Effects berberine-silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #antioxidants #aspartate-aminotransferases #berberine #humans

Effects berberine-silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Mohtashaminia et al., 2022 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis

Citation

Mohtashaminia Fatemeh, Amini Mohammad Reza, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Effects berberine-silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2022-Jun;49:181-186. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.01.037

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite controversies, no study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of berberine (BBR)-silymarin on liver enzymes. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of berberis aristate and Silybum marianum on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in adults. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to June 2021, were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The mean differences and standard deviations were pooled using a random-effects model. The studies' quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: Out of 80 citations, 5 trials that enrolled 549 participants were included. Berberis aristate and Silybum marianum resulted in no statistically significant change in ALT (weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.39 mg/dl; 95% CI: -1.67 to 0.89, P = 0.55), and AST (WMD: -0.44 mg/dl; 95% CI: -2.02 to 1.14, P = 0.58). CONCLUSION: We did not find any significant reduction in liver enzymes following BBR-silymarin consumption in adults. Further clinical trials with high quality according to the challenges mentioned seem to be helpful to use BBR-silymarin as a supplement for improving liver function.

Key Findings

Out of 80 citations, 5 trials that enrolled 549 participants were included. Berberis aristate and Silybum marianum resulted in no statistically significant change in ALT (weighted mean differences (WMD): -0.39 mg/dl; 95% CI: -1.67 to 0.89, P = 0.55), and AST (WMD: -0.44 mg/dl; 95% CI: -2.02 to 1.14, P = 0.58).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 549
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Berberine
  • Humans
  • Liver
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Silymarin

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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