Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 19 Reviews
8.2
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
**

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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Highly recommended product
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.
Read More
7.5
Long-term user
7 people found this helpful
Life Extension's European Mild Thistle, 120 softgels, has been my choice for over five years, particularly for my fatty liver, and I highly recommend it.
Read More
9
Satisfied with results
5 people found this helpful
Excellent! After extensive research on liver support while on iHerb, I found silybin from milk thistle to be exceptionally beneficial. This product has the highest silybin per capsule, in liposomal form for improved absorption. I consistently take it at night, aligning with my liver's circadian rhythm. The quality is impeccable, and I've experienced no side effects. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially when combined with other supportive supplements for a robust liver.
Read More

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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 19 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Highly recommended product
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.
Read More
7.5
Long-term user
7 people found this helpful
Life Extension's European Mild Thistle, 120 softgels, has been my choice for over five years, particularly for my fatty liver, and I highly recommend it.
Read More
9
Satisfied with results
5 people found this helpful
Excellent! After extensive research on liver support while on iHerb, I found silybin from milk thistle to be exceptionally beneficial. This product has the highest silybin per capsule, in liposomal form for improved absorption. I consistently take it at night, aligning with my liver's circadian rhythm. The quality is impeccable, and I've experienced no side effects. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially when combined with other supportive supplements for a robust liver.
Read More
9
Improved liver results
5 people found this helpful
I had poor liver blood results, but in just two months, I've corrected them to perfect levels. My total cholesterol has decreased significantly, including LDL, and I find fat easier to digest. I believe milk thistle helps detoxify and reduce fatty liver. I take it alongside betaine HCL, ALA, and taurine twice daily.
Read More
9
Liver disease reversal
2 people found this helpful
Mighty Milk Thistle from Life Extension is a trusted brand, and their Advanced Milk Thistle helped reverse early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. My doctor advised me to continue as it's clearly making a difference. I highly recommend it for liver health.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Improved liver results
5 people found this helpful
I had poor liver blood results, but in just two months, I've corrected them to perfect levels. My total cholesterol has decreased significantly, including LDL, and I find fat easier to digest. I believe milk thistle helps detoxify and reduce fatty liver. I take it alongside betaine HCL, ALA, and taurine twice daily.
7.5
Significantly improved
1 people found this helpful
Milk Thistle by Life Extension effectively maintains liver health over time. I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to support their liver function. This product is more affordable than other brands aimed at liver improvement. I suggest trying it and monitoring liver function through blood tests—it should show positive results!
7.5
Quality detox product
2 people found this helpful
The product is of high quality and beneficial for detoxifying the liver and for fatty liver. The packaging is substantial enough for long-term use.
8
Excellent liver relief
1 people found this helpful
A very high-quality product! After taking it, I felt relief on my right side, with no heaviness or bitterness in my mouth.
9
Liver disease reversal
2 people found this helpful
Mighty Milk Thistle from Life Extension is a trusted brand, and their Advanced Milk Thistle helped reverse early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. My doctor advised me to continue as it's clearly making a difference. I highly recommend it for liver health.
10
Highly recommended product
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.
9
Satisfied with results
5 people found this helpful
Excellent! After extensive research on liver support while on iHerb, I found silybin from milk thistle to be exceptionally beneficial. This product has the highest silybin per capsule, in liposomal form for improved absorption. I consistently take it at night, aligning with my liver's circadian rhythm. The quality is impeccable, and I've experienced no side effects. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially when combined with other supportive supplements for a robust liver.
7.5
Liver health improved
15 people found this helpful
Milk thistle is a staple in my medicine cabinet. Previously, I took pharmaceutical preparations that required three daily doses. I appreciate this product’s convenient composition, easy-to-swallow capsules, and absence of taste. The quality has consistently been excellent over time, with reliable packaging. My liver undoubtedly benefits from it, resulting in easier bile elimination due to its natural ingredients.
7.5
Preventative measures
1 people found this helpful
I only took this once a week as a preventive measure against fatty liver and cholesterol. I rotate other supplements throughout the week, but I believe it’s providing the benefits I need. I’ve heard great reviews about this brand.
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.
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.
8
Silymarin reduces liver fat, boosts cholesterol
We examined the effects of silymarin, derived from the milk thistle plant, on liver health in a mouse model with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The study showed that silymarin effectively reduced fat accumulation in the liver while preserving beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

It also decreased harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, positively impacting the circulatory system. However, we found no changes in body weight or food intake with silymarin treatment, suggesting a targeted benefit for liver health without broader metabolic effects.
4
Silymarin may aid cholesterol management
We examined how the phenolic-rich extracts from Silybum marianum, commonly known as silymarin, and Prunella vulgaris could support better cholesterol management. Testing on hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats given different diets, we found that while silymarin didn’t significantly lower lipid levels, it did reduce harmful VLDL-cholesterol and enhance antioxidant activity. The extracts helped improve antioxidant status in both blood and liver, though they didn’t affect catalase activity. Overall, these findings suggest that silymarin may support heart health, particularly when combined with other dietary measures.

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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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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