Market Trends of Milk Thistle Industry
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.
