Silybum marianum

Milk thistle

Liver support

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a botanical valued in equine nutrition for its antioxidant properties and its role in supporting liver function. Its active compounds, collectively known as silymarin, help protect cells against oxidative stress and contribute to maintaining normal metabolic processes.

In horses, research shows that supplementation with milk thistle-derived ingredients can support recovery after exercise. Horses receiving milk thistle showed a faster return of cortisol levels to baseline following physical exertion, indicating support for normal physiological recovery.

In vitro studies using equine cells demonstrate that compounds from milk thistle can modulate oxidative activity in immune cells, supporting normal inflammatory balance. Additional laboratory research on hoof tissue suggests that milk thistle extract may help protect structural integrity under certain stress conditions, indicating a supportive role in maintaining hoof health.

Overall, milk thistle is associated with supporting liver function, metabolic balance, and general resilience in horses, particularly in animals exposed to physical demands or dietary challenges (Tedesco & Guerrini, 2023; Loguercio & Festi, 2011; Hackett et al., 2012).

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Southern Europe / Mediterranean region

Seeds (fruit)

This ingredient is used in