Condition
    Moderate Evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Milk Thistle for Psoriasis

    Milk thistle for psoriasis is a traditional use with no supporting clinical trial evidence.

    Overview

    Milk thistle for psoriasis is a traditional use with no supporting clinical trial evidence.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Silymarin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may inhibit leukotriene synthesis and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in keratinocytes.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    200-400mg silymarin 2-3x daily
    Expected timeframe
    Not established

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient: no controlled trial supports oral milk thistle for psoriasis. The doses studied in liver disease were 140 mg silymarin two to three times daily and produced no psoriasis outcomes. Topical therapy, phototherapy and systemic or biologic treatment are the options with evidence.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable as a treatment

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Proposed mechanisms are based on in vitro work. No randomised controlled trial has tested silymarin for psoriasis severity or clearance.

    No studies are yet linked to both Milk Thistle and Psoriasis.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Do not substitute for dermatological treatment - untreated psoriasis carries joint and cardiometabolic risk. Milk thistle can cause loose stools and allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemum). It may interact with drugs metabolised by CYP2C9 including warfarin. Safety in pregnancy is not established.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone: no responder group has been demonstrated for psoriasis.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.