Milk thistle works by protecting liver cells from damage and supporting regeneration of the cells. Silymarin (the active compound in Milk Thistle) helps to not only neutralize free radicals (which reduces oxidative stress) but also is an anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce inflammation in the liver itself. To top it all off, it has been shown to be beneficial in gut health by reducing intestinal pathogens.
Milk thistle is used in the treatment of Liver Disease in Reptiles (such as Fatty Liver and other Metabolic Disorders). Fatty liver disease in reptiles is typically caused by obesity from being fed high fat diets (excessive amounts of fatty insects) along with inactivity, a lack of natural fasting (brumation) or follecular stasis in females.
Powder is typically mixed into a slurry, or used to create a tea that can by given by syringe.