Superior Liver and Gallbladder Support
"This is my favorite liver protector. The liver processes drugs and environmental toxins, sot it's under constant assault. Anyone who drinks alcohol, takes drugs... or comes in contact with any pollutants might benefits from this herb."
-Dr. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Although it has been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid, milk thistle's beneficial effects on the liver have been known only since 1564, when the physician, Lonicerus, crushed the seeds and used them to treat liver disorders. However, milk thistle should not be confined to the realm of medieval folk medicine because it's powerful, yet non-toxic active ingredients, and their efficacy in all sorts of liver disorders, are being confirmed today through laboratory clinical trials. The active ingredients in milk thistle are flavonoids comprised of silybin, sliydianin and silychristin - collectively known as silymarin. Researchers are giving these flavonoids rave reviews for their ability to support liver function.
How Does Milk Thistle Work?
Milk Thistle is used by many for numerous digestive disorders, however it shines in protecting the liver from toxins and diseases. There are three primary ways it helps the liver:
- It is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, joining that select group of nutrients which primarily includes Vitamins A, C, E and selenium.
- It increases the glutathione content of the liver. Glutathione detoxifies drugs and chemicals, so more of it gives the liver more ability to detoxify. "Silymarin also increases the glutathione content of the liver by over 35% in healthy subjects... Glutathione is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of hormones, drugs and chemicals."
- It reduces inflammation. The active ingredient, silymarin, inhibits the formation of leukotrienes. When formed, these substances damage the liver.
- By stimulating protein synthesis, Milk Thistle generates the production of new liver cells to replace damaged ones.
The Research
"Extensive clinical trials have clearly substantiated the ability of milk thistle to reverse the symptoms of many liver disorders, both acute and chronic, ranging from acute viral hepatitis to cirrhosis."
When the liver is damaged by alcohol, drugs or disease its regenerative capacity slows down or even stops. Milk thistle's restorative ability is unsurpassed.
Source: Natural Factors
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Scientific References
- Murray, Michael T. The Healing Power of Herbs: the enlightened person's guide to the wonders of medicinal plants. 1995. revised and expanded 2nd ed. Prima Publishing.
- Mowrey, Daniel B. Next Generation Herbal Medicine: guaranteed potency herbs. 1990. Keats Publishing.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Blumenthal, Mark. Popular Herbs in the U.S. Market: Therapeutic Monographs. 1997. American Botanical Council.
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