Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and method for modifying levels of cholesterol is described. Implementations of a pharmaceutical composition may comprise milk thistle and one of niacin, policosanol, and both niacin and policosanol. Implementations of a pharmaceutical composition may be administered using a method for reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol levels in a human or animal. The method may include the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition that includes milk thistle and one of niacin, policosanol, and both niacin and policosanol to a human or animal.