Milk Thistle Products Market Analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - Germany, US, Italy, China, UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Milk Thistle Products Market Size 2024-2028 

The milk thistle products market size is forecast to increase by USD 73.8 billion at a CAGR of 10.02% between 2023 and 2028. The milk thistle market in the US is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing recognition of its health benefits. Milk thistle, derived from the milk thistle plant, is commonly used in various forms, including herbal supplements, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and naturopathic remedies. The market is witnessing a wave in demand, particularly in the dairy and meat products industries, as milk thistle is known to support liver health and improve milk quality.

Additionally, the use of milk thistle in infant milk formulae is gaining popularity due to its potential role in reducing the risk of fatty liver disease. Despite the growing demand, distribution challenges persist. Furthermore, consumer education and awareness about the benefits of milk thistle are essential to drive demand. Milk thistle's potential health benefits extend beyond liver health. It is also being researched for its role in cancer prevention and treatment. As such, the market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing consumer awareness and demand for natural health solutions.

Market Analysis

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Milk thistle, derived from the milk thistle plant, is a popular herbal supplement known for its liver-protective qualities. This natural remedy has gained significant attention due to its potential benefits for various liver-related conditions, including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Milk thistle is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it effective in neutralizing environmental pollutants and counteracting the harmful effects of drug addiction. Moreover, milk thistle plays a crucial role in cell regeneration and detoxification, which is essential for maintaining liver functions and overall health. It is often used to improve immune functions, aid digestion, and alleviate sleep disorders.

Further, milk thistle supplements can be found on various e-commerce platforms, with consumers increasingly preferring them over synthetic alternatives due to their natural origin and potential health benefits. However, it is important to ensure quality control and scientific validation before purchasing milk thistle supplements. Additionally, milk thistle is often combined with other natural ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, and dandelion to enhance its therapeutic effects. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular diseases, further expanding its market potential.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Product
  • Tablets/capsules/softgels
  • Powders/tinctures (P/T)
  • Raw herbs
• Geography
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • Italy
  • North America
    • US
  • APAC
    • China
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The tablets/capsules/softgels segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Milk thistle products have gained significant popularity in the US market due to their numerous health benefits, particularly in the areas of digestion and cardiovascular health. The largest product segment in the global milk thistle market consists of tablets, capsules, and soft gels. These forms of milk thistle are widely used as functional foods and dietary supplements. Tablets and capsules typically contain milk thistle in powder or extract form, while soft gels are manufactured using a combination of gelatin, water, opacifier, and plasticizer, with milk thistle in liquid form. Milk thistle capsules are standardized to contain 80% silymarin and are available in doses ranging from 100 mg to 250 mg.

Further, milk thistle is known for its anti-fibrotic, anti-cancer properties, and its ability to support breast milk production. E-commerce websites have made it easier for consumers to access milk thistle products, which are also available in the form of beverages, protein powders, casein, and caseinates. These milk thistle-infused products offer consumers a convenient and effective way to incorporate this natural ingredient into their daily diet.

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The tablets/capsules/softgels segment was valued at USD 71.50 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Europe is estimated to contribute 47% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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Milk thistle, an herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, is gaining popularity in various markets, particularly in Europe, due to its numerous health benefits. The European markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Italy, and the Netherlands, hold significant potential for milk thistle products. Consumers in these regions prefer milk thistle in capsule, tablet, tincture, and powdered forms for digestive health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Milk thistle contains silymarin, an antioxidant with anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It is also a rich source of protein, amino acids, and functional food ingredients like casein and caseinates. In the European market, Germany has a moderately concentrated the market, with several regional players and a few global companies, such as Nature's Bounty and Arkopharma, dominating the scene.

Further, milk thistle's health benefits extend beyond Europe, making it a popular ingredient in various industries, including food and beverage. E-commerce websites are a significant distribution channel for milk thistle products, allowing consumers to access them easily and conveniently. Milk thistle's potential applications and health benefits make it an essential ingredient in the functional food and beverage industry, further driving market growth.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Market Driver

The health benefits of milk thistle products is the key driver of the market. Milk thistle products have gained popularity due to their immunity-boosting properties and paracetamol-like qualities. These natural remedies are primarily available in tablet and capsule forms. Milk thistle's primary benefit lies in its detoxifying properties. It contains the flavonoid silymarin, which shields the liver from harmful toxins, including those found in certain medications like acetaminophen. Silymarin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties facilitate detoxification. Furthermore, milk thistle stimulates cell growth and regeneration, making it an essential supplement for individuals with liver damage due to alcohol consumption or specific medications.

Additionally, milk thistle is used in traditional Chinese medicines to support immune functions and address sleep disorders. It also enhances glutathione production, a key antioxidant, and pairs well with other natural detoxifiers like aloe vera, turmeric, and dandelion.

Market Trends

Rising demand for multiherb products is the upcoming trend in the market. Milk thistle is a popular herb recognized for its immunity-boosting properties and paracetamol-like qualities. Traditionally used in Chinese medicines, it is known to support liver functions, cell regeneration, and detoxification. Milk thistle supplements are often combined with other herbs, such as dandelion, turmeric, and aloe vera, to create multi-herb formulas. These blends enhance heart health, cardiovascular functions, libido, digestion, sleep, and immune functions. One example of such a product is the Milk Thistle Seed Powder Herb Pills by aSquared Nutrition, containing 1000 mg of Silymarin Extract. This supplement plays a crucial role in eliminating harmful toxins from the body by promoting liver detoxification. With its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, it protects the liver from damage and enhances overall health.

Additionally, milk thistle is beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. By incorporating these herbs into your daily routine, you can support your body's natural detoxification processes and boost your immune system.

Market Challenge

Distribution challenges is a key challenge affecting the market growth. Milk thistle products, renowned for their immunity-boosting properties and paracetamol-like qualities, have gained significant popularity in the health and wellness market. Traditional Chinese medicines, including milk thistle, have long been recognized for their detoxification properties and ability to support liver functions. Milk thistle is also known to promote cell regeneration and glutathione production, which is essential for maintaining immune functions. In addition to its health benefits, milk thistle is often used to address various health concerns, such as diabetes, sleep disorders, and inflammation. Aloe vera, turmeric, and dandelion are common complementary ingredients in milk thistle products, further enhancing their health benefits. Manufacturers of milk thistle products face challenges in retail distribution. Retail stores, including supermarkets and discount or convenience stores, are essential sales channels.

However, retailers operate on lower profit margins, necessitating competitive pricing from manufacturers. Additionally, retailers demand frequent and smaller product deliveries to minimize warehousing costs, which can be disadvantageous for manufacturers. Retailers also prioritize order fulfillment rates when developing relationships with suppliers. Overall, milk thistle product manufacturers must navigate these challenges to effectively reach consumers through retail channels.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Verlag A.Vogel AG: The company offers milk thistle products such as A.Vogel milk thistle complex drops.

The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Amway Corp.
• Arkopharma Laboratories
• Bio Botanica Inc.
• Blackmores Ltd.
• Divine Bounty
• Dr. Willmar Schwabe India Pvt. Ltd.
• Euromed SA
• Gaia Herbs Inc.
• Indena S.p.A.
• Indigo Herbs Ltd.
• Jarrow Formulas Inc.
• Nested Naturals Inc
• NOW Health Group Inc.
• PipingRock Health Products LLC
• Pure Encapsulations LLC
• Sunergized LLC
• Swanson Health Products Inc.
• Natures Bounty

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Research Analyst Overview

Milk thistle, a popular herbal supplement, is widely recognized for its liver-protective qualities. It is commonly used to address various liver-related issues, including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, gallbladder disorders, and toxic hepatitis. Milk thistle's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help combat environmental pollutants, drug addiction, alcohol consumption, and viral infections that can harm the liver. Milk thistle's immunity-boosting properties make it effective against autoimmune illnesses. It aids in cell regeneration and detoxification, making it beneficial for individuals experiencing abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues. Allergic responses are also alleviated by milk thistle. Milk thistle is available in various forms, such as capsules, vitamin E and C combinations, and silymarin extract. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicines and combined with other herbs like aloe vera, turmeric, and dandelion for enhanced benefits. Milk thistle is also known for its paracetamol-like qualities and is used to treat sleep disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Further, milk thistle is available at hypermarkets, supermarket stores, pharmacies, drug stores, e-commerce websites, and health food stores. It is also used in functional food and beverage products, dairy, meat products, infant milk formulae, and Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and naturopathic remedies. Milk thistle's anti-fibrotic, anti-cancer properties make it a valuable addition to functional foods and beverages. While milk thistle is generally considered safe, it may cause side effects such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and interactions with certain medications. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using milk thistle as a dietary supplement or functional food ingredient. Synthetic alternatives to milk thistle are available, but scientific validation supports the use of milk thistle for its liver-protective and antioxidant properties.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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