MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle is the most well-researched plant for liver disease treatment, with a 2,000-year history of medicinal use. Preclinical studies demonstrate hepatoprotection against acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, and Amanita phalloides toxicity. Clinical evidence for alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury is encouraging but heterogeneous, and well-designed randomized trials remain needed. Anticancer, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-Parkinson effects have been shown in vitro and in animal models but lack robust human clinical data. Safety profile is excellent: well tolerated at doses up to 700 mg three times daily for 24 weeks, with minimal drug interactions and no major cytochrome P450 effects.