NutriStack
Berberine and Milk Thistle, a synergy.
Milk thistle (silymarin) inhibits CYP enzymes that metabolize berberine, potentially increasing its bioavailability and duration of action.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Berberine and Milk Thistle
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Emerging evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Milk thistle (silymarin) inhibits CYP enzymes that metabolize berberine, potentially increasing its bioavailability and duration of action.
Mechanism. Silymarin inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which are primary metabolizers of berberine. This reduces first-pass metabolism and increases berberine plasma levels.
Recommendation. Combine for enhanced metabolic support. Silymarin may increase berberine bioavailability.
Sources (2)
- Feng R et al. Transforming berberine into its intestine-absorbable form by the gut microbiota. Sci Rep. 2015
- Fogacci F, Grassi D, Rizzo M, Cicero AFG. Metabolic effect of berberine-silymarin association: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2019. PMID 30632209
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Berberine and Milk Thistle are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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