Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various liver ailments, including cirrhosis. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, which may protect liver cells from damage and promote regeneration. Several preclinical and small clinical studies have investigated the effects of silymarin in patients with cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. Some trials suggest that milk thistle may reduce liver-related symptoms, improve certain biochemical markers (such as liver enzymes), and possibly reduce mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis. However, the evidence is inconsistent and not robust enough to draw firm conclusions.

The largest and most rigorous clinical trials to date have not shown clear, statistically significant benefits of milk thistle in improving survival or halting the progression of cirrhosis. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while milk thistle appears to be safe and may have mild beneficial effects, the overall quality of evidence is low due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity among studies. As a result, major liver disease guidelines do not currently recommend milk thistle as a standard therapy for cirrhosis, but it is sometimes used as an adjunctive supplement. More high-quality research is needed to clarify its role in the management of cirrhosis.

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