Milk Thistle's silymarin enhances the detoxification process!

The extract of milk thistle contains primarily of a special compound known as silymarin, a flavonoid compound. Silymarin is known to bolster the liver and enhance the body's detoxification process. In fact, it is even more potent than antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin C.

Much research has been done on how silymarin enhances the detoxification process.  Glutathione is very important in binding with fat-soluble toxins (i.e. heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides) and converting toxins into water-soluble compounds that can be readily excreted via the kidneys. Therefore, deficiency in glutathione is significant! Silymarin not only keeps glutathoine levels high when the body is subject to toxic chemicals, it is also known to maintain healthy Glutathione levels in the liver.

Supporting healthy liver and your kidneys 

Milk thistle supports the health of liver cells and overall liver and kidney health.   Milk thistle has also shown some promise in supporting prostate and breast health.

Use of Milk Thistle Traced Back

Use of milk thistle can be traced back more than 2,000 years.  Milk thistle is an annual, or biennial plant, and is a member of the sunflower family. It was native to the Mediterranean and is presently grown throughout Europe, the United States, Australia, and parts of South America. Milk thistle is commonly found growing wild in a variety of settings, including along roadsides. The seeds of the dried flower are most commonly used medicinally, since silymarin is the active constituent of the milk thistle seed.

Notes

1. Some patients may have allergic reactions to milk thistle. Allergic reactions are more likely to occur in patients sensitive to the Asteraceas/Compositae family such as  ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daises.
2. Milk thistle may cause an occasional laxative effect or gastrointestinal upset. This will usually cease in 2 to 3 days.
3. For organ-transplant victims or anyone taking immunosuppressents, consult your physician before the use of milk thistle, as milk thistle may affect these drug levels.

Research Studies

• Ferenci P, et al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol 1989;9:105-13
• Salmi HA, Sarna S. Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver.  A double-blind, controlled study.  Scand J Gastroenterol 1982;17:517-21
• Anon. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects.  Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 21, September 2000.  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, , MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/milktsum.htm
• Beckman-Knopp S, Rietbrock S, Weyhenmeyer R, et al. Inhibitory effects of silibinin on cytochrome P-450 enzymes in human liver microsomes. Pharmacol Toxicol 2000;86:250-6
• Boerth J, Strong KM. the clinical utility of milk thistle (Sylybum Marianum) for the therapy of liver disease. Am J Gastoenterol 1998;93:139-43
• Yang SH, Lin JK, Chen WS, Chiu JH. Anti-angiogenic effect of silymarin on colon cancer cell line. J Surg Res. 2003 Jul;113(1):133-8.
• Valenzuela A, Aspillaga M, Vial S, Guerra R. Related Articles, Links Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat. Planta Med. 1989 Oct;55(5):420-2.