Organic Milk Thistle Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth & Forecast 2034

Organic Milk Thistle Industry Perspective:

The global organic milk thistle market size was worth around USD 106.52 million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 227.85 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7.90% between 2025 and 2034.

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Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global organic milk thistle market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.90% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global organic milk thistle market size was valued at around USD 106.52 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 227.85 million by 2034.
• The organic milk thistle market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing demand for organic products among end-consumers.
• Based on the form, the capsules & tablets segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the application, the pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Organic Milk Thistle Market: Overview

Organic milk thistle is a European-native plant grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals. The plant of milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is currently available in countries such as Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, and South America. According to market research, demand for organic milk thistle is driven by several health advantages associated with the plant. Milk thistle, when consumed in regulated quantities, is known to help reduce blood sugar levels and is hence considered effective in managing diabetes. The organic form of Silybum marianum is considered safer for consumption, as it is cultivated without using harmful chemicals. The plant is most commonly consumed orally and is widely considered a highly efficient solution against liver damage caused by excessive alcohol, cirrhosis of the liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic hepatitis, among other conditions.

However, scientific research and evidence supporting the health impact of organic milk thistle is limited, which is a major cause of concern for the industry players. During the forecast period, demand for organic milk thistle is influenced by several factors. For instance, the growing number of organic food and medicine consumers, along with the rising prevalence of liver diseases, will remain prominent growth drivers for the market. Additionally, increased search revenue in the nutraceuticals segment may help the industry generate more growth opportunities.

Organic Milk Thistle Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

Growing demand for organic products among end-consumers is driving industry revenue

The global organic milk thistle market is expected to witness high revenue due to the growing demand for chemical-free products, including herbal plants. Organic products are manufactured or produced without the use of toxic or harmful chemicals. Organic herbal plants are certified by organic certification bodies and other regulatory authorities. They are typically considered safer for the environment as well as the consumers, as they do not use synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Growing public awareness about the positive health implications of organic products, especially medicinal items, will fuel increased consumption of organic milk thistle.

Will the rising prevalence of liver diseases push the demand rate for the organic milk thistle market during the forecast period?

Research suggests that frequent consumption of milk thistle delivers higher liver protection. A 2021 study by researchers at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences concluded that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who consumed supplements of milk thistle showed improvements in liver health. The result indicated reduced liver damage and liver inflammation. The rising prevalence of liver diseases globally, along with the increasing need for effective solutions to manage these conditions, will play a crucial role in driving the industry's overall growth during the forecast period. The most common liver-related medical conditions reported worldwide include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis (A, B, and C). Liver conditions are induced by a number of risk factors.

For instance, excessive alcohol consumption has emerged as a leading cause of liver diseases among the general public. The global organic milk thistle market players can expect improved revenue as the herbal plant delivers liver protection against common toxins, such as amatoxin, which can be deadly if consumed.

Restraints

Does limited scientific evidence confirming the efficacy of organic milk thistle affect its market revenue?

The global organic milk thistle industry is projected to be affected by limited research confirming the efficiency of the plant. For instance, a 2014 study published on the National Library of Medicine portal delivered mixed results when researching the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. The study concluded that not all variants of milk thistle deliver similar results. Lack of sufficient in-depth studies on the overall impact and performance of organic milk thistle on consumers’ health may affect the market adoption rate in the future.

Opportunities

Growing number of diabetic patients worldwide is creating growth opportunities for industry players

Organic milk thistle has been shown to have beneficial effects in managing diabetes. According to research-based analysis, consuming chemical-free milk thistle extracts in quantities of 210-600 mg daily can help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. The herbal plant extract can also be consumed along with the turmeric extract for improved results.

Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of milk thistle can help prevent diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease. The growing number of people suffering from diabetes across genders and age groups will create new expansion possibilities for industry players.

Are ongoing research and development of milk thistle-based supplements offering improved chances for further organic milk thistle industry growth?

Research concerning the advantages and side effects of organic milk thistle consumption has improved over the years. The launch of new studies and their proven results will pave the way for further growth in the market. For instance, SpringerOpen published a new study in December 2024, which provided further insights into the genomics and genetics of milk thistle. The use of advanced research technologies and analytical tools will enable researchers to explore the benefits of milk thistle in its organic form and the optimal methods of use for achieving the best results.

In addition to this, the industry will further benefit from the growing demand in the organic nutraceuticals sector. These items are food products that offer excellent health benefits and prevention against diseases. The public consumption rate of organic ingredients containing nutraceuticals has been positive over the last few years, and market players are expected to further explore this segment in the coming years.

Challenges

Strict market regulation and labeling concerns challenge the market growth rate

The global organic milk thistle industry is expected to be challenged by the presence of strict regulatory guidelines concerning the production and commercial sale of milk thistle. Differences in regional legal guidelines governing the use and distribution of organic milk thistle may impede market growth trends.

Furthermore, the industry faces challenges due to the lack of standard labeling-related laws and frameworks. It gives rise to an increase in labeling fraud and the sale of counterfeit or poor-quality products.

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Organic Milk Thistle Market: Report Scope

Organic Milk Thistle Market: Segmentation

The global organic milk thistle market is segmented based on form, application, and region.

Based on the form, the global market segments are powder form, liquid extracts, capsules & tablets, and others. In 2024, the highest growth was listed in the capsules & tablets segment, dominating nearly 30% of the total revenue. The growing demand for liver-protecting organic solutions with minimal to zero side effects is propelling segmental revenue. Furthermore, growing consumption of standardized formulations with higher health benefits will promote demand for capsules & tablets containing organic milk thistle.

Based on the application, the global market segments are cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and others. In 2024, around 40.05% of the total return on investment (ROI) was recorded in the pharmaceuticals segment. Rising prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes, liver diseases, and deteriorating health in old age will fuel demand for organic milk thistle since the herbal plant has proven antioxidant properties. Furthermore, healthcare professionals are increasingly prescribing organic milk thistle-based medicines for patients primarily in Asia and Europe.

Organic Milk Thistle Market: Regional Analysis

What will help Europe take the lead in the organic milk thistle market during the forecast period?

The global organic milk thistle market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. Silybum marianum is native to Europe and hence registers wider adoption across the region for healthcare purposes. Furthermore, growing patient databases across European nations, along with increased demand for organically produced medicines and supplements, will promote the regional expansion rate in the future.

According to official reports, around 30 million people in Europe suffer from some form of liver condition. Additionally, the presence of clear guidelines concerning the production and distribution of organic products will be essential for the region’s prominence over others.

Asia-Pacific is another prominent region in the organic milk thistle industry, with exceptional growth performance. The rising incorporation of organic milk thistle in treating chronic conditions such as liver diseases and diabetes among the general population will be critical to the region’s overall revenue.

Several regions across Asia-Pacific, such as India, China, and Japan, have higher numbers of people who prefer organic and herbal medicines over synthetically prepared chemical-rich pharmaceutical drugs. As the trend for herb-based remedies grows in the region, demand for organic milk thistle will continue to rise.

Organic Milk Thistle Market: Competitive Analysis

The global organic milk thistle market is led by players like:

• Organic India
• Oregon’s Wild Harvest
• FarmHaven
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Primaforce
• Pure Encapsulations
• Zazzee Naturals
• Pure Co
• Nature’s Answer
• Jarrow Formulas
• Gaia Herbs
• XYMOGEN
• OmniBiotics
• Nature’s Way
• Natrol

The global organic milk thistle market is segmented as follows:

By Form

• Powder Form
• Liquid Extracts
• Capsules & Tablets
• Others

By Application

• Cosmetics
• Nutraceuticals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa