Milk thistle is a flowering plant, Silybum marianum, whose seeds contain a group of natural compounds known as silymarin. In Ireland it is sold both as a food supplement and, under separate rules, as a registered traditional herbal medicine. At Probiotic.ie we stock milk thistle food supplements in capsule form, shipped from Dublin with tracked delivery across Ireland.
Milk thistle: key facts
- Plant: Silybum marianum, a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to the Mediterranean
- Name: from the white veins on its leaves, which folklore links to the Virgin Mary
- Part used in supplements: the seeds, sometimes described as the fruit
- Main compounds: silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans including silybin
- Label terms: "standardised to 80% silymarin" states the silymarin content. "Full spectrum" means whole ground seed
- Regulation in Ireland: food supplements are overseen by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Traditional herbal medicines are registered with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
- Health claims: no health claim is authorised in the EU for milk thistle as a food supplement
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a tall, prickly plant with purple flowers and white-veined leaves. It grows wild across southern Europe and has been cultivated in gardens for centuries.
The seeds contain silymarin, a mixture of plant compounds called flavonolignans. The best known is silybin, also called silibinin. Supplement labels usually state either the weight of milk thistle seed or the amount of silymarin it provides.
Food supplement or herbal medicine?
In Ireland, milk thistle can be sold in two different legal categories. Some products are registered with the HPRA as traditional herbal medicines. Those products are assessed as medicines and may state a traditional use on the pack. Other products, including all those in this collection, are food supplements. Food supplements are regulated as food and cannot claim to treat or prevent any condition. If you see different wording on different brands, this is usually why.
Standardised extract vs full-spectrum milk thistle
|
Standardised extract |
Full spectrum (whole seed) |
| What it is |
An extract processed to a set silymarin content |
Ground milk thistle seed |
| Typical label wording |
"Standardised to 80% silymarin" |
"Full spectrum" or "whole herb" |
| What the label tells you |
The silymarin amount per serving |
The weight of seed per serving |
| Comparing products |
Compare mg of silymarin |
Compare mg of seed |
Milk thistle supplements available in Ireland
Figures are as stated by each manufacturer.
How to choose a milk thistle supplement
1. Standardised or full spectrum
Standardised extracts state their silymarin content. Full-spectrum products state the weight of whole seed. Decide which measure matters to you before comparing.
2. Capsules or tablets
Both are common. Capsules are often easier to swallow, while tablets can hold a higher dose in a smaller size. The format does not change the ingredient.
3. Single ingredient or blend
Some products contain milk thistle only. Others combine it with nutrients such as glutathione or alpha lipoic acid. Check the full ingredients list.
4. Food supplement or herbal medicine
Look for an HPRA registration number on the pack if you want a registered traditional herbal medicine. Food supplements do not carry one.
Food supplement notice. The products in this collection are food supplements, not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No health claim is authorised in the EU for milk thistle. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. For health information in Ireland, the HSE is the appropriate reference.
Buying milk thistle in Ireland
All stock ships from Dublin on a tracked service, with free tracked Irish delivery on orders over โฌ75. Because orders ship from within Ireland, no customs charges apply. See our delivery information for details.
Milk thistle FAQs
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle is a plant, Silybum marianum, from the daisy family. Its seeds contain silymarin, a group of natural compounds, and are used in food supplements and in some registered traditional herbal medicines.
What is silymarin?
Silymarin is the collective name for the main compounds in milk thistle seeds, a group of flavonolignans that includes silybin. Standardised supplements state how much silymarin they contain.
What is milk thistle good for?
No health claim is authorised in the EU for milk thistle sold as a food supplement, so we do not make one. Some milk thistle products in Ireland are registered with the HPRA as traditional herbal medicines, and the pack of a registered product states its traditional use. For advice about your health, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Is milk thistle good for the liver?
No liver-related health claim is authorised for milk thistle as a food supplement. If you have a question about your liver health, speak to your GP.
What is the difference between milk thistle tablets and capsules?
They are different formats for the same ingredient. Compare products on the amount of milk thistle or silymarin per serving, not the format.
How do you take milk thistle?
Follow the label. Swanson Full Spectrum Milk Thistle directs one capsule once or twice daily with food and water. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
How long can you take milk thistle for?
Follow the directions on the label, and speak to your GP or pharmacist if you plan to take any supplement long term.
Are there any side effects or dangers of milk thistle?
Follow the label and do not exceed the stated dose. People allergic to plants in the daisy family should speak to their GP or pharmacist before use. If you take any medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Stop use and seek medical advice if you notice any adverse reaction.
Can I take milk thistle while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking milk thistle or any food supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can you make milk thistle tea?
Milk thistle seeds are sold for tea, usually crushed before brewing. Tea does not provide a measured amount of silymarin, so supplements are used where a consistent amount is wanted.
Is milk thistle suitable for vegetarians?
It depends on the capsule. Swanson Full Spectrum Milk Thistle uses a gelatin capsule. NOW Foods Glutathione uses a vegetable capsule.
Where can I buy milk thistle in Ireland?
You can buy milk thistle food supplements at Probiotic.ie. Orders ship from Dublin with tracked Irish delivery, and no customs charges apply.
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