Best Milk Thistle Products Reviewed and Rated
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The protective effects of milk thistle have been known for more than 2,000 years, ever since the plant was first discovered in Ancient Greece in the year of 40 A.D. To this day, researchers have been fascinated by its numerous benefits to health, including detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. (1)
What does this actually mean? Well, without diving deep into the bioscience of it all, let’s just say this plant is abundant with nutrients that benefit our bodies in multiple ways. And even though more studies are due to explore the full spectrum of do-goods this plant has in store for our health, the milky white liquid from the plant’s stem has already won the hearts of many satisfied users.
Milk thistle products are available in the forms of capsules, pills, and extracts. They can contribute to our immune system and help maintain proper digestive functioning. The plant’s active ingredient, silymarin, works similarly to vitamin E or vitamin C, by blocking off free radical damage and reducing oxidative stress which could lead to the development of liver disease. (2) This in turn neutralizes free radicals, slowing the aging process of liver cells.
This detoxifying effect is what makes milk thistle products so celebrated.
- Jarrow Formulas
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Our rating - Reliability
- Price: See Here
- Pure Encapsulations
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Our rating - Gluten Free
- Price: See Here
- Solaray
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Our rating - Affordable
- Price: See Here
When shopping for milk thistle products, you’ll want to get yourself the most effective supplement with minimum side effects. Without extensive research and good background knowledge, choosing the right milk thistle product can prove difficult.
This is where we step in. In this guide, we bring you the best 10 milk thistle products which will allow you to enjoy the plant’s many benefits without worrying about adverse symptoms. Protect your liver, improve your digestive functioning, and strengthen your immune system with one of these top 10 milk thistle products.
10 Best Milk Thistle Products
1. Jarrow Formulas
Ingredients
The higher amount of milk thistle extract in Jarrow Formulas bottle leads to a higher amount of absorption by the human body, which in turn protects the liver more efficiently. However, each pill contains only 150 mg, an amount which other brands surpass significantly.
Quality
Their milk thistle tablets were manufactured under the supervision of GMP certification. They are suitable for vegan and vegetarians and very much cost effective for most of the people all over the world. This product helps in detoxification of the liver due to its high extract ratio of 30:1.
Value
Considering its health effects and how it assists you in the long run, this product offers excellent value for money and thus tops our list.
Intake & Dosage
Jarrow Fomulas milk thistle tablets are to be consumed orally, once per day. You shouldn’t take more than 3 tablets in a single day. Make sure you’re on the safe side if you’re trying to conceive, lactating, under the age of 18, or have a pre-existing medical condition.
Brand
Jarrow Formulas is a long-standing brand with branches in Los Angeles and California. Their range of health supplements also includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and other herbal products. Taking one pill a day, according to the manufacturer will produce the desired effects.
- Boosts athletic performance
- Enhance immune response system
- Powerful source of antioxidants
- Protection of cellular wall
- Product reliability
- Allergen-free
- High dosage can cause an imbalance in muscle and fat regulation
- Low possibility of sleep apnea occurring
2. Pure Encapsulations
Ingredients
Apart from the active ingredient, other contents include cellulose and water, meaning these pills are suitable for vegetarians, too. The extract has been sourced so as to avoid allergens, GMO compounds, and other contaminants.
Quality
As a highly-concentrated product, this product is set to improve your liver function and support adequate levels of glutathione. The brand is committed to a production of high-quality, hypoallergenic supplements only, and has been established as a reputable provider of dietary supplements on the market.
Value
Compared to alternative products on the market, the price is a bit steep. However, it’s the quality you pay for and many people opt for Pure Encapsulations for this reason alone.
Intake & Dosage
Take 1-4 tablets per day, preferably between meals.
Brand
All dietary supplements from Pure Encapsulations are hypoallergenic, non-GMO products which are sourced from premium, all-natural herbs. In addition, the brand has a range of quality checks in place to ensure proper ingredient quality and manufacturing excellence.
- Standardized silymarin content
- Hypoallergenic
- Glutens and soy free
- High milk thistle concentration
- High dosage can cause tremor and nausea
- Quite expensive
3. Solaray
Ingredients
Each tablet is guaranteed to contain 175 mg of the extract which is comprised of around 80% of the active ingredient, silymarin. Other contents include rice flour, magnesium stearate, turmeric root extract, dandelion root, artichoke leaf, and silica. Solaray claims that no other ingredients, other than those listed, have been added to the product.
Quality
The formula included in Solaray milk thistle extract consists of added herbal benefits which contribute to the development of the liver. Due to a toxic environment, intake of various medication and unhealthy habits, people are being affected by various kinds of liver diseases. To this end, milk thistle products from Solaray provide a response and defend our liver, keeping it healthy, robust and properly functioning.
This product is very much rich in antioxidants. As a result, the liver is free from external poisonous materials and remains clean from all sorts of harmful ingredients.
Value
This supplement offers decent value for money with its sizeable bottle, competitive pricing, free shipping, and strong, high-percentage potency.
Intake & Dosage
Take either one or two capsules daily with a glass of water and preferably at mealtime.
Brand
The milk thistle extract by Solaray is only one of the 1,000 products the brand has launched on the market. You will recognize Solaray supplements by their distinctive white lid which indicates a green-screening process was in place to ensure all ingredients meet the strict botanical standards. In addition, all of their herbal extracts and botanical blends are organically grown and farmed to the highest standards.
- Eliminates toxins
- Rich in antioxidants
- 80% silymarin content
- Anti-inflammatory
- Can cause high blood pressure
- May cause dizziness
4. Gaia Herbs
Ingredients
Other ingredients include vegetable glycerin, non-GMO lecithin, water, and vegetable cellulose capsule.
Quality
The quality of this brand has been demonstrated by multiple studies, which have proven that Gaia Herbs milk thistle supplements promote healthy liver functioning and provide significant support in the detox process.
In order to preserve the active ingredient, each gluten and allergen-free tablet has been concentrated under low temperature and low pressure so that no active components which benefit your health are lost.
Value
Compared to similar products on the market, these milk thistle capsules are a bit pricey. However, we can turn a blind eye to this considering the high percentage of the extract’s active ingredient.
Intake & Dosage
The product comes in the form of tablets and capsules and is to be consumed orally by mouth. If pregnant, nursing or under any medical condition then it is advised to consult a doctor.
Brand
Gaia Herbs is one of the largest US provider of herbal supplements. Their wide range of products includes more than 200 dietary supplements from ashwagandha root to kava kava root. Their organic farm which sits underneath the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina spreads across more than 250 acres of land and is the only farm to have a laboratory and processing facility on site.
- Easily absorbed
- Rich in antioxidants
- Tested and verified in a laboratory
- High level of silymarin content
- Gluten free
- Allergens free
- High dosage can cause muscle and fat imbalance
- Sleep apnea may occur
5. Solgar
Ingredients
This product is free from sodium, gluten, and yeast. As a result, the tablets are suitable for vegans and the vegetarians all over the world. Some may be repelled by certain chemicals this product contains that others don’t but those who consume it regularly seem to be very happy with their purchase.
Quality
The 175 mg tablets have been standardized to contain 80% of the active ingredient which accounts for 140 mg. This is a bit on the low side but the reliability and consistency of the compound compensate for the shortfall. The supplement contains 150 tablets with a high potency which will ensure you have the best chances of achieving the desired outcomes.
Value
Premium results never come with an insignificant price tag. You can expect to pay a bit more for Solgar products, including the milk thistle extract, but remember that quality always pays off in the long run.
Intake & Dosage
These are to be consumed orally, once per day, up to three times, with a meal. In case of severe liver damages, high dosage should be maintained.
Brand
Solgar’s innovative formulas have earned the brand a plethora of awards throughout the years, including the 2014 Best of Supplements Awards. This prominent brand has been manufacturing quality supplements for 60 years and their mission to provide consumers with top-quality nutritional products seems to be continuing.
- Efficient detoxification
- Addresses common liver problems
- Protects cell membrane of the liver cells
- Expensive
- Alcohol standardization may be needed
6. NutraBio
Ingredients
What’s so great about NutraBio is its high presence of the active ingredient Silymarin. You get 120 caps with 600 mg of the extract, which is an extremely strong dose. Each tablet packs a powerful punch and no extra additives, GMO compounds, or any other contaminants.
Quality
Extremely potent and pure, NutraBio herbal milk thistle is a great pick for those who are looking for a simple, non-GMO liver detoxifying supplement. All of the brand’s products have been manufactured under strict GMP guidelines to ensure purity and quality.
Value
Considering its strength and capacity, the product is incredibly affordable. Even for those whose budget can’t stretch very far, these bottles should provide excellent value for money and last a long time.
Intake & Dosage
This product is to be consumed by mouth. The amount to be daily taken ranges from person to person and doctors should prescribe the correct dosage before any milk thistle product is taken.
Brand
NutraBio has been going strong ever since its foundation in 1966 and offers a wide range of dietary supplements, mostly of performance-boosting nature. All of their products are GMP-certified and verified in the US. In addition, third-party lab tests have been conducted to determine proper levels of purity and effectiveness.
- Healthy hormonal balance
- Detoxification of liver and bowel
- It is free from fillers and undeclared ingredients
- Risk-free and potent
- Standardized extraction
- Affordable
- Possible tremor and nausea
7. BlueBonnet
Ingredients
In the caps you get your standardized milk thistle extract with 140 mg of silymarin, kosher vegetable capsules, silica, and vegetable cellulose & magnesium stearate.
Quality
A clean-and-gentle water extraction is used to capture and preserve the most valuable components of the milk thistle. This makes the product very appealing as no beneficial compounds have been lost during the extraction process.
Value
The bottle will set you back a bit more when compared to competitors on the market but still offers exceptional value for money. This is mostly due to a generous number of caps offered (120) and the high level of quality this herbal supplement possesses.
Intake & Dosage
Take one capsule per day, as prescribed by your healthcare professional, preferably at mealtime.
Brand
BlueBonnet has been around for 26 years and is committed to provide dietary supplements which are as close to nature as possible. So you can rule out any genetic modifications or additional fillers in your milk thistle extract from BlueBonnet.
- Water-based extraction method
- Detoxification of liver and bowel
- Protection of cellular wall
- Rich in silymarin
- Easy to swallow
- No additional fillers
- Bit expensive
- Could cause an upset stomach
8. Paradise Herbs
Ingredients
Other ingredients include plant cellulose. There are no additional binders, artificial ingredients, or allergens present.
Quality
The brand promises 100% extraction process which captures all of milk thistle’s synergetic and beneficial effects.
Value
There are 120 servings per container and the price per bottle averages the standard market value. The 250 mg extract in each capsule makes it a purchase which is well-worth your buck. In short, Paradise Herbs milk thistle capsules won’t leave you out of pocket for the quality they bring to the table.
Intake & Dosage
It is to be consumed through the mouth and the amount to be taken daily varies from person to person and depends on the individual’s circumstances. In most cases, one to two capsules per day should be a sufficient dose.
Brand
Family-owned and operated, Paradise Herbs offers a wide range of premium supplements which have been manufactured to high standards of excellence and are free of fillers and flow agents such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate or stearic acid.
- Antioxidant-rich
- Detoxification of liver
- Protection of cellular wall
- High-quality extraction method
- Lack of quality control
9. Herb Pharm
Ingredients
It is free from all sorts of synthetic solvents. However, distilled water as well as organically-sourced cane alcohol are present, which may ward off those who have had their liver exposed to chronic alcohol use.
Quality
This milk thistle product is formulated with traditional herbal technology. It has been prepared from the dried seeds of milk thistle plant and is completely GMO, gluten, and allergen-free.
Value
The product although just as beneficial comes at a low price compared to the other milk thistle products. Keep in mind, though, that this bottle contains 30ml with 645 mg of the extract which will only last you for two weeks if used as prescribed.
Intake & Dosage
As it comes in the form of a liquid, it should be consumed carefully and shaken before use. Doctors and physicians should be consulted before its consumption. The best practice is to take two to four doses in between meals.
Brand
Herb Pharm is known as a manufacturer which puts a strong emphasis on an all-natural production of its supplements. You can rest assured their milk thistle seed extract will come out of the box with a purity verification and an organic certificate.
- Keeps the liver healthy
- Affordable
- Easily absorbed
- Organically certified
- Purity is verified
- Unpleasant taste
- Not standardized
- Contains alcohol
10. GNC Herbal Plus
If you’re looking the get the most out of your buck, GNC Herbal Plus might be your best bet. Their milk thistle bottle will last you a long time and has a proven reputation of providing effective support in liver functioning. For an affordable price, you get 60 caplets with an incredible 1300 mg strength, which is by far the most potent formula on the market.
It does, however, include a fewer amount of silymarin and the pills are quite large which some people don’t like. Still, as you only need one capsule per day, GNC offers exceptional value for money and decent quality.Ingredients
Besides high doses of silymarin, the capsules also contain cellulose, maltodextrin, corn starch, and magnesium stearate.
Quality
The active ingredient silymarin has a low presence of 50% but that’s still 650 mg of the pure compound, far more than any other rival product on the market. The chemical extraction process isn’t the best either as the brand utilizes the aged process of dissolving the herb in water, alcohol, or liquid dioxide.
Value
Exceptionally reasonable and affordable, these capsules offer incredible potency which is set to last you for a long time.
Intake & Dosage
It contains 1300mg of milk thistle extract in each caplet, meant to be consumed by mouth. If the size is concerning you, why not cut the tablet in half and have it in two sips?
Brand
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, GNC Herbal Plus has retained its roots since 1937 and is one of the largest retailer of nutritional products of its kind on the market, with over 4,800 locations across the US. All products from GNC Herbal Plus, including their milk thistle supplement, ensure ingredient safety and maximum potency.
- Healthy hormonal balance
- Herbal supplement
- Supports healthy liver function
- Vegetarian
- GNC production
- Less silymarin extract compared to other milk thistle products
- Pills too large
All about Milk Thistle
Now that we know the best milk thistle products on the market, let’s have a closer look into the benefits of this fascinating plant.
Milk Thistle Benefits
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be ill or have a medical condition to use milk thistle products. You can benefit from them even if you’re perfectly healthy, and by doing so avoid oxidative damage and boost your immune system along the way. Most people consume the plant’s extract to reduce liver damage and protect it from deteriorating. Think of your liver as your body’s own filtration system. Anything you consume goes through and gets absorbed by the liver, which breaks down and removes harmful substances from your system.
Prescription medication, alcohol, and antibiotics are some of the most notable contaminants which your liver deals with. However, these substances take a toll on your liver and can damage if the organ is continually exposed to them. This is where milk thistle comes into play. Whether consumed in a tablet, liquid, or even raw form, the plant’s extract will help your body in numerous ways. Modern research suggests this plant holds promising potential in bringing a plethora of health benefits to humans. Here are the top five:
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Proper Functioning of the Liver
The liver is our largest internal organ in charge of cleansing our body and supporting other vital systems. It is no coincidence that the liver has been popularly named a ‘blood purifier’ as it cleans our blood from harmful toxins, heavy metals present in our water, pesticides, and other toxic contaminants.
You can easily understand why a poor liver function can lead to serious health complication. As a liver supporter and detoxifier, milk thistle is thought to not only block off these toxins, but also promote cell growth within the damaged liver itself. Which leads us into the second benefit – cell growth.
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Sparks Cell Growth and Encourages Regeneration
Recent studies have shown that milk thistle also helps with regeneration and creation of new cells in the liver. As some people are exposed to certain compounds which are particularly harmful to the liver, such as anti-depressants and alcohol, the liver cells may get damaged by the constant exposure of these compounds.
According to some reports, silymarin helps the liver in repairing itself by promoting cell growth and regeneration. What’s more, milk thistle can actually protect your liver from oxidative cell damage. (3)
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Protects Against Cardiovascular Diseases
Nowadays more than ever, people across the world are affected by different types of cardiovascular diseases due to smoking and poor dieting. Because of milk thistle’s potential anti-inflammatory effects, your body could benefit from lower cholesterol levels and an improved heart health. This property has been well-documented; studies show milk thistle in combination with traditional cholesterol treatment works to more efficiently lower LDL cholesterol levels in a human body. (4)
Not only that, but the antioxidant properties of milk thistle stretch to our arteries as well, preventing them from suffering oxidative stress damage.
Although official research is lacking, initial studies show silymarin, in combination with traditional treatment, helps in improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, for the benefit of those suffering from diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Anticancer Therapy through Enhanced Metabolism
Limited research has been conducted to explore how milk thistle affects cancer cells. However, small trials have found that not only does silymarin helps some chemotherapy drugs work better against breast and ovarian cancer cells, but also directly destroy and slow down prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells. (5)
This is great news and opens up new doors in exploring the vast benefits of milk thistle’s effects against cancer. The plant appears to inhibit the cancerous cells and may even prevent cancer from occurring in the first place. (6)
Also, milk thistle products enhance metabolism and may keep our blood rate and heart rate regulated. As a result, it keeps the body running as it should. Better metabolism means a better immune system which is in turn more efficient in fighting against carcinogens.
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Helps Diabetics Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Apart from reducing cholesterol levels, milk thistle has been found to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, by decreasing glucose levels in our bloodstream. It all comes back to the liver again, as this organ is responsible for hormone regulation, more specifically, the control of insulin levels. As you probably know already, insulin plays an integral role in those with diabetes as it maintains blood sugar levels.
Milk thistle products are widely known for their contribution to the development of the liver. But they’re also beneficial for the human body overall, as the neural activity governs every human system. (7)
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
Why Do I Need to Take Milk Thistle Products?
For providing the greatest amount of support to your liver and keeping your overall immune system healthy, you need to take milk thistle products. There is no better herbal, all-natural substitute at an affordable price. If you wish to give your liver the maximum amount of protection it needs and want to make the best investment in your health with your hard-earned money, then milk thistle products are the way to go.
There can be many reasons why a person’s liver may be negatively affected. There are people who are working continuously in a toxic environment for a great amount of time. There are people who are moderate or heavy drinkers or have been abusing prescription medication for a long time. But, even if a person is in perfect health and his or her liver is working as it should, consuming milk thistle can be one of the biggest steps towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What’s the Maximum Dose of Milk Thistle Extract I Can Consume?
It’s important to remember milk thistle is a supplement, not a medication. Therefore, it’s not designed to flat-out cure or treat any conditions. It’s simply there to alleviate and protect your body from toxins and bring it back into balance. And because milk thistle isn’t considered a drug, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee its production or consumption.
As a rule of thumb and a general recommendation, 150 mg of milk thistle, taken one to three times a day, should suffice in protecting your liver and boosting your immune system. If you plan to consume it on an ongoing basis, 50-150 mg a day should do just fine. Take the tablets with water in between your meals or squeeze a drop of the liquid underneath your tongue before swallowing.
Always look for products with a standardized amount of the active ingredient silymarin present in the extract. This should account for 80% of the tablet. Most products on the market come with 150-250 mg capsules, but as you have seen from above, there are certain brands which offer extremely potent supplements with up to 1300 mg of the extract crammed in a single tablet.
What Are The Side Effects of Milk Thistle?
Although milk thistle is relatively safe to consume, there are certain precautions you should have in mind before necking the pill. A very few side effects have been reported, and most of these aren’t serious. Some people have reported allergic reactions, others dizziness and light headiness, while certain users even complained of an undesired laxative effect. You’re at increased risk of seeing these if you’re pregnant, using the supplement while taking anti-anxiety drugs, or are allergic to certain ingredients.
Still, these potential minor setbacks are overshadowed by the milk thistle’s positive impacts, and the thousands of lives the plant has already changed.
What Ingredients Are Present in Milk Thistle Products?
The active ingredient thought to have protective benefits for the liver is known as silymarin. Silymarin is thought to have protective functions against toxic environmental conditions and works to detoxify your system from harmful contaminants. Other ingredients commonly present in milk thistle supplements include cellulose, corn starch, silica, and other beneficial extracts such as artichoke leaf and turmeric root.
It’s the ingredients that make this supplement extremely safe to use in a natural, all-vegan way. You want to avoid dangerous supplements with all kinds of fillers and harmful additives which is exactly why milk thistle products are one of the safest natural remedies on the market.
Combining Milk Thistle With Other Supplements
As we mentioned above, some milk thistle supplement brands throw in turmeric root and artichoke leaf extract in the mix too. This is not done by accident. Milk thistle works in synergy with certain herbs and remedies such as dandelion root, turmeric, berberine, and artichoke. All of these can increase the efficiency and bioavailability of milk thistle’s active ingredient silymarin and create a good stack for the liver.
Seek for products which include in these compounds in their formula or buy them separately for better results.
How to Pick a Perfect Milk Thistle Supplement?
Always aim to purchase a product which extracts the active ingredient from the seed of the plant. This is where the active compound is located. Also, make sure that silymarin is present in at least 80% of the capsule content and that all procedures are GMP-certified and adhere to FDA guidelines.
Most importantly, make sure you know what’s in your product. Read the label carefully to find out what ingredients the brand is using. Sometimes, low-quality brands will hide the ingredients with complex names and you need to steer clear of these.
I’m Allergic, Should I Take Milk Thistle Supplements?
Milk thistle products are usually verified products and verified from an independent lab. They are declared to be from corn, egg, milk, gluten, and peanuts. But individuals who are allergic to different kinds of weed or plants must consult with the doctor before taking any kinds of milk thistle products. They must be recommended by a healthcare professional before subscription.
Who Can Use Milk Thistle?
Anyone can use milk thistle products to benefit their health, but certain groups of people will need it more than others. Alcoholics, for example, even if they’ve quit drinking and are maintain their sobriety successfully, should use milk thistle products as their liver has likely suffered some internal damage caused by their drinking. Milk thistle products go a long way in helping the liver to detoxify itself and grow new cells.
Moreover, milk thistle’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can benefit aging adults to a great extent. Silymarin will boost their immune system and detox their system, preventing further oxidative stress from occurring.
