Milk thistle is an herb that has been a staple of ancient Greece and Chinese medical practices for over 2000 years, and is widely recognized as a powerful liver support supplement. A vast array of research has shown that milk thistle is very beneficial for liver-related diseases such as toxic liver damage, inflammatory liver disease, and cirrhosis. Milk thistle is more than just a liver support supplement, assisting in bodily functions from protection against various diseases to helping encourage the growth of new cells.

Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle complex, is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals that cause cellular damage. Antioxidants provide significant anti-aging benefits by neutralizing free radicals that drive the oxidative signs of aging and age-related degenerative diseases. For some people weight gain is related to a problematic situation in the digestive processes that take place in the body. Milk thistle antioxidants have been shown to improve the digestive system, which can lead to improved metabolic activity and weight loss support.

Milk thistle extract is supportive of other compounds that have antioxidant properties like glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Glutathione in the body is increased by as much as 30% with milk thistle supplementation, ensuring that the liver is more effective at cleansing the body and eliminating toxic substances. Milk thistle increases the flow of bile, which can also help to prevent and treat gallstones.

Alcohol-related liver diseases are regularly experienced with heavy alcohol use. Milk thistle is able to perform essential functions in alleviating these difficulties. Milk thistle acts as a guardian, protecting against toxicity caused by alcohol consumption. Alcohol use in large amounts extends the liver beyond its healthy capacity, leading to dangerous liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Milk thistle supplementation is able to maintain, repair, and regenerate liver cells, blocking fibrosis, a circumstance that can also lead to cirrhosis if not take seriously.

Although there is a need for clinical studies on humans, laboratory research has indicated that silibinin, an active compound of silymarin, can be effective in combating cancer cells found in prostrate, cervical, and breast cancers. Milk thistle can reduce cancer cell growth and has improved efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. The effects of the herb as an anti-inflammatory can decrease the potential of cells in the liver from swelling as a result of damage. In providing a positive influence on the growth of liver cells, milk thistle is able to protect the livers of patients on medication for schizophrenia.