Gaia Herbs NEW Berberine & Milk Thistle: Complete Metabolic & Liver Support*

Ancient Berberine has become one of the most sought-after herbal compounds, offering benefits for metabolic function, liver function, digestion, and more. ^1-4

This has led to a surge of Berberine supplements of varying quality, all vying for consumer attention.

The problem is, not all Berberine is created equal in terms of sourcing, bioavailability, potency, purity, and research.

For example, some Berberine supplements are derived from synthetic compounds (not plants), and one study found that over 40% of the Berberine supplements tested contained less Berberine than stated on their labels. ⁵

At Gaia Herbs, we’ve offered immune-focused Berberine-containing supplements, such as Echinacea Goldenseal and Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray, for decades.

Today, we're excited to present our newest Berberine product, Berberine Milk Thistle, specifically designed to support healthy metabolism in healthy individuals and nourish the liver! 

This synergistic dual-action formula contains organic, wild-crafted, sustainably sourced forms of Berberine and Milk Thistle for maximum bioavailability and liver metabolic benefits.

Whether you’re looking for a potent, sustainably-sourced Berberine supplement, a better Berberine supplement, or are just Berberine-curious, come along as we introduce the science and ancient wisdom behind this herbal power couple.

Why Berberine & Milk Thistle Are The Ultimate Metabolic Support Team

We’re not the first herbal supplement company to introduce a Berberine & Milk Thistle product for metabolic function at two servings a day.

However, we are the first to introduce the combination of organic, sustainably-sourced, HIMABERB® HCI Berberine with Silactive® Milk Thistle and organic ginger root.

To help understand the synergy, here’s a brief background on Berberine and Milk Thistle.

Berberine-containing plants, such as Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, and Barberry, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.

However, it wasn’t until new research surfaced highlighting Berberine’s potential role in supporting various aspects of metabolic function that it became a household name.

Milk Thistle has been used for centuries in traditional European herbalism and Traditional Middle Eastern Medicine, and its active plant compound, Silymarin, has been widely studied for its protective and supportive effects on liver function. ^6-12

We’ve also included 120 mg of organic Ginger for extra metabolic and digestive fire support*.

More On Milk Thistle And The Liver-Metabolic Connection

Most people associate metabolism with the digestive organs, like the stomach, gut, and pancreas.

However, the liver’s role in metabolism is often unknown or under-appreciated.

Yet, this hard-working organ plays an essential role in multiple facets of metabolic function, including:

• Regulating digestion

• Producing bile to break down fats

• Metabolizing sugars and protein

• Conjugating hormones, including those that affect metabolic function

• Detoxifying and managing toxins
  
  

This is why liver-nourishing herbs, such as Milk Thistle, pair perfectly with metabolic-supportive herbal compounds, like Berberine to support the liver-metabolic connection and overall metabolic function.

For Gaia Herbs Berberine & Milk Thistle, we’ve chosen Silactive®, a standardized organic Milk Thistle extract available exclusively from Gaia Herbs in the United States.

We’ll share more about Silactive® Milk Thistle and HIMABERB® HCI Berberine in the following sections.

Four More Things That Make Gaia Herbs Berberine & Milk Thistle Different

Now that you understand the synergy between Berberine & Milk Thistle, let’s look at five more things that set this formula apart.

1. Potent, Authentic, Synthetic-Free Berberine

Unfortunately, Berberine’s surge in popularity has created a wild-west market, with some suppliers selling synthetic Berberine or adulterated plant-based Berberine that is of low quality and low potency.

For example, a recent quality test of 30 berberine products revealed nearly half contained less than 40% of their advertised dose, with some delivering only 1% Berberine!

In addition, many Berberine-containing plants, such as Goldenseal, are easily endangered if harvested incorrectly. 

This leads to unethical harvesting and adulteration of Goldenseal and Berberine products, which hurts plant populations, the supply market, and ultimately, the consumer.

In contrast, HIMABERB® HCI Berberine is sourced from sustainably wild-crafted Indian Barberry, harvested in its pristine native Himalayan habitat by local workers who are ensured fair compensation and sustainable livelihoods. 

Each harvest is fully traceable and conducted in government-designated zones that are only grown on for one year, then allowed to rest for five, to allow the plants and land time to regenerate and thrive.

Purity and authenticity are confirmed using Carbon-14 tests, which ensure the product is free from synthetic petrochemical adulteration.

All this means, you’re getting the most sustainable and authentic Berberine extract in Gaia Herbs Berberine & Milk Thistle.

2. Authentic Milk Thistle

Unlike Berberine-containing plants, Milk Thistle typically isn’t high on the adulteration or endangered species list.

However, industry reports and research studies have revealed significant concerns regarding authenticity, potency, and contamination in Milk Thistle supplements.

For example:

• The Botanical Adulterants Preventive Program released a bulletin drawing attention to published data showing issues with fraudulent milk thistle/silymarin products, where the silymarin was reduced or removed, despite label claims to the contrary.¹³

• DNA-based testing methods for Milk Thistle supplements have also revealed variations in milk thistle concentrations, with some unable to detect the plant species, despite the presence of chemical markers. ¹⁴

• Regarding contamination, a study of 39 milk thistle samples found that one-third were contaminated with zearalenone, a fungal mycotoxin you definitely don’t want in your supplements. ¹⁵

This is why we partner with the world’s leading Milk Thistle grower and supplier for all Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle products, including certified organic Silactive® Milk Thistle used in Berberine & Milk Thistle and our best-selling Milk Thistle Phyto-Caps.

Says Gaia Herbs Formulation Manager Susan Hirsch:

“The supplier for all of our Milk Thistle Extracts has been involved in the original research and production of the extracts used in the research from the beginning and is the world’s largest producer of Milk Thistle extracts.”

Silactive® Milk Thistle is sourced from our long-time Spain-based supply partner, a leading premier global supplier of Milk Thistle extracts since 1971. 

They source the raw material, Milk Thistle elite seeds, cultivated in exclusive fields throughout Central Europe.

Their Milk Thistle extracts have been at the center of many studies on Silymarin and Milk Thistle for decades.

Silactive® has been shown in a proprietary pharmacokinetic study to be more bioavailable than conventional Milk Thistle extracts.

The enhanced bioavailability is achieved through a patented process (U.S. Patent No. US11819528B2), and the organic form is offered exclusively by Gaia Herbs in North America." 

Potency is ensured through testing conducted in their laboratory, as well as Gaia Herbs' ISO-accredited laboratory testing, which confirms potency from raw materials to finished products.”

3. Gentle Extraction With No Harsh Solvents Or Excipients

As always, Gaia Herbs utilizes extraction methods, such as water and water/ethanol extractions, with no harsh excipients or solvents.

This helps ensure you get all the benefits of the herbs, with no unwanted chemical residues.

The same process applies to Berberine & Milk Thistle, and as always, our formulas are vegan and made without gluten-containing ingredients.

4. Organic Ginger Offers Added Benefits

Although Berberine and Milk Thistle are the stars of this new formula, we can’t forget the supporting cast: Organic Ginger.

Ginger root is one of the world’s most-used and beloved traditional herbs for a reason: it’s incredibly versatile, with deep roots in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional African Medicine, and many other global herbal practices. 

Its role in Berberine & Milk Thistle is to provide digestive comfort and help stoke metabolic fire*. ¹⁶

Related reading: How To Use Ginger To Support Digestion, Immune Health, Metabolic Health, & More

Gaia Herbs Berberine & Milk Thistle FAQ

We’ve covered a lot about our new Berberine & Milk Thistle formula, but there’s always room for more herbal knowledge.

Here, we answer some FAQs.

Q: Will this product help me lose weight?

A: Although there is a lot of hype about Berberine products and weight loss, there is not enough evidence to consider Berberine & Milk Thistle as a weight-loss supplement.

That said, many people report anecdotal success in combining herbal supplements, such as Berberine, with a healthy weight-loss program.

Talk to your healthcare practitioner about whether Berberine may support your health and weight-loss goals.

This also helps avoid any digestive issues that can often result from high-dose Berberine supplements.

Q: Is this product safe for children, pregnancy, and during lactation?

A: Always check with a healthcare practitioner for care and recommendations during these sensitive times.

Q: Can I use this product for other things besides metabolic function?

A: Yes! Berberine and Milk Thistle have been traditionally used for liver support, digestive health, and more.

See The Rise & Benefits Of Berberine and Milk Thistle for more information.

Q: Are there any contraindications between Berberine or Milk Thistle and prescription drugs?

A: Ask your healthcare professional about whether Berberine or Milk Thistle are safe to use if you are taking medications.

Q: Are there any allergens in Berberine Milk Thistle? 

A: No. This product does not contain any of the top allergens (dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, corn, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, sesame, seafood). However, Milk Thistle is in the Asteraceae family and should be avoided by those who are allergic to other members of that family.

Q: Is this product gluten-free? 

A: Gaia does not use gluten-containing ingredients in our products. Products are tested for gluten by ELISA before release and annually based on risk assessments.

Ready To Experience Gaia Herbs Berberine Milk Thistle?

Whether you’re looking for metabolic support, liver support, or both, this new product is now available for purchase via our online store and other trusted merchants and providers.

Order yours today and experience the difference of Berberine & Milk Thistle for metabolic function.

References:

1. “Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders”. Frontiers in Pharmacology.

2. “Berberine Metabolites Stimulate GLP-1 Secretion by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction”. Am J Chin Med. 

3. “Berberine as a natural modulator of inflammatory signaling pathways in the immune system: Focus on NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways”. Phytotherapy Research.

4.  "Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase in cultured hepatocytes and in vivo." Journal of Biological Chemistry.

5. “NOW testing reveals poor quality of Berberine products sold on Amazon and Walmart.com”. Nutritional Outlook.

6. “Silymarin”, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.

7. “A review on the mechanisms of the effect of Silymarin in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals”. Veterinary Medicine and Science.

8. “Silymarin: a review on paving the way towards promising pharmacological agent”. International Journal of Food Properties, 26.

9. “A review of therapeutic potentials of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and its main constituent, Silymarin, on cancer, and their related patents”. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.

10. A review on the mechanisms of the effect of Silymarin in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals. Veterinary Medicine and Science

11. Silymarin: Unveiling its pharmacological spectrum and therapeutic potential in liver diseases—A comprehensive narrative review. Food Science & Nutrition

12. “Metabolic effect of berberine–silymarin association: A meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials”. Phytotherapy Research.

13. “American Botanical Council ADVISORY: Milk Thistle Extract Adulteration Bulletin Released by Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program”. Herbalgram.com.

14. “Authentication of milk thistle commercial products using UHPLC-QTOF-ESI + MS metabolomics and DNA metabarcoding”. BMC Complement Med Ther.

15. “Occurrence of mycotoxins in milk thistle: to be included in legislation or not?”. Mycotoxin Res.

16. “Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials”. Nutrients.