New evidence
A 180-day trial found a blend of four herbs — including milk thistle — improved liver enzymes in healthy adults, but the effect can't be pinned on thistle alone.
This is the first solid clinical trial linking milk thistle (as part of a mix) to lower alkaline phosphatase, but the combination product means we don't know how much thistle contributed — and the overall evidence for thistle alone on this marker is still modest and based on small effects.
The study gave 130 healthy adults a liquid supplement containing turmeric, dandelion, milk thistle, and ginger, or a placebo, for six months. Those taking the blend saw significantly greater reductions in four liver enzymes — including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) — than the placebo group, with no reported side effects. However, because the supplement was a mixture, the results don't tell us whether milk thistle alone would have the same effect, and the dose of thistle wasn't specified.
Where this fits in the evidence
Pillser has synthesized 3 studies on Thistle for Reduced Alkaline Phosphatase Level — overall evidence strength: Moderate.
Across all 3 studies, beneficial effects of thistle (silymarin) on reducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were reported, with small to moderate effect sizes. 3 out of 3 studies found statistically significant reductions. The median study duration was 111 days across 2 studies that reported duration, indicating effects typically observed at around 16 weeks. The most studied population was clinical (e.g., breast cancer patients on chemotherapy, patients on antituberculosis drugs).
The study
- Clinical Trial
- n = 130
- 2026-01-23
- Frontiers in nutrition
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.