Milk thistle owns its recognition to the discovery of 3 flavonoïdes called, silybine, silychristine and silydiadine that were grouped together to form: silymarine.

The Commission E and WHO (World Health Organization) agree that standardized extract of 70% of silymarine will help treat dyspepsia (digestive symptoms related hepatic biliary troubles), hepatic intoxication as well as hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

In its monograph, Health Canada sites its recommended use as a hepatic protector.