Re: milk thistle

I want to go on a course of milk thistle for liver regeneration etc.

My supplier does two different types, the more expensive is 80% Silymarin extract powder, the cheaper is silybum marianum powder. The first one is more than double the price and half the quantity of the second.

Question is will the cheaper one do the job and how much should i take and for how long, for the different milk thistle powders.

I prefer the whole powder to the extract.  The extract is standardized for only one of the active flavonoids found in milk thistle.  There is a synergistic effect between the various active flavonoids, thus a better effect from the whole seed compared to the extract.

If treating a liver problem then I recommend a half teaspoon three times daily before meals for 2-3 months.  If simply doing it for liver support then a half teaspoon once a day is fine and it can be taken long term.