Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review
Advances in Therapy, 2020
Each vegan capsule delivers 250mg of Milk Thistle seed extract (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Asteraceae, seed) standardized to 80% silymarin, providing 200mg of the complete silymarin flavonolignan complex per capsule. 80% standardization is the highest common standardization level for milk thistle extracts.
Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a hepatoprotectant and liver protectant. Used in Herbal Medicine to help support liver function. Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Health Canada licensed NPN 80024649. Vegan. Non-GMO. Gluten free. Made in Canada. 300 vegan capsules, 150 to 300 day supply.
Silymarin is extracted from the seeds (achenes) of Silybum marianum, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and western Asia. The seeds contain 1.5 to 3% silymarin by weight in raw form. The seeds are harvested, dried, and processed to yield a concentrated extract standardized to 80% silymarin by weight, verified by batch testing. Each 250mg capsule therefore contains 200mg of silymarin (250mg x 0.80). The standardized extract is encapsulated in Canada in a quality controlled facility using hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell), rice powder, and magnesium stearate.
Silymarin is not a single compound but a complex mixture of flavonolignans extracted from milk thistle seeds. The silymarin complex includes silybin A and B (the most abundant, comprising approximately 50 to 70% of silymarin and the most pharmacologically studied), silychristin (approximately 20%), silydianin, and isosilybin A and B. Standardization to 80% silymarin means every batch is tested and verified to contain 80% silymarin by weight of the extract, ensuring 200mg of the active flavonolignan complex per 250mg capsule regardless of natural variability in the raw seed material. The complete silymarin complex is considered more effective than isolated silybin alone, as the different flavonolignans have complementary activities.
Raw milk thistle seed powder contains variable amounts of silymarin (typically 1.5 to 3% by weight) depending on plant variety, growing conditions, and harvest time. A non-standardized 500mg milk thistle powder capsule may contain as little as 7.5 to 15mg of silymarin. This formula provides 250mg of extract standardized to 80% silymarin, delivering a consistent 200mg of silymarin per capsule regardless of raw material variability. Standardization is the only way to guarantee a defined, consistent silymarin dose.
The liver is the primary site of metabolic detoxification and is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress from the metabolism of drugs, alcohol, environmental toxins, and normal metabolic byproducts. Silymarin scavenges free radicals and reactive oxygen species in hepatocytes (liver cells) and inhibits lipid peroxidation in hepatocyte cell membranes, protecting membrane integrity and cellular components from oxidative damage.
Silymarin inhibits the NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory gene expression in liver tissue. By modulating NF-kB activity, silymarin helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, supporting a healthy inflammatory response in hepatic tissue.
Silymarin stimulates ribosomal RNA synthesis in hepatocytes by activating RNA polymerase I, the enzyme responsible for producing ribosomal RNA. Increased ribosomal RNA synthesis supports protein synthesis and cell regeneration in liver tissue, contributing to the liver's natural regenerative capacity.
Silymarin competes with certain hepatotoxic compounds for uptake transporters on hepatocyte membranes, reducing the entry of toxins into liver cells. This mechanism is particularly relevant to silymarin's traditional use as a liver protectant.
The Health Canada licensed duration of use for this formula is a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Milk thistle supports liver function through ongoing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity rather than producing immediate acute effects. Consistent daily use over at least 3 weeks is necessary to experience the liver-supporting benefits of silymarin. The 300 capsule bottle provides an extended supply that supports this consistent long-term use.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Oryza sativa (rice) powder, magnesium stearate, hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell). Vegan. Non-GMO. Gluten free.
Adults seeking a hepatoprotectant and liver protectant as approved by Health Canada, or herbal support for liver function, from a high-potency milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin (200mg per capsule). A good fit if you want an extended 300 capsule supply for consistent long-term daily use, a vegan and non-GMO formula, and a Health Canada licensed, Canadian-made supplement.
Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family. Individuals with known allergies to plants in this family (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen.
Adults: Take 1 capsule, 1 to 2 times per day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects.
At 1 capsule per day, 300 capsules provides a 300 day supply. At 2 capsules per day, 300 capsules provides a 150 day supply.
Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family; individuals with known allergies to plants in this family (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly sealed. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.
NPN 80024649. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All health claims are consistent with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations.
Each vegan capsule delivers 250mg of Milk Thistle seed extract (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Asteraceae, seed) standardized to 80% silymarin, providing 200mg of the complete silymarin flavonolignan complex per capsule. 80% standardization is the highest common standardization level for milk thistle extracts.
Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a hepatoprotectant and liver protectant. Used in Herbal Medicine to help support liver function. Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Health Canada licensed NPN 80024649. Vegan. Non-GMO. Gluten free. Made in Canada. 300 vegan capsules, 150 to 300 day supply.
Silymarin is extracted from the seeds (achenes) of Silybum marianum, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and western Asia. The seeds contain 1.5 to 3% silymarin by weight in raw form. The seeds are harvested, dried, and processed to yield a concentrated extract standardized to 80% silymarin by weight, verified by batch testing. Each 250mg capsule therefore contains 200mg of silymarin (250mg x 0.80). The standardized extract is encapsulated in Canada in a quality controlled facility using hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell), rice powder, and magnesium stearate.
Silymarin is not a single compound but a complex mixture of flavonolignans extracted from milk thistle seeds. The silymarin complex includes silybin A and B (the most abundant, comprising approximately 50 to 70% of silymarin and the most pharmacologically studied), silychristin (approximately 20%), silydianin, and isosilybin A and B. Standardization to 80% silymarin means every batch is tested and verified to contain 80% silymarin by weight of the extract, ensuring 200mg of the active flavonolignan complex per 250mg capsule regardless of natural variability in the raw seed material. The complete silymarin complex is considered more effective than isolated silybin alone, as the different flavonolignans have complementary activities.
Raw milk thistle seed powder contains variable amounts of silymarin (typically 1.5 to 3% by weight) depending on plant variety, growing conditions, and harvest time. A non-standardized 500mg milk thistle powder capsule may contain as little as 7.5 to 15mg of silymarin. This formula provides 250mg of extract standardized to 80% silymarin, delivering a consistent 200mg of silymarin per capsule regardless of raw material variability. Standardization is the only way to guarantee a defined, consistent silymarin dose.
The liver is the primary site of metabolic detoxification and is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress from the metabolism of drugs, alcohol, environmental toxins, and normal metabolic byproducts. Silymarin scavenges free radicals and reactive oxygen species in hepatocytes (liver cells) and inhibits lipid peroxidation in hepatocyte cell membranes, protecting membrane integrity and cellular components from oxidative damage.
Silymarin inhibits the NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory gene expression in liver tissue. By modulating NF-kB activity, silymarin helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, supporting a healthy inflammatory response in hepatic tissue.
Silymarin stimulates ribosomal RNA synthesis in hepatocytes by activating RNA polymerase I, the enzyme responsible for producing ribosomal RNA. Increased ribosomal RNA synthesis supports protein synthesis and cell regeneration in liver tissue, contributing to the liver's natural regenerative capacity.
Silymarin competes with certain hepatotoxic compounds for uptake transporters on hepatocyte membranes, reducing the entry of toxins into liver cells. This mechanism is particularly relevant to silymarin's traditional use as a liver protectant.
The Health Canada licensed duration of use for this formula is a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Milk thistle supports liver function through ongoing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity rather than producing immediate acute effects. Consistent daily use over at least 3 weeks is necessary to experience the liver-supporting benefits of silymarin. The 300 capsule bottle provides an extended supply that supports this consistent long-term use.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Oryza sativa (rice) powder, magnesium stearate, hypromellose (vegetable capsule shell). Vegan. Non-GMO. Gluten free.
Adults seeking a hepatoprotectant and liver protectant as approved by Health Canada, or herbal support for liver function, from a high-potency milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin (200mg per capsule). A good fit if you want an extended 300 capsule supply for consistent long-term daily use, a vegan and non-GMO formula, and a Health Canada licensed, Canadian-made supplement.
Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family. Individuals with known allergies to plants in this family (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen.
Adults: Take 1 capsule, 1 to 2 times per day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects.
At 1 capsule per day, 300 capsules provides a 300 day supply. At 2 capsules per day, 300 capsules provides a 150 day supply.
Use for a minimum of 3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family; individuals with known allergies to plants in this family (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) should consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly sealed. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.
NPN 80024649. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All health claims are consistent with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulations.
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container: 300
† Daily Value not established
Advances in Therapy, 2020
Drugs, 2001
Digestive and Liver Disease, 2002
Research information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace the product's approved label information.