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 acts like an antioxidant (and free radical scavenger) protecting the liver from damage and enhancing 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. It has been shown to prevent the depletion of glutathione. 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 increase the level of glutathione in the liver up to thirty-five percent!

Treating and protecting your liver and your kidneys

Milk thistle also stimulates the production of new liver cells, protects the liver from hepatotoxic drugs, and has positive effects in treating liver diseases (including alcohol-related diseases, chronic inflammation, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and even diabetes).  The kidney has also benefited from milk thistle constituents by protecting kidney cells from damaging nephrotoxic drugs (i.e. acetaminophen). And lastly, milk thistle has shown some promise in supporting prostate and breast health.

A Medicinal Use Traced Back

Medicinal use of milk thistle can be traced back more than 2,000 years. Culpeper, the well-known eighteenth-century herbalist, cited that milk thistle is effective "to open the obstructions of the liver and spleen, and thereby is good against the jaundice." And according to legend, the leaves' distinct white markings are a result of being touched with the Virgin Mary's breast milk.

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.