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 4 studies on Thistle for Reduced Alkaline Phosphatase Level — overall evidence strength: Moderate.
Across all 4 studies, silymarin (milk thistle) consistently showed beneficial small-to-moderate effects on reducing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, with all 4 studies reporting statistically significant findings. The most commonly studied dose was 140–420 mg daily orally, and effects were typically observed at 6–9 weeks (median study duration 63 days). Evidence predominantly comes from clinical populations, including breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and adults at risk for liver injury.
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.