Thistle and Reduced Triglyceride Levels

Across 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial effects on triglyceride levels, with effect sizes ranging from small to large; 1 study found a neutral effect. The most robust evidence comes from a 2025 systematic review in 1,221 patients with alcoholic liver disease, which observed a large beneficial effect (SMD = -1.29, 95% CI -1.93 to -0.66, statistically significant). The evidence base is small and preliminary, with no consistent dose or form data available.

• Studied populations: clinical populations with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and diabetes

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. The 2 beneficial studies were systematic reviews with relatively large sample sizes, but the only meta-analysis (evidence score 7) found a neutral, non-significant effect for silymarin combined with medication (SMD -0.92, p=0.080). Effect sizes varied substantially (small to large), and no form or dose information was reported across studies, limiting practical application.