Over the years I've taken various milk thistle extracts to reduce elevated liver enzymes. I shudder to think of all the stearates I've taken! I've been taking Dr. Ron's for the last 2-3 years, and this is the highest quality milk thistle on the market I've found. Pure with no additives, it supports the liver with the active ingredients extract plus the whole milk thistle seed powder to enhance absorption. My liver is no longer sore and my enzyme markers are all normal! Thank you, Dr. Ron's, for giving us such a high quality supplement for a great price--250 capsules lasts a long time! I'm so glad I don't have to compromise my health by taking any stearates with the milk thistle.