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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Milk Thistle wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
5 of 5 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both Milk Thistle and TUDCA 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)
250-500mg daily for general support; up to 1500mg for therapeutic use
With meals containing fat, Before or with fatty meals
TUDCA capsules (pure tauroursodeoxycholic acid)
4-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
4 weeks
4-8 weeks
1-2 weeks
8-12 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.
The bile acid TUDCA and neurodegenerative disorders: An overview
Life sciences (2021) · Systematic review
The tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), one of the acids found in bear bile, is a hydrophilic bile acid and naturally produced in the liver by conjugation of taurine to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
Nutraceutical, Dietary, and Lifestyle Options for Prevention and Treatment of Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
International journal of molecular sciences (2021) · Systematic review
The potential advantages of whole-food plant-based diets, moderation in salt intake, avoidance of phosphate additives, and regular exercise training and sauna sessions are also discussed.
Trial of Sodium Phenylbutyrate-Taurursodiol for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
The New England Journal of Medicine (2020) · Rct · n=137
A total of 137 participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (89 participants) or placebo (48 participants).
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 one phase 3 RCT in ALS showing modest functional improvement and systematic reviews suggesting neuroprotective effects. Effect size is conservative given single disease population study and limited human data for other neurological conditions.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Milk Thistle has a higher evidence score (6.5/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
Both Milk Thistle and TUDCA score equally (95) for reduce inflammation.
No known interactions between Milk Thistle and TUDCA have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.