Is silymarin effective for hepatitis b?

silymarin as treatment for chronic hepatitis b

Silymarin is a plant flavonoid from milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant said to protect liver cells (and other cells in the body and brain) from toxins. It may help but not cure hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is of viral origin and no cure has been established yet.

Silymarin apparently promotes liver cell protein synthesis and decreases the oxidation of glutathione. Silymarin (Milk thistle) may potentially be beneficial in a number of diseases involving liver disease, if in the early stages. Silymarin is not likely to work in cases of late stage cirrhosis. Early research indicates that silymarin may also have anti-cancer properties.

The dose of silymarin used in studies has ranged from 200 to 800 mg per day.