The milk thistle is a genus of plant belonging to the family Asteraceae and includes the species Silybum marianum. It is an annual or biennial thorny herb, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters, thriving in countries with Mediterranean and continental climates.

It is primarily found in the countryside, in mountainous and rocky areas as well as in disturbed soils.

Silymarin, the active ingredient of the plant, is a strong protective agent for the liver and is mainly concentrated in the fruits and seeds. Other important substances include flavonoids, vitamins C, E, and K, and alkaloids. The seeds of milk thistle contain betaine, which has hepatoprotective action.

• Protective action on liver tissues.
• Regeneration of damaged liver cells.
• Support against hepatitis C.