Milk Thistle Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 115.27 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 174.93 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 8.70 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Milk Thistle Market Analysis
The Milk Thistle Market size is estimated at USD 115.27 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 174.93 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.70% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The global market for milk thistle is on the rise, driven by its benefits in treating liver and biliary disorders. Its key component, silymarin, is renowned for shielding liver and kidney cells from drug-induced harm, notably from chemotherapy. Milk thistle has shown promise in lowering liver enzyme levels and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, along with modulating T cells. Preclinical studies underscore milk thistle's hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic properties, including its ability to impede cancer cell growth in various human cell lines, such as those from the prostate, skin, breast, and cervix. Moreover, the supplement is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects—primarily gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effects—making it increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers.
Milk thistle's rising incorporation in anti-aging skincare products is driven by its numerous benefits. The primary compound in milk thistle, silymarin, offers significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are crucial for addressing signs of aging. These antioxidants protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution, which can result in photoaging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Thus, cosmetics manufacturers are increasingly incorporating milk thistle in their products. For instance, Paula's Choice incorporates milk thistle into its cosmetics, asserting its skin benefits, including anti-aging properties, dark spot reduction, and promoting an even skin tone.
Moreover, Asia-Pacific dominates the milk thistle market, buoyed by its rich heritage in herbal medicine and a rising embrace of Ayurvedic practices. The region's growing awareness, especially in developing nations, of milk thistle's benefits, coupled with a surging demand for Ayurvedic tea variants, propels market expansion. Factors such as a heightened focus on liver well-being, rising incomes, a robust presence of industry leaders, and supportive regulations collectively fortify Asia-Pacific's leading stance in the global milk thistle landscape.
Milk Thistle Market Trends
Increasing Market Demand for Milk Thistle Supplements Due to Health Benefits
The global milk thistle market is witnessing robust growth fueled by its diverse health benefits. These benefits span from liver health promotion and diabetes management to neuroprotection, bone health support, and even aiding in chemotherapy. Notably, it is gaining traction as a pivotal ingredient in dietary supplements owing to its recognized role in promoting liver health, especially among individuals exposed to toxins or who consume alcohol frequently. It is also popular for its potential to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and reduce inflammation. Extensive research highlights its liver-protective attributes, bolstering consumer confidence due to its gentle nature. With a rising preference for natural and herbal remedies and an increasing focus on holistic well-being, the demand for milk thistle as supplements is on the rise. For instance, Nature’s Way claims that its milk thistle-based dietary supplement supports liver function as milk thistle consists of silymarin, which helps maintain an optimum level of silymarin in the liver.
Moreover, consumers are increasingly favoring antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory supplements to address age-related and chronic conditions. Milk thistle is gaining attention for its potential to avert cognitive decline, bolster bone health, and enhance chemotherapy outcomes. These findings align with the growing interest in proactive healthcare. This trend is particularly prominent in regions with strong herbal medicine traditions, driving the demand for supplement products infused with milk thistle.
Europe Leads the Milk Thistle Market’s Growth
The European milk thistle market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, which affect huge populations across European countries. Key factors driving this trend include the high rates of harmful alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B and C infections, and metabolic syndromes associated with obesity and overweight. These conditions are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancer in Europe. Despite advancements in the knowledge and management of liver diseases, mortality rates remain high, with liver cirrhosis death in Europe. According to the European Commission, around 10,478 people in France died due to liver cancer in 2022, followed by Italy, Germany, Spain, and other European countries.
There is a significant focus on natural and herbal remedies for liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cancer. Milk thistle is well-known for its liver detoxification benefits, which are driving its popularity among consumers seeking natural health supplements. Thus, milk thistle, which can be consumed as a supplement for the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, is gaining popularity as a complementary therapy. This potential, coupled with the herb's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is driving demand for milk thistle-based supplements. The rising health consciousness among Europeans, along with increasing interest in natural and holistic health solutions, further boosts the market.
Furthermore, the increasing adoption of Ayurvedic and traditional herbal medicine practices in Europe is driving demand. This trend includes the incorporation of milk thistle in various herbal formulations and dietary supplements.
Milk Thistle Industry Overview
The milk thistle market includes market players such as ET-Chem, Green Jeeva LLC, Frontier Co-op, Organic Way LLC, and Changsha Tianwei Biotechnology Co. Ltd. The prominent players have an upper edge and continue to dominate the market. Also, the major global players have a geographical reach and high brand awareness among consumers, giving them an upper hand. Major players in the region have been focusing on acquiring certification from prominent organizations or associations to gain customer trust and increase the consumer base globally. For instance, Green Jeeva LLC caters to its milk thistle powder and has various certifications, including gluten-free, HALAL, vegan, and Kosher, among others.
Milk Thistle Market Leaders
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ET-Chem
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Green Jeeva LLC
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Organic Way LLC
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Frontier Co-op.
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Changsha Tianwei Biotechnology Co.,Ltd
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Milk Thistle Market News
- June 2024: Gaia Herbs launched Milk Thistle Gummies, which utilized organic European-standardized milk thistle extract. The extract is used across other Gaia Herbs formulas, including the company’s Certified Organic Milk Thistle PhytoCaps, Milk Thistle tincture, and Liver Cleanse, among others.
- April 2024: Doctor's Best Inc. launched a new product named Glutathione + Milk Thistle with Setria. The company claims that Glutathione + Milk Thistle with Setria has milk thistle as a key ingredient that supports liver health and antioxidant activity.
- November 2021: BYHEALTH addressed consumer concerns about the safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability of complementary medicine products by improving their traceability and utilizing raw materials associated with its BYHEALTH Milk Thistle tablets.
Milk Thistle Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Drivers
4.1.1 Heightened Interest in Functional and Nutritious Foods Driving Demand
4.1.2 Rising Concerns Over Liver-related Diseases
4.2 Market Restraints
4.2.1 Potential Adverse Effects of Milk Thistle
4.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Form
5.1.1 Extract
5.1.2 Powder
5.1.3 Whole
5.2 Application
5.2.1 Dietary Supplement
5.2.2 Food and Beverage
5.2.3 Cosmetics
5.3 Distribution Channel
5.3.1 Retail
5.3.2 Industrial
5.4 Geography
5.4.1 North America
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
5.4.4 Rest of the World
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
6.2 Market Positioning Analysis
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Monterey Bay Herb Co.
6.3.2 Organic Way LLC
6.3.3 Changsha Tianwei Biotechnology Co. Ltd
6.3.4 ET-Chem
6.3.5 Medikonda Nutrients
6.3.6 Green Jeeva LLC
6.3.7 Frontier Co-op.
6.3.8 Native Extracts Pty Ltd
6.3.9 Ningbo traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
6.3.10 Liverd Pharma Co. Ltd
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Milk Thistle Industry Segmentation
Milk thistle, also known as silymarin, is a botanical plant that belongs to the daisy and ragweed family. The plant is known for its antioxidant properties, which are primarily derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. The global milk thistle market is segmented by form, application, distribution channel, and geography. By form, the market is segmented into extract, powder, and whole. By application, the market is segmented into dietary supplements, food and beverage, and cosmetics. By distribution, the market is segmented into retail and industrial. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The market sizing has been provided in value terms (USD) for all the abovementioned segments.
Milk Thistle Market Research FAQs
How big is the Milk Thistle Market?
The Milk Thistle Market size is expected to reach USD 115.27 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.70% to reach USD 174.93 million by 2029.
What is the current Milk Thistle Market size?
In 2024, the Milk Thistle Market size is expected to reach USD 115.27 million.
Who are the key players in Milk Thistle Market?
ET-Chem, Green Jeeva LLC, Organic Way LLC, Frontier Co-op. and Changsha Tianwei Biotechnology Co.,Ltd are the major companies operating in the Milk Thistle Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Milk Thistle Market?
Europe is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Milk Thistle Market?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Milk Thistle Market.
What years does this Milk Thistle Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Milk Thistle Market size was estimated at USD 105.24 million. The report covers the Milk Thistle Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Milk Thistle Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Milk Thistle Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Milk Thistle market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Milk Thistle analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to (2024to2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
Milk Thistle Market Report Snapshots
