Research suggests that silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle seeds, increases production of glutathione, a vital detoxing liver enzyme.

They lower cholesterol in the blood by limiting a liver enzyme which regulates its production.

The elevation of liver enzyme in the blood helps to establish a diagnosis.

Other reversible early effects noted were peripheral neuropathy and liver enzyme induction.

It has liver enzyme inducing effects similar to those of phenobarbital but much weaker.