Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum extract (silymarin). Dietary Supplement, herbal / liver support.
This page describes what Milk Thistle is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- ~6 hours
- Liver strain
- None at typical doses
- Kidney strain
- None at typical doses
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Investigational for liver disease
What it does in the body
Hepatic
- Antioxidant; human evidence for protecting the liver is weak
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (capsule) | ~6 hours | N/A (not a banned substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Gastrointestinal
- Stomach upset or loose stools in some people, mostly at high doses
Related compounds
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl)
- L-Glutamine
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Dextrose
- Melatonin
- BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
Questions
What is the half-life of Milk Thistle?
About ~6 hours. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Milk Thistle detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Milk Thistle legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Milk Thistle?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of Milk Thistle?
Gastrointestinal: stomach upset or loose stools in some people, mostly at high doses.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.