Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that has been used nutritionally and medicinally for over 2,000 years. We covered this rich history in a previous post that can be found here. Today milk thistle, in the form of an 80% extract of the active ingredients, can be found in numerous nutritional supplements. And for good reason: corroborating research accumulates with each passing year. Here are three studies from 2025 alone that demonstrate milk thistle's usefulness in supporting modern health challenges. 1 • Liver stiffness study A meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in June 2025, showed that milk thistle actually helps with the structural "stiffness" of the liver caused by metabolic issues. To conduct the study, researchers analyzed 17 random control trials to assess whether milk thistle would benefit adults with Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease. While noting that more complex human trials are needed, the researchers found that milk thistle extract therapy appeared to decrease key liver enzymes specifically in people with metabolic-related liver fat. 2 • Kidney protection study Another meta-analysis, later in the year, reinforced milk thistle as an "organ support" nutrient by demonstrating it also protects the kidneys—a benefit referred to as nephroprotection. For this study, published in Biochemistry, researchers stated they were searching for "novel agents capable of slowing down kidney disease progression or ameliorating disease outcome in patients." When it came to milk thistle extract (Silymarin), the researchers conducted a massive review of 10 clinical trials. The result: researchers determined milk thistle  significantly reduced serum creatinine—reflecting an improvement in kidney filtering ability—in cases of drug-induced acute kidney injury. 3 • Inflammation reduction study Another 2025 study on Milk thistle extract could be termed as the "big picture" study. In this Iranian systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers documented the herb's ability to act as a systemic cleaner and anti-inflammatory. The researchers ultimately reviewed 16 trials conducted in five different countries: Iran, Italy, Iraq, Thailand, Australia, and Pakistan. The researchers asserted that the potential benefit of milk thistle could be determined by tracking C-reactive protein (CRP) and glutathione levels. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Blood CRP concentration rises quickly after tissue injury, infection, or inflammatory stimulus—so the goal is a reduction. On the other hand, an increase in glutathione is desired since it is the "master antioxidant" and is critical for reducing inflammation. The study, published in The International Journal of Clinical Practice, ultimately concluded that milk thistle supplementing significantly decreased blood CRP while it increased glutathione levels in adults.Find milk thistle (Silybum marianum seed 80% extract) in Optimal Liver Kidney from Optimal Health Systems. - - - Sources: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Biochemistry, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, Wikipedia (MDASLD).
