Claim evidence

Hepatoprotective adjunct for liver disease

Grade CLimited or mixed evidenceSave claim

Ingredient: Milk Thistle · botanical

Plain-language summary

Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complexes have the best pharmacokinetic data in dogs.

About the ingredient

What it is

Herb standardized for silymarin.

Why it's used

Marketed for liver support.

Also known as: Silybum marianum, Silymarin

Cited studies (4)

Canine studies

Effects of Gingko biloba and Milk Thistle Extracts on Biomarkers of Antioxidants Status and Liver Function in Healthy Dogs.
Lertpatarakomol R, Trairatapiwan T, Klaengkaew A, Mitchaothai J, Lukkananukool A · Veterinary sciences · 2025
Save studyC
Study summary
Very limited quality
Design score 2/11
Design
Journal Article
Species
dog
Sample size
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Controls / blinding
Not reported
Funding
Not reported
Strengths
- Conducted in dogs
Limitations
- Sample size not recorded
- No control group recorded
- Study duration not recorded
Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for Milk Thistle
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12080763
Use of Milk Thistle in Farm and Companion Animals: A Review.
Tedesco DEA, Guerrini A · Planta medica · 2023
Save studyD
Study summary
Very limited quality
Design score 2/11
Design
Review; Journal Article
Species
dog
Sample size
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Controls / blinding
Not reported
Funding
Not reported
Strengths
- Conducted in dogs
Limitations
- Sample size not recorded
- No control group recorded
- Study duration not recorded
Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for Milk Thistle
DOI: 10.1055/a-1969-2440
Liver failure in a dog following suspected ingestion of blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.): a case report and review of the toxin.
Sebbag L, Smee N, van der Merwe D, Schmid D · Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association · 2013
Save studyD
Study summary
Very limited quality
Design score 2/11
Design
Case Reports; Journal Article; Review
Species
dog
Sample size
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Controls / blinding
Not reported
Funding
Not reported
Strengths
- Conducted in dogs
Limitations
- Case-level observation only
- Sample size not recorded
- No control group recorded
- Study duration not recorded
Relevance to this claim: Ingredient-level evidence for Milk Thistle
DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5913
Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex pharmacokinetics in dogs
American Journal of Veterinary Research · 2005
Save studyB
Study summary
Limited quality
Design score 3/11
Design
PK study
Species
dog
Sample size
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Controls / blinding
Not reported
Funding
Not reported
Strengths
- Conducted in dogs
Limitations
- No blinded control group
- Sample size not recorded
- No control group recorded
- Study duration not recorded
Outcome: Absorbable form validated for hepatic use

Products in our catalog with Milk Thistle (3)

Rx Vitamins
LiverSupport Formula
100 mg / serving
Four Leaf Rover
Liver/Kidney Clean
Active ingredient
Herbsmith
Herbsmith Milk Thistle
100 % · ~3% silymarin

Educational information only. Not veterinary advice. Grades reflect published dog research and reviewer consensus, not marketing.