What is another name for silymarin?

November 4, 2025 •

2 min read

Research indicates that silymarin is the main active compound extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. This flowering herb, also known by names like Mary thistle, provides the source for this popular supplement, so another name for silymarin is often considered to be milk thistle itself.

Quick Summary

Silymarin is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum. The most common alternative name is milk thistle, the herb from which it is derived.

Key Points

Common Name: The most widely recognized alternative name for silymarin is milk thistle, the plant from which it is derived.
Active Extract: Silymarin is the name given to the active flavonoid complex extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant.
Not a Single Compound: Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans, including silybin, isosilybin, and silydianin.
Most Active Component: Silybin is the most potent and abundant compound within the silymarin complex.
Traditional Use: The milk thistle plant has been used for centuries for liver and gallbladder disorders.
Supplement Standardization: Modern supplements are typically standardized to a certain percentage of silymarin to ensure potency and consistency.

What Exactly is Silymarin?

Silymarin is not a single chemical but a complex mixture of compounds known as flavonolignans found in milk thistle seeds. The main components include silybin (or silybinin), isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin, with silybin being the most abundant and active.

The Many Names for Silymarin's Herbal Source

Due to its close link to the source plant, milk thistle's common names are often used interchangeably with silymarin. These traditional names for the Silybum marianum plant can include:

Mary thistle
Holy thistle
Blessed milkthistle
Marian thistle

These names typically refer to the plant, but in everyday language, they may refer to the extract used in supplements.

The Power of Silymarin: Benefits and Uses

Silymarin is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its reputation as a health supplement, particularly for liver function.

Liver Support

Milk thistle has a long history of use for liver and gallbladder issues. Modern research explores its potential for conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis, with preclinical studies supporting its antioxidant and hepatoprotective mechanisms.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Preliminary studies suggest other potential benefits, though more human research is needed:

Type 2 Diabetes: May help blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.
Skin Health: Possible protective and anti-aging effects.
Weight Loss: Indicated in animal studies, but human data is limited.
Cancer: Early research suggests potential anti-cancer effects.

Understanding Different Formulations

Supplements are often standardized to contain a specific percentage of silymarin for consistent potency. This differs from using unprocessed plant parts, which have lower, variable silymarin concentrations.

Silymarin vs. Milk Thistle: A Quick Comparison


Characteristic	Milk Thistle (Plant)	Silymarin (Extract)
Source	The entire plant, Silybum marianum	Extracted specifically from the seeds of the milk thistle plant
Form	Consumed as a whole food, tea, or in less concentrated supplements	Sold in standardized capsules, tablets, or liquid tinctures
Composition	Contains a variety of plant compounds, including a small percentage of flavonolignans	A concentrated mixture of flavonolignans, including silybin, isosilybin, and silydianin
Potency	Lower and more variable concentration of active compounds	Higher, standardized, and more consistent concentration of active compounds
Primary Use	Traditional remedy, sometimes used for general wellness	Specific therapeutic applications, most notably for liver health

Potential Interactions and Precautions

Silymarin is generally considered safe but may interact with certain medications and could affect blood sugar levels. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.

Conclusion: The Final Answer on Silymarin's Name

Another name for silymarin is milk thistle. This is because silymarin is the active flavonoid extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). While milk thistle refers to the herb, silymarin is the concentrated active component in supplements, clarifying the relationship between the two terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, milk thistle is the common name for the entire plant (Silybum marianum), while silymarin is the name for the flavonoid complex extracted from its seeds.

The most active and well-researched component within the silymarin complex is silybin.

The milk thistle plant is also known as Mary thistle, holy thistle, and blessed milkthistle.

Silymarin is primarily used to support liver health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with traditional use for liver and gallbladder problems.

Silymarin is an extract, so you can't get it directly from foods in its concentrated form. While the plant's leaves and seeds can be consumed, the silymarin concentration is much lower.

Silymarin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or headaches. Allergic reactions can also occur.

Yes, milk thistle extract is the raw preparation from the plant. It is often standardized to guarantee that it contains a specific, high percentage of silymarin, the active ingredient complex.