The effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

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#blood-glucose #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #female #glycated-hemoglobin #humans

The effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Hadi et al., 2018 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hadi Amir, Pourmasoumi Makan, ... Miraghajani Maryam. The effects of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018-Dec;41:311-319. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.010

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The effect of silymarin supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been conclusively studied. Therefore, the efficacy of silymarin supplementation in these patients was assessed through a meta-analysis. METHODS: The following databases were searched up to May 15, 2018: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid (Cochrane library), Google scholar and ISI web of science. All randomized clinical trials using silymarin supplements to improve T2DM included in this meta-analysis. Mean Difference (MD) was pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight eligible publications from seven trials were identified for the present meta-analysis. Our results revealed that supplementation with silymarin can decrease fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, silymarin did not have any significant effects on total cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that silymarin supplements have beneficial effects on metabolic status and oxidative stress among patients with T2DM. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to make firm conclusions about the full efficacy of supplementation.

Key Findings

Eight eligible publications from seven trials were identified for the present meta-analysis. Our results revealed that supplementation with silymarin can decrease fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, silymarin did not have any significant effects on total cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population type 2 diabetes mellitus
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Humans
  • Insulin
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Silymarin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: milk-thistle

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09