Home>drugs by ailments>Chronic liver disease>silymarin

Silymarin

Information about Silymarin

Silymarin Uses

Silymarin is used in the treatment of Chronic liver disease, cholestatic liver diseases, liver cirrhosis, alcoholic fatty liver disease and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

How Silymarin works

Silymarin is obtained from milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum). It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect liver cells from harmful effects of toxic chemicals (called free radicals) as well as some other medicines.

Common side effects of Silymarin

Back pain, Bloating, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Hair loss, Indigestion, Itching, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Rash, Stomach pain, Upset stomach

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Jain

MS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Jain

MS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

10 Apr 2025 | 04:43 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Silymarin

SilybonMicro Labs Ltd

₹145 to ₹4275 variant(s)

LimarinSerum Institute Of India Ltd

₹65 to ₹1183 variant(s)

HepasilSignova Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹60 to ₹1603 variant(s)

HeparidGeno Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹81 to ₹2953 variant(s)

RejulivShrinivas Gujarat Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹67 to ₹1964 variant(s)

SylolivMapra Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹57 to ₹1183 variant(s)

LiverubinAlchem Phytoceuticals Ltd

₹120 to ₹164516 variant(s)

ElivRavian Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹82 to ₹1322 variant(s)

Livobit SLCubit Healthcare

₹791 variant(s)

SilbostinSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹1121 variant(s)

Expert advice for Silymarin

It protects the liver cells from toxins and helps the liver to perform its normal functions.
It should preferably be taken after meals. One of the doses should always be taken after your evening meal.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if diarrhea persists or if you find blood in your stools.
Do not take antacids that contain aluminum while you are taking Silymarin as this decreases the amount of Silymarin absorbed by your body.
Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Silymarin

Silymarin

Q. What is Silymarin? What is it used for?

Silymarin belongs to a class of medicines known as hepatoprotective medicines which means that they protect the liver. It is used to treat chronic (long-standing) liver diseases. It is also used to treat severe cases of liver disease known as cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin accelerates alcohol clearance from the blood and therefore also helps in the treatment of fatty liver due to alcoholism.

Q. How does Silymarin work for the liver?

Silymarin is obtained from milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). Silymarin works by increasing the process of alcohol elimination from blood and tissues. This provides faster recovery from alcohol intoxication and as a result protects the liver from damage against harmful chemicals known as free radicals. Thereby, it helps to improve overall health of the liver.

Q. How to use Silymarin?

Silymarin should be taken with food. Take it in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and your total body weight. It is advised to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the maximum benefit of Silymarin.

Q. What are the side effects of Silymarin?

The most common side effects are nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, stomach or back pain, hair loss, dizziness, itching and diarrhea. However, these effects are not observed in every patient. If you are worried about them or they do not go away, inform your doctor. If you have problems with diarrhea your doctor may reduce the dose or stop the treatment. Drink enough water or fluids to stay hydrated in case of severe diarrhea.

Q. Can Silymarin be used in pregnancy and lactation?

Silymarin may not be safe to be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Please consult your doctor before taking Silymarin if you are planning to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent harmful effects on the baby.