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Western Herbalism

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

Western, Mediterranean traditional

Gabriel Score
88/ 100Excellent
EvidenceLimited - trials in hepatitis, fatty liver and alcohol-related liver disease are mixed
Conditions3 applications
How it works

Hepatoprotective via silymarin (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerates hepatocytes)

Typical Dosage

200-400mg silymarin 3x daily (standardized to 70-80% silymarin)

Used for
Liver supportfatty liverliver detox

The Science

Active Compounds

Silymarin complex (silybin, silydianin, silychristin)

Evidence Base

Limited - trials in hepatitis, fatty liver and alcohol-related liver disease are mixed88/100

Studied for liver disease with mixed results; not a treatment for hepatitis or cirrhosis; seed used; standardization important. Mushroom poisoning is an emergency: call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.

How to Use

Capsule, tincture, tea

Dosing should be individualized. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare practitioner.

Safety Profile

Interactions

May interact with diabetes medications, CYP450 substrates, statins

Contraindications

Pregnancy (limited data); hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical)

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TraditionWestern Herbalism
EvidenceLimited - trials in hepatitis, fatty liver and alcohol-related liver disease are mixed
Applications3
Gabriel Score88/100

Educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol.

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