Milk thistle (silymarin / silibinin)
Detox · Hepatoprotective flavonolignan
Tier A
What this is
Oral silymarin has poor bioavailability; phytosome forms (Siliphos) or silibinin formulations improve absorption considerably. Most trials in chronic liver disease have been disappointing. Routine 'liver detox' marketing exceeds evidence. IV silibinin legitimately life-saving for Amanita poisoning.
Mechanism
Silymarin complex (silibinin A/B, silychristin, silydianin); scavenges free radicals, stabilizes hepatocyte membranes; silibinin blocks amatoxin uptake — specific antidote for Amanita phalloides poisoning
Dose & route
200-400 mg/day silymarin standardized to 70-80% silymarin
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29141497/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23117294/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4712586/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.