Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 2 Softgels

Amount Per Serving

%DV

Milk Thistle Phospholipid Proprietary BlendMilk thistle extract (fruit) [providing 480 mg silymarin, 180 mg silybin, 48 mg isosilybin A and isosilybin B], phospholipids

760 mg

SILIPHOS® phytosome milk thistle extract (fruit) [providing 47.52 mg silybin]

160 mg

The product is found useful for the following medical conditions

Blood Clot details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 2 Researches

Flavonolignans reduce platelet activity

Bijak M, Saluk-Bijak J. Flavonolignans inhibit the arachidonic acid pathway in blood platelets. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17:396. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1897-7

We aimed to explore how flavonolignans from silybum marianum, specifically silybin, silychristin, and silydianin, affect blood clotting through the COX pathway in platelets. Our methods involved analyzing platelet aggregation and the formation of COX pathway metabolites.

The findings were promising; these compounds showed a reduction in platelet aggregation and COX activity. Silychristin and silybin emerged as the most effective inhibitors, potentially acting as competitive blockers at the active COX site. This suggests that flavonolignans might offer new avenues for antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory therapies.

Enhanced liver health

Most Useful Review

97 people found this helpful

One of the best liver medications for both prevention and treatment! I purchase this product for my mother, who has chronic viral hepatitis, as liver support is crucial for her. As you know, milk thistle is the leading herb for liver health, although its primary compound, silybin, is poorly soluble in water, hindering absorption. The phosphatidylcholine encapsulates silybin, allowing better absorption into the blood, increasing its bioavailability by tenfold. This results in improved protection of liver cells, detoxification, and stimulation of healthy cell growth. Mum is pleased with this product's effectiveness, and her analyses confirm it; she takes it at night, as liver bioactivity peaks between 1-3 a.m.

We investigated the potential heart health benefits of 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHS), a component of silybum marianum. In our study, rats' isolated hearts were treated with low doses of DHS before experiencing induced heart attacks and subsequent recovery.

The results showed that DHS significantly reduced heart tissue damage compared to untreated hearts, suggesting it has a protective effect. This effect is linked to specific signaling pathways in the heart. Overall, our research highlights the promising cardioprotective properties of this natural compound.

Fatty liver improvement

Most Useful Review

10 people found this helpful

I have been using this product regularly with phosphatidyl choline (PC) to rid myself of the dreaded NAFLD. My doctor informed me that the fatty liver disease is no longer present! Nonetheless, I continue taking this along with the PC after a fatty lunch each day. As of August 2021, I am still using it.

Autoimmune Disorder details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Moderately Effective

Based on 9 Researches

Silybin shows promise for autoimmune disorders

Yang HL, Shi XW. Silybin Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Suppressing Dendritic Cell Activation and Th17 Cell Differentiation. Front Neurol. 2021;12:659678. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.659678

We investigated how silybin, a unique flavonoid found in certain plants, impacts autoimmune disorders, specifically using a model for multiple sclerosis called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

In our study, silybin significantly reduced disease severity, inflammation, and damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in EAE mice.

The findings suggest that silybin works by inhibiting the activation of dendritic cells and reducing harmful Th17 cell differentiation. This positions silybin as a promising candidate for new treatments aimed at autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Effective for bile flow

Most Useful Review

29 people found this helpful

I wish to share my personal experience with this milk thistle dietary supplement. I suffer from poor bile flow, which causes pain in my right side. Upon taking Milk Thistle, relief comes swiftly, usually by the third day, and I extend my intake for 10-15 days to maintain results. My doctor recommends taking it 15-20 minutes before meals, and I've no doubt about its quality due to my repeated positive experiences. Most recently, I ordered it for my girlfriend, who struggled with liver enzyme issues post-childbirth. After taking Silymarin for two weeks, her tests returned to normal, her discomfort vanished, and her appetite improved. I experienced no side effects and highly recommend this natural remedy.

Common Cold details

Increased energy levels

Most Useful Review

1 people found this helpful

Very effective. After 2-3 weeks of use, I feel improved energy, sleep better, and have fewer skin rashes. I believe it is aiding in the detoxification of my liver.

Hepatitis details

10 people found this helpful

Excellent composition! I bought it to support my liver, as I have had hepatitis B since childhood. The liver is the primary barrier against toxins. When overwhelmed, it fails to protect effectively, leading to various health issues, including dermatitis. After a month on ordinary milk thistle, I switched to these capsules, taking two daily before meals. Positive results take at least three months, but remarkably, my dermatitis has cleared for the first time in two years! I maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol. This milk thistle really worked wonders for me! Thank you for reading.

Cardiovascular Disease details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Moderately Effective

Based on 11 Researches

SM reduces cardiac triglyceride levels

Vilahur G, Sutelman P, Mendieta G, Ben-Aicha S, Borrell-Pages M, et al. Triglyceride-induced cardiac lipotoxicity is mitigated by Silybum marianum. Atherosclerosis. 2021;324:91. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.03.014

We examined the effects of Silybum marianum (SM) on heart health through a study on pigs with myocardial infarction. Our findings revealed that administering SM for ten days significantly lowered plasma triglycerides and reduced triglyceride absorption.

Notably, this outcome correlated with reduced cardiac lipotoxicity three weeks after the heart incident and better cardiac structure. Importantly, we observed no adverse effects from SM. Overall, while SM shows promise in improving certain heart conditions, further research could clarify its broader application.

Fatty liver improvement

Most Useful Review

10 people found this helpful

I have been using this product regularly with phosphatidyl choline (PC) to rid myself of the dreaded NAFLD. My doctor informed me that I no longer have fatty liver disease! I continue to take this along with the PC after a fatty lunch each day.

Food Poisoning details

6 people found this helpful

Milk Thistle is very beneficial for liver protection, especially for those working night shifts. Bad breath can indicate liver inflammation after late hours, but after consuming this health food, I noticed a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in bad breath within two hours. I highly recommend it to those in need of liver support.

High Cholesterol details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 16 Researches

Silymarin positively influences cholesterol

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. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.03.050

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.

Highly recommended product

Most Useful Review

11 people found this helpful

The most effective product for liver health! After years of researching liver support on iHerb, I've found that silybin from milk thistle significantly improves hepatocyte health. This formulation has the highest silybin dosage in a capsule, particularly in liposomal form for better absorption. I take it regularly at night due to my liver rhythm. The quality is outstanding, with no side effects, and I recommend combining it with R-lipoic acid and dandelion for enhanced benefits.

Back Pain details

3 people found this helpful

This is a wonderful product! It eliminated pain in my right hypochondrium and improved my skin colour. The capsules are smooth, easy to swallow, and do not stick. I will certainly buy more.

Bone Pain details

3 people found this helpful

Abdomen pain stopped; this is the best product.

Cholecystitis details

Effective for Cholecystitis

Most Useful Review

29 people found this helpful

Natural milk thistle extract has been beneficial for my liver and gallbladder. I suffer from poor bile flow, and as soon as I experience discomfort in my right side, I take Milk Thistle. Within a couple of days, I feel relief, and by the third day, the heaviness in my right hypochondrium completely disappears. I continue taking it for another 10-15 days to maintain the effect, which is both persistent and long-lasting. My doctor recommended taking it 15-20 minutes before meals. I'm confident in its effectiveness, having experienced results personally. I even ordered it for my girlfriend, who had liver issues post-pregnancy. After two weeks on Silymarin, her test results normalised for the first time in months, and her symptoms improved. I did not experience side effects while on it, and highly recommend this natural remedy.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome details

1 people found this helpful

Since last year, I've been exceptionally tired, so I've started taking Milk Thistle. This product is made in phytosome form for better absorption. While Milk Thistle is known for poor absorption, I feel less fatigue when taking it, especially compared to the days of coming home from work feeling exhausted.

Liver Disease details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 16 Researches

Silymarin improves liver protection

Okiljević B, Martić N, Govedarica S, Andrejić Višnjić B, Bosanac M, et al. Cardioprotective and Hepatoprotective Potential of Silymarin in Paracetamol-Induced Oxidative Stress. Pharmaceutics. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics16040520

We investigated the effects of silymarin on liver and heart health under oxidative stress from paracetamol. In a controlled study with 28 male mice, silymarin showed a strong potential to reduce liver injury markers and improve liver enzyme levels after treatment.

Histopathological assessments revealed less tissue damage and inflammation in mice treated with silymarin compared to those that only received paracetamol. Overall, these findings demonstrate that silymarin is a promising option to help protect the liver and heart from oxidative stress-related injury.

Hepatoprotective benefits

Most Useful Review

141 people found this helpful

Milk thistle fruits have a hepatoprotective effect, improve liver function, and normalise digestion. They protect hepatocytes and enhance their resistance to infections and various types of poisoning. Additionally, milk thistle promotes bile formation and accelerates its excretion, thereby normalising digestion and metabolism.