Synopsis

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

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been traditionally used for its purported benefits to liver and gall bladder health. Historical herbal texts and folk medicine practices in Europe and the Mediterranean describe milk thistle as a "liver tonic" and a remedy for various biliary and digestive complaints, including support for the gall bladder. The active compounds in milk thistle, primarily silymarin, are thought to have hepatoprotective and mild choleretic (bile-stimulating) effects, which could theoretically benefit gall bladder function by promoting bile flow and reducing the risk of gallstone formation.

However, while scientific studies have investigated milk thistle’s role in liver disease, clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for gall bladder health is sparse. Most modern research has focused on liver protection and detoxification rather than direct gall bladder outcomes. There are a few animal studies and limited human data suggesting increased bile secretion, but robust, well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating clear benefits for gall bladder conditions are lacking. Therefore, the use of milk thistle for gall bladder support remains primarily rooted in tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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