Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 14 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Milk Thistle Sport Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Formula

Milk Thistle Sport label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Milk Thistle Sport against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Milk Thistle Sport is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Formula with 14 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver health and protection, hepatitis, cirrhosis.Based on those ingredients, 1,024 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Milk Thistle seed extract, Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 20, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 14 of its 14 active ingredients.
  • “n-zimes(R) Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (218 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Milk Thistle Sport contains 14 ingredients, including the active milk thistle seed extract—the product's namesake—plus six digestive enzymes: papain, bromelain, lipase, lactase, protease (in three forms), alpha-galactosidase, glucoamylase, cellulase, and invertase. The blend also includes amylase in the n-zimes proprietary blend.

These enzymes are designed to aid digestion; the inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose capsule and rice bran.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: liver health and digestive enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Alcohol-related liver disease, Dyslipidemia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Lactose intolerance, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactase is rated "Effective" for Lactose intolerance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), Dyslipidemia, Dyspepsia, and more.

Milk thistle seed extract in this product is possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, based on clinical evidence that it can lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in people already taking diabetes medications. For papain, bromelain, lactase, and the proteases, the facts show insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're traditionally used for—meaning the evidence isn't established in the data we hold.

Lactase is an exception: it is effective for lactose intolerance.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Milk Thistle Papain Bromelain Lipase Lactase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated, though mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating can occur—though not more often than with placebo. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare.

Papain may irritate the digestive tract and cause allergic reactions in sensitive people; high doses may be unsafe and can rarely cause severe gastritis or esophageal perforation. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term and commonly causes diarrhea, flatulence, or headache.

The three proteases are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Lactase is generally well tolerated; one rare case of contact dermatitis and allergic rhinitis was reported in someone exposed to powdered lactase occupationally.

For pregnancy, milk thistle and papain should be avoided—the data advises against them. Bromelain and the proteases also should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed.

Lactase is likely safe in pregnancy. For breastfeeding, papain and bromelain should be avoided due to insufficient safety data; the proteases are also not recommended without medical advice.

Milk thistle safety during breastfeeding is not well studied, so caution is advised.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Milk Thistle Papain Bromelain Lipase Lactase Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Milk Thistle, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,025 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take blood thinners or anticoagulants (such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or any antiplatelet drug), check first—papain and bromelain may increase bleeding risk, and milk thistle may boost warfarin's effects. If you take antidiabetes medications, milk thistle may lower blood sugar further and increase hypoglycemia risk.

If you take any drug metabolized by the liver—including morphine, sirolimus, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, or drugs that undergo glucuronidation—check with your pharmacist, as milk thistle may alter how your body clears them. Tetracycline antibiotics may theoretically have increased absorption with bromelain.

No interactions are documented for lactase, lipase, or the three proteases in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is an enzyme blend centered on milk thistle for digestive support. If you take warfarin, diabetes medications, or any drug metabolized by your liver, this product carries meaningful interaction risks and you should talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it, since several ingredients lack sufficient safety data or carry specific concerns. Even if you take no medications, the enzymes are generally well tolerated, but digestive side effects are possible—check with your own healthcare provider if you have ongoing digestive conditions.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 8 of 14 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Milk Thistle Sport, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Formula
Barcode (UPC) 048107110918
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 18382
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107110918
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase10220.5 DU--
Papain60120.9 FCCPU--
Bromelain300604.2 FCCPU--
Lipase450.9 FIP--
Lactase1204.4 ALU--
Cellulase240.5 CU--
Invertase330.7 SU--
Glucoamylase12 AGU--
Alpha-Galactosidase240.5 GALU--
Protease 4.512024.2 HUT--
Protease 38.4 SAPU--
Protease 63006 HUT--
Milk Thistle seed extract200 mg--
n-zimes(R) Proprietary Blend218 mg--
CereCalase(R) Proprietary Blend21 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Rice Bran

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

n-zimes(R) and CereCalase(R) are trademarks of National Enzyme Company.

GNC HERBAL PLUS(R) FORMULA

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Precautions

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Formulation

No Sugar, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

NEW

CODE 188501 KMG

Potency verified by GNC procedure #5327. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Supports Liver Health* Plus Digestive Enzymes

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Milk Thistle Sport label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula

These are the 14 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Milk Thistle seed extract

Interacts with
954 drugs
200 mg per serving

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin....

Milk Thistle seed extract monograph & interactions

N-zimes(R) Proprietary Blend

218 mg per serving

CereCalase(R) Proprietary Blend

21 mg per serving Form: Beta-Glucanase, Hemicellulase, Phytase

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Rice Bran. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Milk Thistle Sport?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,024Drugs
364 Moderate 660 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Milk Thistle seed extract 954
Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Milk Thistle Sport interact with 1,024 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 14 ingredients in Milk Thistle Sport interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Milk Thistle seed extract Bromelain Papain

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Milk Thistle Sport with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Milk Thistle seed extract17 drug types · 954 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking milk thistle with antidiabetes drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that milk thistle extract, alone or along with tree turmeric extract, can lower blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, animal research shows that milk thistle extract increases the metformin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve and decreases the renal clearance of metformin, due to inhibition of the multi-drug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1) renal tubular transport protein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might inhibit CYP2B6.
An in vitro study shows that silybin, a constituent of milk thistle, binds to and noncompetitively inhibits CYP2B6. Additionally, silybin might downregulate the expression of CYP2B6 by decreasing mRNA and protein levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, milk thistle might affect the clearance of drugs that undergo glucuronidation.
Laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase levels of glucuronidated drugs. Other laboratory research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin might inhibit beta-glucuronidase, although the significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ledipasvir

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the levels and clinical effects of ledipasvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle increases the area under the curve (AUC) for ledipasvir and slows its elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Morphine

Theoretically, concomitant use of milk thistle with morphine might affect serum levels of morphine and either increase or decrease its effects.
Animal research shows that milk thistle reduces serum levels of morphine by up to 66%. In contrast, laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase morphine levels. The effect of taking milk thistle on morphine metabolism in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Raloxifene (Evista)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the clearance and increase levels of raloxifene.
Laboratory research suggests that the milk thistle constituents silibinin and silymarin inhibit the glucuronidation of raloxifene in the intestines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Milk thistle might decrease the clearance of sirolimus.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that a milk thistle extract of silymarin decreases the apparent clearance of sirolimus in hepatically impaired renal transplant patients. It is unclear if this interaction occurs in patients without hepatic impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Solvaldi)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the levels and clinical effects of sofosbuvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle reduces the metabolism of sofosbuvir, as well as the hepatic uptake of its active metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase tamoxifen levels and interfere with its conversion to an active metabolite.
Animal research suggests that the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase plasma levels of tamoxifen and alter its conversion to an active metabolite. The mechanism appears to involve inhibition of pre-systemic metabolism of tamoxifen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and CYP3A4, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of tamoxifen into the intestine for excretion. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a man stabilized on warfarin experienced an increase in INR from 2.64 to 4.12 after taking a combination product containing milk thistle 200 mg daily, as well as dandelion, wild yam, niacinamide, and vitamin B12. Levels returned to normal after stopping the supplement. Although a direct correlation between milk thistle and the change in INR cannot be confirmed, some in vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of various drugs, including warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit CYP2C9. Additionally, 3 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP2C9 substrates, including imatinib and capecitabine. However, contradictory clinical research shows that milk thistle extract does not inhibit CYP2C9 or significantly affect levels of the CYP2C9 substrate tolbutamide. Differences in results could be due to differences in dosages or formulations utilized.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
While laboratory research shows conflicting results, pharmacokinetic research shows that taking milk thistle extract 420-1350 mg daily does not significantly affect the metabolism of the CYP3A4 substrates irinotecan, midazolam, or indinavir. However, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including gefitinib, sorafenib, doxorubicin, and vincristine.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with estrogen therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
Animal research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin binds to estrogen receptor beta.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with statin therapy by decreasing the activity of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATB1B1) and inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
Preliminary evidence suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin can decrease the activity of the OATP1B1, which transports HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors into the liver to their site of action, and animal research shows this increases the maximum plasma concentration of pitavastatin and pravastatin. The silibinin component also inhibits BCRP, which transports statins from the liver into the bile for excretion. However, in a preliminary study in healthy males, silymarin 140 mg three times daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of rosuvastatin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Theoretically, milk thistle may induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes and increase the metabolism of indinavir; however, results are conflicting.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking milk thistle (Standardized Milk Thistle, General Nutrition Corp.) 175 mg three times daily in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours decreases the mean trough levels of indinavir by 25%. However, results from the same pharmacokinetic study show that milk thistle does not affect the overall exposure to indinavir. Furthermore, two other pharmacokinetic studies show that taking specific milk thistle extract (Legalon, Rottapharm Madaus; Thisilyn, Nature's Way) 160-450 mg every 8 hours in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours does not reduce levels of indinavir.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Milk thistle may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP-B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP-B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle inhibits OATP-B1. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are OATP substrates, including sorafenib and methotrexate. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates. However, this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle can inhibit P-glycoprotein activity and 1 case report from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describes increased abdominal pain in a patient taking milk thistle and the cancer medication vincristine, a P-glycoprotein substrate, though this patient was also taking methotrexate. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking milk thistle (Enzymatic Therapy Inc.) 900 mg, standardized to 80% silymarin, in 3 divided doses daily for 14 days does not affect absorption of digoxin, a P-glycoprotein substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Milk Thistle seed extract full monograph & interactions

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bromelain full monograph & interactions

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Papain full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Milk Thistle Sport, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus Formula

See all GNC Herbal Plus Formula products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula: Common Questions

Does Milk Thistle Sport by GNC Herbal Plus Formula interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Milk Thistle Sport has a known interaction with 1,024 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Milk Thistle Sport contains 14 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is papain in this safe to take if I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against concentrated papain and unripe papaya products during pregnancy due to safety concerns. Since this product contains papain, you should not take it during pregnancy—talk to your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives.
What does bromelain do in this product?
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme extracted from pineapple. In this blend, it's meant to help break down proteins as part of the overall digestive support formula. The evidence for how well it works for specific health claims is not well established.
Will this lower my blood sugar if I take diabetes medication?
Milk thistle, one of the active ingredients here, has been shown in clinical trials to lower blood glucose and HbA1c levels, especially in people already on diabetes drugs. If you're on antidiabetes medication, this could increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Is lactase in this safe for people with lactose intolerance?
Yes. Lactase is effective for lactose intolerance and is generally well tolerated. However, because the product as a whole interacts with blood thinners and other medications, check the full interaction section above if you take any prescriptions.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The safety data for breastfeeding is not well studied for most of the enzymes in this product. Papain and bromelain should be avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose capsule and rice bran. There are no other fillers or binding agents listed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Milk Thistle Sport label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Milk Thistle Sport’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Milk Thistle

Interacts with 954 drugs

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin. While it is generally well tolerated, th...

Read the full Milk Thistle monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Papain

Interacts with 2 drugs

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...

Read the full Papain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bromelain

Interacts with 141 drugs

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...

Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactase

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhe...

Read the full Lactase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Milk Thistle Sport's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 104 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
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Lipase 1 reference
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Lactase 1 reference
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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