Milk thistle from Viridian, A Vogel, Solgar, Fushi Wellbeing, New Leaf and Lifeplan – capsules, extracts and organic whole seed.
A traditional European herb with a very long history of use. It carries no permitted health claim, so what follows describes what it is rather than what it might do.
Milk thistle is a Mediterranean plant whose seeds contain a group of compounds collectively called silymarin. Standardised extracts state how much silymarin they provide, which is the number worth comparing between products.
Viridian's organic version uses whole seed at 400mg, while their extract is concentrated. Fushi cold-press theirs. These are genuinely different products despite the shared name, and the price difference reflects that.
Compare the silymarin content rather than the total milligrams of herb, in the same way you would compare curcuminoids rather than turmeric root. A large number of milligrams of whole seed is not equivalent to a smaller amount of standardised extract.
A Vogel work from freshly harvested plants, which is their approach across the range. Their product carries its own name and instructions on the pack, and those are the ones to follow.
Milk thistle is in the daisy family, so anyone allergic to daisies, ragweed or chrysanthemums should avoid it – the same caution that applies to echinacea.
It is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without advice, and it can interact with prescribed medication. If you take anything regularly, ask your pharmacist before starting. If you have been told anything about your liver by a doctor, that is a conversation for them and not for a shop shelf.
FAQ
What is silymarin?
The group of compounds found in milk thistle seed. Standardised extracts state how much they provide, and that is the figure worth comparing.
Who should avoid milk thistle?
Anyone allergic to plants in the daisy family, and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding without advice. Check with a pharmacist if you take prescribed medication.
Is whole seed as good as an extract?
They are different products. Compare the silymarin content rather than the milligrams of herb, since the two are not equivalent.
Can I take it with my medication?
Ask your pharmacist first, as milk thistle can interact with a number of medicines.
