Silymarin Reduces Liver Stiffness in MASLD Patients by Modulating Gut Microbiota: A 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of silymarin on liver stiffness in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Eighty-three participants were divided between a silymarin group (103.2 mg/day) and a placebo group. Results showed that silymarin significantly reduced liver stiffness, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and ApoB levels compared to placebo. However, it did not significantly affect hepatic steatosis or other biochemical and physical parameters. Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased diversity, particularly an enrichment of Oscillospiraceae, suggesting a potential role of microbiota modulation in silymarin’s effects on liver health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39097726/