Milk thistle touted as 30p liver repair remedy amid UK liver-disease surge

Milk thistle has long been billed as a simple, 30p natural remedy that could repair a damaged liver and shield the organ from alcohol and disease. The spiky, pink-flowering plant traces its appeal to a history spanning more than two millennia, and it remains highly popular in the United Kingdom. In Britain, the seeds of the plant are promoted for liver health in supplement form, with most pills costing no more than about 30p. The herb sits among the country’s most-wanted herbal remedies for liver health, and it was the fourth-highest selling supplement at the health store chain Holland & Barrett last year, according to surveys cited by advocates.

The health benefits are largely attributed to silymarin, a chemical complex found in the plant’s seeds, fruit and leaves. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant and is thought to reduce inflammation in the body while protecting liver cells from environmental toxins. Clinicians say that when taken by otherwise healthy people, milk thistle can support the liver’s natural filtration and function, potentially helping the organ process substances such as paracetamol and alcohol more efficiently. Early proponents have framed the herb as a way to give the liver a boost during stressful periods or times of changing routines.

In 2021 a major study suggested milk thistle could reduce liver inflammation and liver fat, two factors tied to serious liver disease. The study reported improvements in liver health within as little as two months for participants taking the supplement. While researchers cautioned that results can vary and that milk thistle is not a cure-all, the findings have reinforced the view among some clinicians that the supplement can have tangible benefits for liver function in certain individuals.

Clinical nutritionist Jane Hutton, who runs the NHS-commissioned Functional Foodie clinic, emphasizes that milk thistle’s impact depends on the person. “The liver is the body’s natural filtration system—the healthier it is, the better you’ll process substances, whether that’s paracetamol or alcohol,” she said. “If you’re particularly stressed or carrying a heavy workload, milk thistle can be helpful to give your liver a bit of a boost.”

Alex Glover, a senior nutritionist at Holland & Barrett, notes that milk thistle may help to lower liver enzymes such as AST and ALT when the liver is injured, signaling improved liver function in some cases. Yet he stresses that the supplement is not a universal remedy. “There’s no magic bullet for liver health, and the effect milk thistle has will depend on the person taking it,” he said. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have diabetes, should avoid the supplement, and certain medicines—blood thinners, statins and anti-seizure drugs—may interact with milk thistle in ways that could be harmful. The liver’s role in drug metabolism means the supplement can alter how other medicines are processed.

Elsewhere, researchers warn that milk thistle’s evidence base for certain claims—such as hangover prevention—remains limited. While some marketing materials suggest a hangover benefit, experts say the science is far from conclusive. “The liver breaks down alcohol, so there’s a theory that milk thistle could help, but there isn’t strong evidence to support a hangover-specific effect,” Glover said. He suggests other approaches, such as curcumin—the active component of turmeric—whose anti-inflammatory properties have shown more consistent results in reducing inflammation and related symptoms the day after drinking.

COULD THIS £9-A-POP SUPPLEMENT HEAL YOUR LIVER - AND PREVENT A HANGOVER? The market has seen higher-priced options promoted as premium liver-supporting products. One brand, De-liver-ance, is marketed at high cost and claims to act on a molecular level to optimize liver function. The company’s founder, herbalist Siggi Clavien, argues that while milk thistle is a solid basic herb with antioxidant properties, De-liver-ance offers something more. The liquid supplement, which does not contain milk thistle, touts a formulation rich in polyphenols and other herbs such as ginseng and astragalus. Proponents claim it can lower blood sugar and inflammation, boost cognitive function, and reduce cancer risk. In a study cited by the manufacturer, people with fatty liver who took De-liver-ance reportedly returned the liver toward half of its full health after three months, and 83% lowered liver fat levels. Critics caution that anecdotal reports and company claims should not be conflated with independent medical evidence, and experts reiterate that milk thistle remains the more established option for liver support among over-the-counter supplements. Nevertheless, proponents say for those who can’t afford De-liver-ance, milk thistle still offers some benefits, though not to the same extent.

The broader picture in Britain shows a country grappling with rising liver disease. Official statistics indicate liver disease mortality has increased more than 400% since 1970, underscoring the need for more effective protections and treatments. The liver plays a central role in detoxifying the blood, and liver disease disrupts this function, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Experts caution that the rise in liver disease is not solely driven by alcohol consumption. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and sedentary lifestyles also contribute to conditions such as fatty liver disease, which affects about one in three adults in the UK. Fatty liver can progress without obvious symptoms, delaying diagnosis. Meanwhile, alcohol-related liver disease is on the rise, with deaths reaching a record high—around 6,000 in 2024.

Many patients with alcohol-related liver disease remain undiagnosed in the early stages, with estimates suggesting that about seven in ten cases are not identified promptly. Public health data show that not only heavy drinkers are at risk; drinking above the recommended limit—14 units per week for most adults—poses significant danger. The British Liver Trust estimates that roughly one in four people drink in a way that could harm health, a figure expected to climb during the Christmas period when two in three Britons report drinking too much. Experts agree that the most effective strategy to prevent alcohol-related liver disease is to cut back on alcohol. Some, however, also advocate for a broader consideration of supplements like milk thistle as an adjunct to a healthier lifestyle, while noting the need for more robust evidence and careful medical consultation in the context of existing medications and conditions.

In sum, milk thistle remains a widely used herbal option for liver support in the UK, supported by some clinical data and expert opinions but not guaranteed to prevent liver disease or replace conventional medical care. Healthcare professionals urge that individuals consult with doctors or pharmacists before starting any supplement, particularly if they are pregnant, have diabetes, or are taking medications that may interact with milk thistle. As Christmas festivities approach, the balance between enjoying alcohol in moderation and supporting liver health with evidence-based approaches remains a central public health conversation.