Popular liver supplements such as milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, turmeric, vitamin C, and others are often marketed with claims that they detoxify or cleanse the liver. However, research suggests they deliver different benefits.
Liver supplements may help prevent liver disease or improve the liver's health in people with an existing condition. But they aren’t proven to help people with healthy livers.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
1. Herbs
Several herbs contain active ingredients that are good for your liver. Three often found in liver supplements include :
Milk Thistle
One herb commonly found in liver supplements is milk thistle (Silybum marianum).Thisflowering herb is found in many parts of the world and contains a bioactive compound called silymarin that may support liver health.
Silymarin has been used in several clinical trials focused on liver disease. According to one review, clinical research shows that it may improve symptoms of liver cirrhosis, reduce oxidative stress, and help normalize liver function in diseased livers. Silymarin may even decrease liver-related deaths.
Milk thistle has also shown promise as a complementary treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In one study, milk thistle use was associated with decreased levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) in people with MASLD.
Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has exhibited protective effects in the liver in experimental studies. Researchers believe that dandelion may reduce oxidative stress and lower biomarkers of liver injury (AST, ALT, and bilirubin).
In animal research, dandelion also reduces liver fibrosis (scarring). This may be due to its antioxidant activity.
Dandelion is a common herb in supplements for liver health. However, clinical trials are required to confirm its benefits in humans.
Chanca Piedra
Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine like Ayurveda to treat liver disease. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that may improve liver health.
Researchers examined the effects of chanca piedra on people with alcoholichepatitis. Participants were placed in groups, where they either received a placebo or chanca piedra for four weeks.
Chanca piedra slightly improved AST and ALT levels. However, study participants who took the herb had a significant increase in total antioxidant levels compared to those who took the placebo.
2. Jujube
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is a sweet fruit that contains phenols and flavonoids, two types of antioxidants that may have liver-protective qualities.
In rats with liver damage caused by high doses of acetaminophen, jujube supplementation decreased theliver enzymesalanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
The researchers gave jujube to rats for 10 days and on day nine, gave them a toxic dose of acetaminophen. The rats that received jujube had less liver damage, signaling that the supplement might protect the liver.
These changes were likely caused by the antioxidants in jujube fruit. However, this study was performed on rats. Whether jujube supplements will have a similar effect in people is unknown.
A small pilot study was conducted on people with tuberculosis who had drug-induced liver damage. In the study, participants were given either a placebo (a harmless substance with no therapeutic effect) or jujube syrup every day for four weeks.
Compared to the placebo, jujube syrup was associated with fewer cases of liver toxicity as well as less significant increases in ALT and AST.
3. Beetroot
Beetroot is a source of betaine and antioxidants, bioactive substances that help prevent fat from accumulating in the liver.
In a study on adults with MASLD, beetroot juice was compared to the Mediterranean diet, which is also high in antioxidants and beneficial plant-based substances. Participants were randomized to either a control group, a Mediterranean diet-only group, a beetroot juice-only group, or a Mediterranean diet plus beetroot juice group.
After 12 weeks, liver enzymes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") decreased, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good cholesterol") increased in all groups except for the control.
In a different study, two groups of adults with MASLD were randomized to receive either a beetroot supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants who used beetroot juice had significant decreases in liver enzymes and lipid profiles.
4. Artichoke
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is an edible plant sometimes used as a dietary supplement for various health conditions, including liver disease.
A systematic review of clinical trials found that artichoke decreases liver enzymes (ALT and AST). These enzymes are commonly elevated in diseased livers. According to researchers, this suggests that artichoke supplements protect the liver.
Artichoke has also been shown to improve liver enzymes and lipid levels in people with MASLD. Some research suggests that artichoke leaf extract may even improve blood flow through the hepatic (liver) veins.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant with roots used to flavor curry powder. The active ingredient in turmeric root, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve liver health.
Curcumin may support liver regeneration, lower enzymes associated with liver damage, and help reduce fats in the liver. However, the studies reporting these benefits concluded that more research is needed to establish its overall effectiveness and safety.
Turmeric can interact with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using turmeric supplements if you’re getting chemotherapy or taking any of the following:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or acetaminophen
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners
- Chemotherapy
- Tacrolimus (Prograf)
6. Glutathione
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant naturally produced in the body. In addition to neutralizing damaging molecules (free radicals), glutathione also helps treat acetaminophen poisoning, which damages the liver and supports cellular health and activity in the liver.
People with liver disease often have low glutathione levels. A deficiency may lead to cellular damage that contributes to fatty liver disease. While taking glutathione supplements may promote liver health, more studies are needed to verify the connection.
7. Choline
Choline is needed to carry fat away from the liver. A choline deficiency may lead to the fat accumulation that causes MASLD. People who get enough choline from their diet have a lower risk of developing MASLD.
However, there's no clear evidence that choline in liver supplements will treat or prevent MASLD. More research is needed.
8. Vitamins C and E
Your liver depends on many nutrients to stay healthy and functioning. However, vitamins C and E and crucial roles:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient and powerful antioxidant. Its antioxidant activity may protect the liver's health.
One study compared vitamin C supplementation to a placebo in people with hepatitis C. At the end of the one-month study, participants who used vitamin C had significantly improved liver enzymes compared to those who took the placebo.
Another study compared varying doses of vitamin C in patients with MASLD. In the study, participants took 250 milligrams (mg), 1,000 mg, or 2,000 mg per day of vitamin C for 12 weeks.
Researchers noted that all three doses improved glucose metabolism and overall liver health. However, the 1,000 mg dose appeared to be the most beneficial.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that may help treat and manage MASLD andmetabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH),formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 human trials found that vitamin E supplementation improved liver enzymes and fibrosis in adults and children with MASLD. However, some studies in the review concluded that vitamin E was not superior to other treatments for improving MASLD or MASH.
A different review found similar results. The researchers reported that vitamin E supplements may improve liver enzymes and reduce inflammation and fat accumulation in the livers of people with MASLD. Researchers also concluded that vitamin E may be a beneficial complementary treatment for MASLD.
9. Minerals
Like vitamins, several minerals have essential roles in your liver. Zinc and selenium are two of the most important:
Zinc
People with liver disease often have deficiencies in zinc. Although more research is needed, zinc supplementation is a promising treatment for liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (a buildup of toxins in the brain due to liver damage).
Researchers have looked at the long-term use of zinc supplements as a possible way to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common liver cancer.
In one study, zinc supplementation for at least six months was associated with a lower incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC in people with chronic liver diseases. People who took zinc supplements also maintained better liver function for three years compared to people with chronic liver disease who didn't use zinc supplements.
Selenium
Research shows that people with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer have a high risk of a selenium deficiency. According to studies, correcting a selenium deficiency may help improve symptoms and outcomes for people with these liver diseases.
Selenium supplements may also help people with MASLD. However, the relationship between selenium and MASLD is not well understood.
Experimental studies show that selenium may reduce fat accumulation in the liver by modulating certain enzymes. Selenium also acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
More research is needed to determine how selenium supplements may improve MASLD and other liver diseases.
10. Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativumL.) contains several bioactive substances, including sulfur-containing compounds, that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
A study published in 2020 found that these active ingredients improved fatty liver disease. Garlic supplements also lowered liver enzymes, total and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (compared to study participants who didn’t take garlic).
Another study reported that eating raw garlic twice or more weekly may lower the risk of developing liver cancer (compared to those who didn’t eat raw garlic or ate it less than twice weekly). More research is needed to confirm these results.
Liver Health and Supplement Claims
Supplement brands sometimes include health and medical claims in their packaging or labels. While many labels give accurate information, other brands may make false or misleading health claims to sell their products.
There are common trends for liver health supplement labels. By clicking on just a few supplements marketed for liver health online, you'll see that many make promises to do the following:
- Detoxify your liver
- Repair liver damage
- Cleanse your liver and body
- Nourish your body
- Support digestion
- Boost energy
- Aid immune health
Yet, there still isn't solid scientific evidence that liver supplements work in these ways or at all. Some supplements for liver health may provide health benefits, while others may not. It's crucial to be aware of common health claims so you can make knowledgeable decisions for your health.
Do I Need to Take a Liver Health Supplement?
Most healthy people do not need to take a liver supplement. Studies suggest that certain herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may be beneficial if you have liver disease. However, there isn't strong evidence proving that supplements are helpful or necessary if your liver is healthy.
Fortunately, there is evidence that lifestyle habits can improve the health of your liver. Some ways to protect the health of your liver include the following:
- Eat a well-balanced diet of fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Limit alcohol.
- Avoid using recreational drugs.
- Avoid dirty needles.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Use medications and supplements only as directed.
Certain herbs and supplements (including vitamins) may harm or damage the liver. For this reason, it's essential to talk with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements for liver health.
Summary
Scientific evidence shows that some supplements for liver health may be helpful, especially when liver disease is present. Several examples of potentially beneficial liver supplements include milk thistle, beetroot, dandelion, turmeric, and vitamin C.
However, little research supports supplements in people with healthy livers. Additionally, some supplements can harm the liver. For this reason, it's best to consult a healthcare provider before taking liver supplements.
