Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In
New evidence

Silymarin from milk thistle beat resveratrol on HbA1c in a meta-analysis of 337 patients — but this is the first systematic look at the pairing, so the finding is still provisional.

This is early evidence that silymarin might lower long-term blood sugar more than other popular herbal supplements, but with only 337 patients across the included studies and no specified dose, the result needs replication before you should act on it.

A systematic review of clinical trials found that silymarin, a compound from milk thistle, reduced hemoglobin A1c (a marker of average blood sugar over 2–3 months) more effectively than resveratrol in people with type 2 diabetes. The same analysis also linked silymarin to improvements in insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure — but because this is the first indexed review to compare these herbs head-to-head, the results are intriguing rather than definitive.

Where this fits in the evidence

This is among the first studies we've indexed on Thistle for Reduced Hemoglobin A1c — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.

The study

Clinical Efficacy of Curcumin, Resveratrol, Silymarin, and Berberine on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

  • Systematic Review
  • n = 337
  • 2025-05-29
  • Phytotherapy research : PTR
More on ThistleMore on Reduced Hemoglobin A1c

This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.

Back to top