Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is a flowering plant that has been used as an herbal remedy for many years. The active ingredient, found in the seeds of the plant, is called silymarin, and it is commonly used to support liver health. Since gout can be linked to liver and kidney function—especially in the body’s ability to excrete toxins—milk thistle is a plant worth considering to help maintain healthy organ function.

In a 2016 study, milk thistle extracts were administered to rats to investigate their effect on correcting histopathological changes in the kidneys caused by exposure to a common industrial solvent used in the dry-cleaning industry. By measuring biochemical parameters (enzyme activities), the study found that the application of milk thistle extract protected the kidneys through its antioxidant activity and reduction of oxidative stress (2).

Maintaining kidney health is important when managing gout. The kidneys filter toxins from the body, including uric acid—a key concern in gout. The liver also plays a crucial role, as elevated uric acid levels can lead to oxidative stress and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing liver disease (3).