Milk Thistle: Cost, Evidence & ROI

Evidence-based cost-benefit analysis of Milk Thistle.

Monthly cost
$27
QALY gain per year
+0.014
Return on investment
+50.9x
Evidence level
Medium (moderate clinical evidence)

What the research shows

Silibinin, the main active component of milk thistle, has been shown to possess antioxidant, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects.

Reported benefits

Who it is for

Individuals with diabetes or those looking to support liver health may benefit most from milk thistle supplementation.

Considerations

While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid it. Additionally, it may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Compare other supplements by cost and evidence

Educational and research purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. ROI is modelled at $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year; see the methodology.