Milk thistle may support liver health, doctors say

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising and has no specific drug treatment; experts say care focuses on diet, exercise and managing underlying risks. The article reports that milk thistle (Silybum marianum) contains silymarin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound described as a natural support for liver health.

Fatty liver disease is being discussed more often because it can develop without clear symptoms and is increasingly common. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with lifestyle and genetic factors. The article notes there is no specific medication for NAFLD and that treatment focuses on the Mediterranean diet, physical exercise, and addressing underlying risk factors such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Experts also highlighted concerns about childhood excess weight, reporting that about 30% of children carry excess weight. Key points: - NAFLD refers to fatty liver not caused by alcohol and is linked to lifestyle and genetics. - The article quotes Dr Rocío Aller de la Fuente saying treatment is based on diet and exercise and on treating underlying risk factors. - Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is identified as a plant long used for liver support; its main active compound is silymarin, found in the seeds. - Silymarin is described in the article as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support liver health. - A pharmaceutical specialist, Ricardo Leite, is cited noting that some plant bioactive compounds have scientific evidence for supporting liver health during fat reduction. Summary: Rising rates of fatty liver disease have led experts to emphasize lifestyle approaches and management of related conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. The article reports milk thistle and its silymarin content as a natural compound described as supporting liver health. Undetermined at this time.