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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Milk Thistle and Sulforaphane are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Milk Thistle and Sulforaphane have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
200-400mg silymarin (standardized extract)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (70-80% silymarin)
10-50mg sulforaphane (or equivalent from broccoli sprout extract)
With meals, Morning preferred
Stabilized sulforaphane (Prostaphane, Avmacol) or broccoli sprout extract with myrosinase
4-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
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
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1337
For HbA1c, silymarin was more effective than resveratrol (MD -2.08, 95%Cl -3.50 to -0.72) (P < 0.05).
Effects of different natural products in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024) · Meta analysis · n=2509
The results of the network meta-analysis showed that artichoke leaf extract confers a relative advantage in reducing the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (SUCRA: 99.1%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (SUCRA: 88.2%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 88.9%).
Are alterations needed in Silybum marianum (Silymarin) administration practices? A novel outlook and meta-analysis on randomized trials targeting liver injury
BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025) · Meta analysis · n=3545
According to the findings of this meta-analysis silymarin administration showed a significant reduction in AST (SMD [95% CI]: - 0.670 [- 0.931, - 0.408], p-value = 0.000), and ALT (SMD [95% CI]: - 0.912 [- 1.177, - 0.646], p-value = 0.000) levels.
Broccoli Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=31292
In summary, the findings indicate that individuals suffering from some type of cancer consumed less broccoli, suggesting a protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer.
Do Brassica Vegetables Affect Thyroid Function?-A Comprehensive Systematic Review
International journal of molecular sciences (2024) · Systematic review
We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells.
Potential Effects of Bioactive Compounds of Plant-Based Foods and Medicinal Plants in Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2024) · Systematic review
Systematic review examining Sulforaphane efficacy
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing significant ALT/AST reduction. Effect size modest (SMD -0.67 to -0.9). Effectiveness assumes standardized 80% silymarin extract. Lower bioavailability forms may require higher doses.
Based on meta-analyses showing significant improvements in Social Responsiveness Scale and irritability/hyperactivity scores. Effects were modest and required 4-10 weeks of supplementation. Limited to autism populations only.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Milk Thistle and Sulforaphane are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For reduce inflammation, Milk Thistle has a higher relevance score (95 vs 80).
No known interactions between Milk Thistle and Sulforaphane have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.