Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Total Carbohydrate
1 g
<1%*
Organic Silactive® Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) seed extract
750 mg
†
Silymarins 
375 mg
†

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Silymarin positively influences cholesterol
We conducted a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial with 40 type 2 diabetes patients to see how silymarin impacts cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Over 45 days, participants received either silymarin or a placebo.

Our findings showed that those taking silymarin experienced significant improvements. They had lower fasting blood sugar, reduced triglycerides, and improved levels of good HDL cholesterol.

However, while the results are promising, further research is necessary to confirm these benefits for managing cholesterol in diabetes patients.
8
Silybum marianum reduces cholesterol effectively
We explored the impacts of Silybum marianum extract on broiler chickens’ health and performance. Chicks were divided into groups, with some receiving the extract in their diet while others did not.

Interestingly, we found that the group fed with Silybum marianum showed significant benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and better weight gain. However, the method of in ovo feeding did not show any notable effects on hatchability or initial weight.

Overall, incorporating Silybum marianum in their diet appears to help improve cholesterol levels and support overall growth in chickens.
9
Herbal emulsion shows promise
We examined the effects of a polyherbal emulsion named F6-SMONSECCE on diabetic rats induced with alloxan. This formulation, crafted from various extracts, showed promising results in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels significantly.

Remarkably, we found reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside improvements in insulin and HDL levels. The herbal treatment also promoted healing in the pancreas and kidneys, suggesting potential as a supportive remedy for diabetes and related conditions. However, further research is essential to fully understand its impact on human health.

Most Useful Reviews

9
Combats bitter taste
6 people found this helpful
Prescribed by my dietician, these have genuinely worked for me. I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth for months until I began taking them before meals. The cheaper alternatives weren’t nearly as effective. Once ingested, the effect of Milk Thistle is evident, prompting me to eat immediately. The bitter taste has disappeared, and my husband and son take them as well. They assist in detoxifying the pancreas and liver and are pleasantly sized and easy to swallow, packaged in a glass bottle, avoiding harmful plastic.
7.5
Effective liver detox
11 people found this helpful
The most effective Milk Thistle Seed extract I've used is a liver detox supplement. My blood test showed an elevated fatty liver issue, and my doctor suggested that it's not severe enough to require a prescription medication, recommending a Milk Thistle supplement instead. After trying four other cheaper brands, I opted for Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle and noticed a difference after three months. I've now been taking this extract for over a year.
6
Promotes relaxation
4 people found this helpful
This product supports the liver and is very beneficial. I take two capsules every evening before bed, which complements a significant dietary change. Overall, I have noticed how my right abdomen feels much more relaxed. I am sincerely grateful for this high-quality product.

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
  • All Researches
9
Herbal emulsion shows promise
We examined the effects of a polyherbal emulsion named F6-SMONSECCE on diabetic rats induced with alloxan. This formulation, crafted from various extracts, showed promising results in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels significantly.

Remarkably, we found reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside improvements in insulin and HDL levels. The herbal treatment also promoted healing in the pancreas and kidneys, suggesting potential as a supportive remedy for diabetes and related conditions. However, further research is essential to fully understand its impact on human health.
9
Silymarin positively influences cholesterol
We conducted a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial with 40 type 2 diabetes patients to see how silymarin impacts cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Over 45 days, participants received either silymarin or a placebo.

Our findings showed that those taking silymarin experienced significant improvements. They had lower fasting blood sugar, reduced triglycerides, and improved levels of good HDL cholesterol.

However, while the results are promising, further research is necessary to confirm these benefits for managing cholesterol in diabetes patients.
9
Milk thistle reduces cholesterol levels
We evaluated the impact of milk thistle meal on cholesterol levels and overall health in laying hens. In an engaging trial with 200 hens, we explored four different levels of milk thistle (0%, 15%, 30%, and 60%) combined with varying energy levels over 80 days.

Our findings revealed that incorporating milk thistle significantly lowered serum cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The hens also showed improved feed conversion efficiency and reduced harmful bacterial counts, highlighting the potential health benefits of milk thistle in poultry diets.
9
Combination treatment reduces cholesterol
We explored the effects of a nutraceutical blend containing silybum marianum, along with Berberis aristata and monacolin K, on cholesterol levels in patients with low cardiovascular risk.

In our study, 143 participants were involved in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over three months. The results revealed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol with the combination treatment.

While there were positive changes, the study suggests that this blend of ingredients is not only effective for reducing cholesterol but also safe.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum (called Berberol®) in lowering cholesterol levels among dyslipidemic patients, involving 102 participants. After a six-month preparation with diet and exercise, participants were divided into groups receiving either the supplement or a placebo for three months.

Our findings showed that the natural extract improved total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting the good HDL cholesterol. When treatment paused, cholesterol worsened, but improved again with resumption. Overall, this treatment was safe and effective for managing cholesterol levels and enhancing insulin secretion.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.3
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Combats bitter taste
6 people found this helpful
Prescribed by my dietician, these have genuinely worked for me. I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth for months until I began taking them before meals. The cheaper alternatives weren’t nearly as effective. Once ingested, the effect of Milk Thistle is evident, prompting me to eat immediately. The bitter taste has disappeared, and my husband and son take them as well. They assist in detoxifying the pancreas and liver and are pleasantly sized and easy to swallow, packaged in a glass bottle, avoiding harmful plastic.
7.5
Effective liver detox
11 people found this helpful
The most effective Milk Thistle Seed extract I've used is a liver detox supplement. My blood test showed an elevated fatty liver issue, and my doctor suggested that it's not severe enough to require a prescription medication, recommending a Milk Thistle supplement instead. After trying four other cheaper brands, I opted for Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle and noticed a difference after three months. I've now been taking this extract for over a year.
6
Promotes relaxation
4 people found this helpful
This product supports the liver and is very beneficial. I take two capsules every evening before bed, which complements a significant dietary change. Overall, I have noticed how my right abdomen feels much more relaxed. I am sincerely grateful for this high-quality product.

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Effective liver detox
11 people found this helpful
The most effective Milk Thistle Seed extract I've used is a liver detox supplement. My blood test showed an elevated fatty liver issue, and my doctor suggested that it's not severe enough to require a prescription medication, recommending a Milk Thistle supplement instead. After trying four other cheaper brands, I opted for Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle and noticed a difference after three months. I've now been taking this extract for over a year.
6
Promotes relaxation
4 people found this helpful
This product supports the liver and is very beneficial. I take two capsules every evening before bed, which complements a significant dietary change. Overall, I have noticed how my right abdomen feels much more relaxed. I am sincerely grateful for this high-quality product.
9
Combats bitter taste
6 people found this helpful
Prescribed by my dietician, these have genuinely worked for me. I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth for months until I began taking them before meals. The cheaper alternatives weren’t nearly as effective. Once ingested, the effect of Milk Thistle is evident, prompting me to eat immediately. The bitter taste has disappeared, and my husband and son take them as well. They assist in detoxifying the pancreas and liver and are pleasantly sized and easy to swallow, packaged in a glass bottle, avoiding harmful plastic.
7
Berberol shows mixed cholesterol effects
We examined how a combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum, referred to as Berberol, impacts cholesterol levels in patients with dyslipidaemia. Through a meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials, we found that Berberol significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels.

However, it did not show a significant impact on high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, or body mass index. While Berberol appears safe, indicating no adverse liver enzyme changes, the evidence base is limited, requiring more extensive studies to clarify its long-term effectiveness and optimal usage.
9
Combination treatment reduces cholesterol
We explored the effects of a nutraceutical blend containing silybum marianum, along with Berberis aristata and monacolin K, on cholesterol levels in patients with low cardiovascular risk.

In our study, 143 participants were involved in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over three months. The results revealed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol with the combination treatment.

While there were positive changes, the study suggests that this blend of ingredients is not only effective for reducing cholesterol but also safe.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum (called Berberol®) in lowering cholesterol levels among dyslipidemic patients, involving 102 participants. After a six-month preparation with diet and exercise, participants were divided into groups receiving either the supplement or a placebo for three months.

Our findings showed that the natural extract improved total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting the good HDL cholesterol. When treatment paused, cholesterol worsened, but improved again with resumption. Overall, this treatment was safe and effective for managing cholesterol levels and enhancing insulin secretion.
9
Silymarin positively influences cholesterol
We conducted a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial with 40 type 2 diabetes patients to see how silymarin impacts cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Over 45 days, participants received either silymarin or a placebo.

Our findings showed that those taking silymarin experienced significant improvements. They had lower fasting blood sugar, reduced triglycerides, and improved levels of good HDL cholesterol.

However, while the results are promising, further research is necessary to confirm these benefits for managing cholesterol in diabetes patients.
8
Berberol(®) enhances cholesterol management
We investigated the effectiveness of a combination of berberine and silymarin (Berberol(®)) in patients with high cholesterol who cannot tolerate statins.

Our study included type 2 diabetic patients who previously reduced their statin doses or chose alternative treatments.

We found that Berberol(®) significantly lowered triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, alongside fasting blood glucose levels, without causing toxicity.

This suggests that Berberol(®) can serve as a safe and effective option for managing lipid and blood sugar levels in these patients.
5
Herbal mix improves glucose, not cholesterol
We explored the impact of combining Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum on cholesterol levels in patients unable to tolerate high doses of statins. In a study of 137 participants, those who could only take a lower dose of statins received either a placebo or the herbal combination for six months.

While the study showed that adding B. aristata/S. marianum did improve certain glucose levels, there was no significant overall change in cholesterol levels after six months. Surprisingly, the placebo group experienced a notable increase in cholesterol. Thus, combining these herbs with lower doses of statins could be beneficial for those struggling with high-dose statins.

References

  1. Zare Mehrjerdi P, Asadi S, Ehsani E, Askari VR, Baradaran Rahimi V. Silibinin as a major component of milk thistle seed provides promising influences against diabetes and its complications: a systematic review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024;397:7531. 10.1007/s00210-024-03172-x
  2. Akhtar MT, Almas T, Safdar S, Saadia M, Qadir R, et al. Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, Antilipidemic, and Protective Effect of Polyherbal Emulsion (F6-SMONSECCE) on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. ACS Omega. 2023;8:21642. 10.1021/acsomega.3c01027
  3. Zhu Y, Zhang X, Du P, Wang Z, Luo P, et al. Dietary herbaceous mixture supplementation reduced hepatic lipid deposition and improved hepatic health status in post-peak laying hens. Poult Sci. 2022;101:101870. 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101870
  4. Çeribaşı S, Türk G, Özçelik M, Doğan G, Çeribaşı AO, et al. Negative effect of feeding with high energy diets on testes and metabolic blood parameters of male Japanese quails, and positive role of milk thistle seed. Theriogenology. 2020;144:74. 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.021
  5. Tóth B, Németh D, Soós A, Hegyi P, Pham-Dobor G, et al. The Effects of a Fixed Combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum on Dyslipidaemia - A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review. Planta Med. 2020;86:132. 10.1055/a-1063-1649
  6. Ebrahimpour-Koujan S, Gargari BP, Mobasseri M, Valizadeh H, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Lower glycemic indices and lipid profile among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received novel dose of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) extract supplement: A Triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2018;44:39. 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.03.050
  7. Hashemi Jabali NS, Mahdavi AH, Ansari Mahyari S, Sedghi M, Akbari Moghaddam Kakhki R. Effects of milk thistle meal on performance, ileal bacterial enumeration, jejunal morphology and blood lipid peroxidation in laying hens fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2018;102:410. 10.1111/jpn.12747
  8. Derosa G, D'Angelo A, Romano D, Maffioli P. Effects of a Combination of Berberis aristata, Silybum marianum and Monacolin on Lipid Profile in Subjects at Low Cardiovascular Risk; A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18. 10.3390/ijms18020343
  9. Ni X, Wang H. Silymarin attenuated hepatic steatosis through regulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Am J Transl Res. 2016;8:1073.
  10. Morovat M, Chamani M, Zarei A, Sadeghi AA. Dietary but not in ovo feeding of Silybum marianum extract resulted in an improvement in performance, immunity and carcass characteristics and decreased the adverse effects of high temperatures in broilers. Br Poult Sci. 2016;57:105. 10.1080/00071668.2015.1121537
  11. Di Pierro F, Bellone I, Rapacioli G, Putignano P. Clinical role of a fixed combination of standardized Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum extracts in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic patients intolerant to statins. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2015;8:89. 10.2147/DMSO.S78877
  12. Derosa G, Romano D, D'Angelo A, Maffioli P. Berberis aristata combined with Silybum marianum on lipid profile in patients not tolerating statins at high doses. Atherosclerosis. 2015;239:87. 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.12.043
  13. Derosa G, Bonaventura A, Bianchi L, Romano D, D'Angelo A, et al. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2013;13:1495. 10.1517/14712598.2013.832751
  14. Cacciapuoti F, Scognamiglio A, Palumbo R, Forte R, Cacciapuoti F. Silymarin in non alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Hepatol. 2013;5:109. 10.4254/wjh.v5.i3.109
  15. Skottová N, Kazdová L, Oliyarnyk O, Vecera R, Sobolová L, et al. Phenolics-rich extracts from Silybum marianum and Prunella vulgaris reduce a high-sucrose diet induced oxidative stress in hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats. Pharmacol Res. 2004;50:123.
  16. Skottová N, Krecman V, Walterová D, Ulrichová J, Kosina P, et al. Effect of silymarin on serum cholesterol levels in rats. Acta Univ Palacki Olomuc Fac Med. 1998;141:87.
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