What Are the Benefits of Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle’s healing properties have been recorded as far back as 40-90 AD by the Greek physician Dioscorides, but what do today’s scientific studies have to say about it? And why should you be incorporating it into your daily routine?


Discover the benefits of milk thistle extract and learn why we’ve included it in our comprehensive formula to support your liver and optimize your health. 

The Benefits of Milk Thistle

Part of the daisy and ragweed family, milk thistle is a flowering herb with antioxidant properties native to Mediterranean countries. Sourced from the milk thistle seeds, milk thistle extract (silymarin) has been used for thousands of years to treat liver and gallbladder conditions. Although many recent studies are also looking into the benefits of milk thistle extract for diabetes, heart conditions, and gastrointestinal issues.

Treating Liver Conditions

Increasing antioxidant concentrations, milk thistle extract provides beneficial effects for many liver conditions, with some evidence pointing to improvements in cirrhosis and hepatitis. By fighting free radicals and lipid peroxidation, milk thistle extract offers antifibrotic effects and helps to impede toxins binding to epithelial cell receptors in the liver.

Lowering Blood Sugar

Research also suggests that milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and, when combined with traditional treatment methods, can help improve diabetic conditions. Studies have also shown that in addition to decreasing blood sugar levels, milk thistle improves cholesterol and insulin resistance. 

Lowering Cholesterol

Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can raise your risk for heart disease and stroke. Milk thistle provides heart benefits by working to lower LDL cholesterol levels. 

The Risks of Milk Thistle

The most common risks of milk thistle extract are allergic reactions, and people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family like ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, but also artichoke and kiwi, are at a higher risk. 

The most common side effects include itching, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. 


Because milk thistle lowers blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should take it with caution. 


Always be sure to check with your doctor before taking milk thistle extract. 



Formulated by our team of master formulators, GSH+ combines natural compounds, including milk thistle extract, to support your liver’s ability to cleanse your body effectively and regenerate more efficiently. 


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