Best Fit Profiles
- liver enzyme elevation, NAFLD support, and medication-related liver protection
Liver protection and enzyme normalization
Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Silymarin (the active complex of milk thistle) has the strongest evidence among herbal liver protectants. Multiple RCTs show meaningful reduction in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease. Hepatoprotective mechanisms are well-characterized.
Evidence Level B
Evidence and Risk Labels
Evidence A/B/C reflects research maturity, and risk levels reflect monitoring needs. These labels support comparison, not diagnosis or treatment decisions.
See full scoring guideClinical Snapshot
- Effect Size
- Moderate to meaningful liver enzyme reduction in liver disease populations; hepatoprotective effect consistent across trials
- Safety
- Low Risk
Generally very well tolerated. May interact with hepatically metabolized drugs via CYP450 inhibition. Mild laxative effect at high doses.
Research Dosing
This reflects common ranges and protocols used in published studies, not personal medical advice.
- Typical Daily Dose
- 420-600 mg (standardized to 70-80% silymarin)
- Timing
- With meals, divided 2-3 times daily
- Protocol Duration in Studies
- 12-16 weeks for enzyme normalization; ongoing for chronic liver support
Phosphatidylcholine-bound silymarin (silybin-PC) shows superior absorption.