is preferred is often personal or dictated by ease of use.

Others also look at:

• Artichoke
• Turmeric
• Liver
• Blood sugar level

Written by: Marcella van der Wel and Sofie Graas
Reviewed and edited by: Wouter Olthof

Updated: December 13, 2022