In a 3 month study 36 patients diagnosed with non-alcholic fatty liver disease were divided into 2 groups to determine if silymarin benefits liver disease patients. The first group was given silymarin (an extract of milk thistle) and Vitamin E, and followed an exercise program and a low-calorie diet. The second group just followed a low-calorie diet. Waist circumference, body weight, BMI, blood sugar, liver enzymes (a measure of liver disease), and liver disease tests were measured before and after the treatments.
Both groups improved their scores on the liver disease tests and the blood sugar and body weight measures. The liver enzyme GGt improved more in the Silymarin group, whereas the AST and ALT enzyme levels only improved in Group 2 (Low-calorie group).
Patients who did not lose 5% body weight only experienced benefits if taking Silymarin and Vitamin E.
The researchers concluded:
“Treatment with silymarin plus vitamin E and a low-calorie diet improved the liver function test and the Non-Alcholic Fatty Liver Disease index.”
