A Mediterranean herb, Silybum marianum, with distinctive purple flowers and white-veined leaves, taken as a supplement for liver health. Its seeds contain silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans credited with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional use for liver and gallbladder complaints stretches back centuries, and modern trials have investigated it in liver disease, with mixed but somewhat promising results. Milk thistle is generally well tolerated, though it can interact with certain medications. Supplements vary in silymarin content, so standardised extracts from reputable brands are preferable. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of liver disease or for avoiding alcohol.