Silymarin is a dietary supplement extracted from the medicinal plant Silybum marianum. It is commonly used to help support liver health and protect liver cells from toxic substances.
It may be recommended as a supportive option for chronic inflammatory liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or toxic liver injury. However, it should not replace standard medical treatment for liver disease.
Silymarin works by helping stabilize liver cells and support normal liver function. It may help relieve symptoms related to liver problems, such as headache, weakness, digestive issues, a heavy feeling in the stomach, or loss of appetite.
Silymarin can be found in pharmacies, drugstores, and supplement stores in the form of tablets, capsules, or syrup. It should be used only as recommended by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.
What it is used for
Silymarin may be used for:
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Digestive problems caused by liver disease;
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Helping prevent toxic liver injury caused by excessive alcohol intake;
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Chronic inflammatory liver disease;
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Liver cirrhosis;
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Toxic liver injury.
This supplement is extracted from the medicinal plant Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle. It should only be used as recommended and monitored by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist to support liver care and complement conventional medical treatment.
How to take
Silymarin should be taken by mouth at the times recommended by the doctor. Capsules and tablets should be taken with a glass of water. Syrup should be taken using the dosing cup provided in the package.
The dosage of silymarin for adults varies depending on the formulation, which may include:
1. Silymarin hard capsules
Hard capsules contain 200 mg or 300 mg of silymarin. The recommended doses for adults are:
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200 mg hard capsules: the recommended initial dose is 1 hard capsule of 200 mg, 3 times a day. The recommended maintenance dose is 1 hard capsule of 200 mg, 2 times a day;
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300 mg hard capsules: the recommended initial dose is 1 hard capsule of 300 mg, 2 times a day. The maintenance dose is 1 hard capsule of 300 mg, once a day.
Hard capsules should be swallowed whole, without splitting or chewing them. The length of treatment should be determined by the doctor.
2. Silymarin soft capsules
Soft or gelatin capsules may contain 100 mg, 180 mg, or 200 mg of silymarin.
The recommended doses for adults are:
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100 mg soft capsules: the recommended initial dose is 2 soft capsules of 100 mg, 3 times a day. After 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, the doctor may reduce the dose to 1 capsule of 200 mg, 3 times a day;
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200 mg soft capsules: the recommended initial dose is 1 soft capsule of 200 mg, 3 times a day. After 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, the doctor may reduce the dose to 1 soft capsule of 200 mg, 2 times a day;
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180 mg gelatin capsules: the recommended initial dose is 1 gelatin capsule of 180 mg, 3 times a day. The maintenance dose is 1 gelatin capsule of 180 mg, 2 times a day.
Any changes to the silymarin dose should be made with medical guidance. Treatment should be reassessed by the doctor 2 to 4 weeks after starting the supplement.
3. Silymarin coated tablets
Coated tablets or dragees may contain 90 mg or 120 mg of silymarin.
The doses normally recommended for adults are:
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120 mg coated tablets: the recommended initial dose is 2 tablets of 120 mg, 2 times a day. The maintenance dose is 1 tablet of 120 mg, 3 times a day;
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90 mg dragees: the recommended initial dose is 2 dragees of 90 mg, 3 times a day. The maintenance dose is 1 dragee of 90 mg, 3 times a day.
These doses may be increased by the doctor depending on the condition being treated and the severity of symptoms.
4. Silymarin syrup
The syrup or oral suspension may contain 17.138 mg/mL or 64 mg/5 mL of silymarin.
The doses normally recommended for the oral suspension are:
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Adolescents: 7.5 mL (1 ½ teaspoons), 3 times a day;
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Adults: 10 mL (2 teaspoons), 3 times a day.
These doses should always be adjusted according to the severity of symptoms. For this reason, the dose should be calculated by a hepatologist before starting the supplement.
It is important to shake the syrup bottle well before use to mix the ingredients and ensure the correct dose.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of silymarin are dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or stomach pain.
Headache, weakness, excessive sweating, hives, itching, or a skin allergy may also occur.
Silymarin may also cause severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions. Go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, or fainting occur.
Who should not take it
Silymarin should not be used by children or by people who are allergic to silymarin or any other ingredient in the formula.
In addition, silymarin should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.