Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is one of the most widely researched herbal ingredients for liver health and detoxification. Its active component, silymarin, is a complex of flavonolignans with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Historically, milk thistle has been used in traditional European medicine for liver and gallbladder disorders. In modern times, multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that silymarin can protect hepatocytes (liver cells) from toxins, promote protein synthesis, and stabilize cell membranes.

Clinical evidence is more mixed. Several randomized controlled trials suggest that silymarin supplementation can improve liver function tests (such as ALT and AST) in patients with chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The evidence for its use in acute poisoning (e.g., Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning) is stronger, with silymarin being considered a supportive therapy. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses note that while there are positive effects, the quality and consistency of the studies vary, and large, high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy for general liver "detoxification."

In summary, the use of Silybum marianum for supporting liver detoxification is justified by both traditional use and a moderate degree of scientific evidence, particularly for liver protection and improvement of certain liver function markers, though not all claims are equally substantiated.