Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle or Silybum marianum, is a tall herb belonging to the Sunflower family with prickly leaves and a thick milky sap, hence the name. Most of the health benefits of Milk Thistle are due to its Silymarin content. Milk Thistle contains strong Antioxidant and Detoxification properties. One of the most popular uses for Milk Thistle is to protect the Liver against the toxic effects of Alcohol.
As you can see from this PubMed abstract, Milk Thistle benefits the Liver by ringing all the major bells for protection. “Milk thistle (MT; Silybum marianum), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a therapeutic herb with a 2,000-year history of use. MT fruits contain a mixture of flavonolignans collectively known as silymarin, being silybin (also named silibinin) the main component. This article reviews the chemistry of MT, the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, the pharmacologically relevant actions for liver diseases (e.g., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antifibrotic, antioxidant, and liver-regenerating properties) as well as the clinical potential in patients with alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and mushroom poisoning.”
Another abstract from PubMed touts Silymarin as “not just another antioxidant”. “Silymarin (Silybum marianum; SM), popularly known as milk thistle, is an extract that has been used for many centuries to treat liver diseases. In recent years, several studies have shown that SM is not only just another antioxidant but also a multifunctional compound that exhibits several beneficial properties for use in the treatment and prevention of different types of pathologies and disorders. This review aims at demonstrating the main protective activities of SM in diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, metabolic syndrome, depression, cardiovascular diseases and thalassemia, in addition to its photoprotective activity in in vitro tests and preclinical studies. Its main functions include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it acts as modulator of signaling pathways. It has been suggested that SM presents great multifunctional potential and is capable of achieving promising results in different types of research.”
The Health Benefits of Milk Thistle:
CARDIOVASCULAR
• May help to prevent Atherosclerosis.
• Helps to protect Red Blood Cells against Lipid Peroxidation
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• By stimulating the production of Bile and reducing the byproducts contained in Bile, it helps to prevent Gallstones.
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Helps to protect the Kidneys from the effects of many poisons and may aid in their regeneration.
• Helps to prevent damage to the Liver by the toxic effects of Alcohol.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent and treat the following types of Cancer:
▪ Breast
▪ Colon
▪ Kidney
▪ Liver
▪ Lung
▪ Ovarian
▪ Prostate
▪ Skin
• Reduces Inflammation when taken internally or applied topically.
• Histamine release from Mast Cells may be inhibited by supplementation.
• May inhibit the production of Leukotrienes.
• Helps to counteract some of the symptoms of Malaria.
• When applied topically it may help to prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
• Useful in the treatment of Hepatitis C.
METABOLISM
• A powerful Antioxidant.
• Helps to increase the production of Superoxide Dismutase, a powerful endogenous Antioxidant.
• Strengthens and stabilizes Cell Membranes.
• One’s Cholesterol Profile may be improved by supplementation due to its ability to reduce total elevated Cholesterol, increase HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL Cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
• Helps improve Blood Sugar, Insulin levels, Glycosuria and Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Diabetics.
• Protects the Liver from the effects of many Toxins including Alcohol and may stimulate Liver regeneration.
• Fatty Liver may be alleviated by supplementation.
• Liver function in Hepatitis patients may be improved by supplementation.
• Can accelerate recovery from Jaundice.
• Protects the Liver from the toxic effects of excess Iron.
• Can prevent Cirrhosis.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• May inhibit the production of inflammatory Cytokines in Osteoarthritis patients.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• May be useful in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
SKIN
• Psoriasis may be alleviated by supplementation.
• When applied topically and covered with a bandage, may kill Warts.
Health Benefits of Milk Thistle
USAGE
When using Milk Thistle, one should use a standardized preparation containing a minimum 80% Silymarin. The usual dose of Milk Thistle is usually 200-600mg of Silymarin per day (divided) taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to a meal.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Because of its ability to enhance Detoxification, Milk Thistle has the potential to interact with various medications that are processed by the CYP3A4 Enzyme in the liver. Thus, before using Milk Thistle you should check your medications for this potential interaction.
Stages of Liver Disease Improved by Milk Thistle
My Personal Recommendations:
Silymarin Molecular Structure
Silybum marianum Extract – 250mg
Silybum marianum Extract – Bulk Powder
For additional information on the phytosome preparation of this herb click here.
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