Milk thistle fruit extract (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean basin and now cultivated in many regions of the world. The extract used in supplementation is obtained from the plant's fruits (achenes) and is standardised for silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans — including silybinin, the main active compound — recognised for its antioxidant properties. Silymarin contributes to the protection of liver cells against free radicals and substances potentially harmful to the liver. It is also associated with supporting the liver's normal elimination functions and maintaining the overall balance of the hepatobiliary system, notably by promoting bile production and flow. Milk thistle extract supplementation may be of interest to those looking to support their liver's daily function, particularly in contexts of hepatic fatigue or exposure to environmental and dietary factors that place demands on this organ. The standardised extract form ensures a reproducible concentration of active compounds.