Herbal Medicine Fact Sheets
|
October 12, 2023

Top 4 Herbs For Liver Health and How to Use Them: An Evidence-Based Approach

Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
September 17, 2024

The liver, located in the upper right part of the abdomen, plays a crucial role in our health by performing more than 500 essential functions. This organ helps clean our blood by getting rid of harmful chemicals, breaking down drugs, creating vital proteins, and producing bile to help digest food. Given its significance, maintaining liver health is vital for overall well-being. Yet, liver diseases are becoming increasingly common. The American Liver Foundation reports that nearly 100 million Americans are affected by some form of liver disease, including conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

These statistics highlight the need for preventive measures to keep the liver healthy. While medical treatments are essential, there's also growing interest in natural remedies, particularly herbs. Turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root have long been valued in traditional medicine for their potential liver benefits. This article explores the roles these four herbs play in supporting liver function and promoting liver health.

[signup]

Top Herbs for Liver Health

Milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion root, and artichoke all play roles in various forms in helping promote liver health. 

Milk Thistle and Liver Detoxification 

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is a herb traditionally used to support liver health. The primary active compound in milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. Silymarin is believed to support liver function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting liver cell regeneration, and providing a protective barrier against harmful substances that can damage the liver.

Clinical studies have backed the hepatoprotective effects of milk thistle. Research has shown that silymarin can aid in slowing the progression of liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, it can enhance the detoxification processes, reinforcing the liver's ability to process and remove toxins from the body.

Turmeric for Liver Inflammation

Central to turmeric's health-promoting properties is curcumin, a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. Curcumin works effectively to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and regulates various molecular pathways associated with inflammation, providing a broad spectrum of protection for the body.

Research shows curcumin effectively manages liver diseases by reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and promoting liver cell regeneration. Thus, curcumin is a valuable asset both as a preventive approach and in combination with other treatments.

Dandelion Root 

Dandelion root has been traditionally used to support liver health. Over the years, it's been turned to for boosting liver function and enhancing the body's detox processes. While most recent studies on dandelion root's benefits for the liver have been conducted on rats, they hint at its potential to aid liver function, assist in detoxification, and possibly protect the liver from damage. However, more research on humans is needed to solidify these findings.

Artichoke 

Artichokes contain bioactive compounds, notably cynarin and silymarin, which have potential liver-protective qualities. These compounds are believed to promote bile production, aiding in digestion and detoxification. Research on artichoke extract suggests that it can improve liver function by protecting liver cells and enhancing detoxification pathways, resulting in lower levels of AST and ALT. 

Incorporating Herbs into Daily Life 

Incorporating herbs like turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root can significantly support liver health. However, it's essential to understand their appropriate dosage and form and any potential interactions they might have.

Considerations for Dosage and Form 

Turmeric is often available in capsule form, providing a concentrated dose of its active ingredient, curcumin. Capsules offer consistency in dosage and are preferred by those looking for potent benefits without the distinct taste. Milk thistle is also commonly found in capsule form and sometimes as an extract, both offering its active compound, silymarin. Artichoke can be sourced as capsules or as extracts. The latter is a concentrated form that aids in bile production and supports liver detoxification. Dandelion root is versatile. It can be consumed as a tea or taken as capsules or extracts if a higher concentration is desired. 

Deciding on dosage depends on individual health needs, the specific condition being addressed, potential interactions with other medications, and guidance from a healthcare professional. 

Potential Herb Interactions and Contraindications 

When integrating these herbs into your routine, be aware of potential interactions. 

Milk thistle can interact with certain medications due to its influence on liver function. If you're taking antipsychotics, seizure medications, anesthesia drugs, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy, it's essential to consult your doctor before using milk thistle. Furthermore, since milk thistle may affect the way the liver metabolizes drugs, be cautious if you're on allergy medications, cholesterol treatments, anti-anxiety drugs, blood thinners, some cancer treatments, or any other medications processed by the liver. 

Turmeric can thin the blood and might enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications. Additionally, it’s important to take precautions if you’re on medications that reduce stomach acid as it can interfere with these medications. 

Artichoke can affect the liver's processing speed for certain medications, possibly altering their effects. Individuals on diabetes or high blood pressure medications should monitor their levels closely due to potential amplified drug effects. Side effects may include digestive issues, and those with bile duct obstructions or allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family should exercise caution.

Dandelion root can potentially alter the liver's processing speed for certain medications, which may affect their overall effectiveness. It's important for those with bleeding disorders, allergies to ragweed-related plants, or individuals scheduled for surgery to approach dandelion use cautiously due to risks of increased bleeding, allergic reactions, or interaction with other medicines. Additionally, dandelion may interfere with diabetes medications and some antibiotics.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Herbal Liver Support

For optimal liver health, supplementing with herbs such as turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, or dandelion root with beneficial lifestyle habits is essential. A diet rich in whole foods, especially lean proteins, whole grains, and antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables, can help to support liver function and general health. 

Drinking ample water helps detoxify, and regular exercise both stimulates the liver and helps maintain weight; obesity can be a precursor to liver-related issues. Reducing alcohol and tobacco intake further protects the liver from unnecessary toxins. Managing stress through practices like meditation or simple breaks can deter unhealthy behaviors impacting the liver as well as reduce bodily inflammation. 

[signup]

Summary

In summary, the liver plays a key role in our overall health, and many Americans experience liver-related concerns. Herbs such as turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root have been traditionally used to support liver function. Adopting a balanced lifestyle, understanding appropriate dosages, and being aware of potential herb interactions further enhances their benefits. Together, they can be a part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining liver health.

The liver, located in the upper right part of the abdomen, plays a crucial role in our health by performing more than 500 essential functions. This organ helps clean our blood by getting rid of harmful chemicals, breaking down drugs, creating vital proteins, and producing bile to help digest food. Given its significance, maintaining liver health is vital for overall well-being. Yet, liver concerns are becoming increasingly common. The American Liver Foundation reports that nearly 100 million Americans are affected by some form of liver condition, including issues like fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

These statistics highlight the need for measures to support liver health. While medical treatments are essential, there's also growing interest in natural approaches, particularly herbs. Turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root have long been valued in traditional practices for their potential liver benefits. This article explores the roles these four herbs may play in supporting liver function and promoting liver health.

[signup]

Top Herbs for Liver Health

Milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion root, and artichoke all play roles in various forms in helping promote liver health. 

Milk Thistle and Liver Support 

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is a herb traditionally used to support liver health. The primary active compound in milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. Silymarin is believed to support liver function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting liver cell regeneration, and providing a protective barrier against harmful substances that can affect the liver.

Clinical studies have backed the hepatoprotective effects of milk thistle. Research suggests that silymarin may help in managing the progression of liver conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, it may support the liver's detoxification processes, reinforcing the liver's ability to process and remove substances from the body.

Turmeric for Liver Health

Central to turmeric's health-supporting properties is curcumin, a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. Curcumin works to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and regulates various molecular pathways associated with inflammation, providing a broad spectrum of support for the body.

Research suggests curcumin may help manage liver health by reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and supporting liver cell regeneration. Thus, curcumin is considered a valuable asset both as a preventive approach and in combination with other supportive measures.

Dandelion Root 

Dandelion root has been traditionally used to support liver health. Over the years, it's been turned to for boosting liver function and enhancing the body's detox processes. While most recent studies on dandelion root's benefits for the liver have been conducted on rats, they hint at its potential to aid liver function, assist in detoxification, and possibly support the liver. However, more research on humans is needed to solidify these findings.

Artichoke 

Artichokes contain bioactive compounds, notably cynarin and silymarin, which have potential liver-supporting qualities. These compounds are believed to promote bile production, aiding in digestion and detoxification. Research on artichoke extract suggests that it may support liver function by protecting liver cells and enhancing detoxification pathways, which could result in lower levels of AST and ALT. 

Incorporating Herbs into Daily Life 

Incorporating herbs like turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root can significantly support liver health. However, it's essential to understand their appropriate dosage and form and any potential interactions they might have.

Considerations for Dosage and Form 

Turmeric is often available in capsule form, providing a concentrated dose of its active ingredient, curcumin. Capsules offer consistency in dosage and are preferred by those looking for potent benefits without the distinct taste. Milk thistle is also commonly found in capsule form and sometimes as an extract, both offering its active compound, silymarin. Artichoke can be sourced as capsules or as extracts. The latter is a concentrated form that aids in bile production and supports liver detoxification. Dandelion root is versatile. It can be consumed as a tea or taken as capsules or extracts if a higher concentration is desired. 

Deciding on dosage depends on individual health needs, the specific condition being addressed, potential interactions with other medications, and guidance from a healthcare professional. 

Potential Herb Interactions and Considerations 

When integrating these herbs into your routine, be aware of potential interactions. 

Milk thistle can interact with certain medications due to its influence on liver function. If you're taking antipsychotics, seizure medications, anesthesia drugs, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy, it's essential to consult your doctor before using milk thistle. Furthermore, since milk thistle may affect the way the liver metabolizes drugs, be cautious if you're on allergy medications, cholesterol treatments, anti-anxiety drugs, blood thinners, some cancer treatments, or any other medications processed by the liver. 

Turmeric can thin the blood and might enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications. Additionally, it’s important to take precautions if you’re on medications that reduce stomach acid as it can interfere with these medications. 

Artichoke can affect the liver's processing speed for certain medications, possibly altering their effects. Individuals on diabetes or high blood pressure medications should monitor their levels closely due to potential amplified drug effects. Side effects may include digestive issues, and those with bile duct obstructions or allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family should exercise caution.

Dandelion root can potentially alter the liver's processing speed for certain medications, which may affect their overall effectiveness. It's important for those with bleeding disorders, allergies to ragweed-related plants, or individuals scheduled for surgery to approach dandelion use cautiously due to risks of increased bleeding, allergic reactions, or interaction with other medicines. Additionally, dandelion may interfere with diabetes medications and some antibiotics.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Herbal Liver Support

For optimal liver health, supplementing with herbs such as turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, or dandelion root with beneficial lifestyle habits is essential. A diet rich in whole foods, especially lean proteins, whole grains, and antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables, can help to support liver function and general health. 

Drinking ample water helps detoxify, and regular exercise both stimulates the liver and helps maintain weight; obesity can be a precursor to liver-related issues. Reducing alcohol and tobacco intake further protects the liver from unnecessary substances. Managing stress through practices like meditation or simple breaks can deter unhealthy behaviors impacting the liver as well as reduce bodily inflammation. 

[signup]

Summary

In summary, the liver plays a key role in our overall health, and many Americans experience liver-related concerns. Herbs such as turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion root have been traditionally used to support liver function. Adopting a balanced lifestyle, understanding appropriate dosages, and being aware of potential herb interactions further enhances their benefits. Together, they can be a part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining liver health.

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

Learn more

Lab Tests in This Article

No lab tests!
  1. 4 Science Backed Health Benefits of The Mediterranean Diet. (2022, November 16). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/4-science-backed-health-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet#:~:text=A%20Mediterranean%20diet%2C%20emphasizing%20vegetables
  2. Amini, M. R., Sheikhhossein, F., Talebyan, A., Bazshahi, E., Djafari, F., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2022). Effects of Artichoke Supplementation on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clinical Nutrition Research, 11(3), 228. https://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2022.11.3.228
  3. Artichoke: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Www.webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-842/artichoke
  4. Beckerman, J. (2021, June 9). Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects
  5. Dandelion: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (2019). Webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-706/dandelion
  6. Farzaei, M. H., Zobeiri, M., Parvizi, F., El-Senduny, F. F., Marmouzi, I., Coy-Barrera, E., Naseri, R., Nabavi, S. M., Rahimi, R., & Abdollahi, M. (2018). Curcumin in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Cellular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Perspective. Nutrients, 10(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070855
  7. Gillessen, A., & Schmidt, H. H.-J. . (2020). Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Advances in Therapy, 37(4), 1279–1301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y
  8. Guan, Y.-S., & He, Q. (2015). Plants Consumption and Liver Health. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/824185
  9. Hamza, A. A., Mohamed, M. G., Lashin, F. M., & Amin, A. (2020). Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats. The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, 81(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-020-00177-9
  10. Maholy, N. (2023, April 14). How to reduce stress through mind-body therapies. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-reduce-stress-through-mind-body-therapies
  11. Milk Thistle (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version - National Cancer Institute. (2003, December 23). Www.cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/milk-thistle-pdq
  12. Milk thistle Information | Mount Sinai - New York. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/milk-thistle
  13. Panahi, Y., Kianpour, P., Mohtashami, R., Atkin, S. L., Butler, A. E., Jafari, R., Badeli, R., & Sahebkar, A. (2018). Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), 1382–1387. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6073
  14. Possible Interactions with: Turmeric | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | St. Luke’s Hospital. (n.d.). Www.stlukes-Stl.com. https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000932.htm
  15. Services, D. of H. & H. (n.d.). Liver - fatty liver disease. Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/liver-fatty-liver-disease#:~:text=Fatty%20liver%20disease%20is%20a
  16. Sweetnich, Dr. J. (2023n, May 19). Overview of The Liver 101: Top Conditions, Specialty Testing, and Integrative Medicine Treatment Options. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/overview-liver-101-top-conditions-and-testing
  17. The Liver and Its Functions | Center for Liver Disease & Transplantation | Columbia University Department of Surgery. (n.d.). Columbiasurgery.org. https://columbiasurgery.org/liver/liver-and-its-functions#:~:text=The%20liver%20is%20an%20essential
  18. Top Medical Evidence Supporting Curcumin’s Health Benefits. (2023, March 7). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/top-medical-evidence-supporting-curcumins-health-benefits
  19. Vargas-Mendoza, N. (2014). Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. World Journal of Hepatology, 6(3), 144. https://doi.org/10.4254/wjh.v6.i3.144
Order from 30+ labs in 20 seconds (DUTCH, Mosaic, Genova & More!)
We make ordering quick and painless — and best of all, it's free for practitioners.

Latest Articles

View more on Herbal Medicine Fact Sheets
Subscribe to the magazine for expert-written articles straight to your inbox
Join the thousands of savvy readers who get root cause medicine articles written by doctors in their inbox every week!
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Trusted Source
Rupa Health
Medical Education Platform
Visit Source
Visit Source
American Cancer Society
Foundation for Cancer Research
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Library of Medicine
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of The American College of Radiology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Cancer Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
World Health Organization (WHO)
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Pediatrics
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
CDC
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Office of Dietary Supplements
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Institutes of Health
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Brain
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Rheumatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Hepatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Kidney International
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Chest
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Blood
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Gastroenterology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Diabetes Care
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Circulation
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
JAMA Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
PLOS Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Nature Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Lancet
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Pubmed
Comprehensive biomedical database
Visit Source
Visit Source
Harvard
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Johns Hopkins
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source

Hey practitioners! 👋 Join Dr. Chris Magryta and Dr. Erik Lundquist for a comprehensive 6-week course on evaluating functional medicine labs from two perspectives: adult and pediatric. In this course, you’ll explore the convergence of lab results across different diseases and age groups, understanding how human lab values vary on a continuum influenced by age, genetics, and time. Register Here! Register Here.

Hey practitioners! 👋 Join Dr. Terry Wahls for a 3-week bootcamp on integrating functional medicine into conventional practice, focusing on complex cases like Multiple Sclerosis. Learn to analyze labs through a functional lens, perform nutrition-focused physical exams, and develop personalized care strategies. Register Here.