MILK THISTLE - CIRRHOSIS - GALLSTONES - HEPATITIS - CARBON TETRACHLORIDE TESTING AND SILYMARIN
Carbon tetrachloride is used in laboratory tests to
assess the ability of a substance to actually protect the liver
from any potentially damaging compound. Increasing the
dosages of carbon tetrachloride takes the liver through fatty
infiltration, fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. During these
tests, administering Milk Thistle extract resulted in effective
protection of liver tissue from the toxic effects of the
chemical. ...
PRIMARY APPLICATIONS
• CIRRHOSIS
• GALLSTONES
• HEPATITIS
• JAUNDICE
• KIDNEY DISORDERS
• LIVER DISEASE
• PSORIASIS
SECONDARY APPLICATIONS
• alcoholism
• chemotherapy
• chronic fatigue
• fatty deposits
• gas
• heartburn
• hypoglycemia
• indigestion
• obesity
• toxin exposure
• varicose veins ...MILK THISTLE (Silybum marianum)
COMMON NAMES: Christ’s Crown, Holy Thistle, Venus
Thistle, Heal Thistle, Wand of God’s Grace
PLANT PARTS: ripe seeds, or extract from the shell
ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Seed extract contains a complex
of three flavanolignans which are collectively referred to
as silymarin. These flavonoid-like compounds are silibin,
silychristin and silydianin.
PHARMACOLOGY: The flavonoids contained in Milk
Thistle have a strong liver protective action and have
been extensively used in Europe as pharmaceutical
p reparations for liver disorders. These include: silibin,
silydianin and silychristin, which all combine to create
silymarin. Clinical trials have shown that silymarin can
protect the liver by counteracting a number of toxic
substances including alcohol, acetaminophen, carbon
tetrachloride and the Amanita mushroom poison.
Apparently, silymarin actually alters liver cell
membranes which prevent toxins from passing through
the cell. It inhibits the release or the synthesis of certain
enzymes which are toxic to liver tissue.
In addition, these compounds stimulate cellular
growth and reproduction by boosting protein synthesis.
Milk Thistle seeds are also high in betaine hydrochloride,
which may contribute to the hepato-protective properties
of the plant.
Silymarin has also exhibited significant antioxidant
capabilities and can help reduce inflammation by
inhibiting certain enzymes. The seeds of the plants
appear to have the highest concentration of silymarin.
VITAMIN AND MINERAL CONTENT: rich in bioflavonoids
CHARACTER: hepato-tonic, alterative, demulcent and
protective
BODY SYSTEMS TARGETED: liver, gallbladder, pancreas
and stomach.
...HERBAL FORMS
• Liquid Extract: Milk Thistle is not easily dissolved in
water so it is best utilized in either a dry or liquid form.
• Powdered Extract: The easiest way to take dried Milk
Thistle is to purchase it in capsulized form.
• Seeds: The seeds of the plant can be used in cooking or
eaten alone.
NOTE: Most health food stores stock this herb under the
name of Milk Thistle, however, it may also be found as
Thisilyn, Silymarin or Silybum
STORAGE: Keep in a dark container in a cool, dry
environment.
REGULATORY STATUS:
US: None
UK: None
Canada: None
France: Traditional medicine
Germany: Commission E status as over-thecounter
drug
RECOMMENDED USAGE: Because Silymarin is not very
water soluble, decoctions are not as effective as extracts
and powder forms of Milk Thistle. The advantages of
bound silymarin should be investigated. Obtaining the
best results with Milk Thistle depends on taking higher
dosages three times daily before meals. For bound
silymarin, dosages are less. In cases where poisoning or
alcoholism is severe, dosages may be increased without
toxicity, side effects or allergic reactions. Alcohol based
extracts are not recommended. The best forms of Milk
Thistle are guaranteed to contain 80% silymarin.
NOTE: A new form of silymarin has recently become
available, which may be even more absorbable than
other types. It is silymarin that has been bound to
phosphatidycholine. Apparently this binding makes
silymarin compounds more clinically effective in the
body.
SAFETY: No contraindications are associated with this herb
even in substantial dosages. Milk Thistle has been
extensively used in Europe and numerous studies have
shown very little if no toxicity. Taking silymarin can
p roduce looser stools, although the effect is not that
common. At high dosages, it may be desireable to add a
source of fiber to the diet to prevent loose stools or
digestive tract irritation. Suggested fibers include:
psylliu ...HISTORY or Milk Thistle
Natural substances which afford us protection from
toxins and potential carcinogens have recently come to the
fore front of scientific attention. Compounds known as
antioxidants, which can help minimize the damaging effects
of chemical stru c t u res called free radicals, are extensively
used today. One of these protectant substances is not as
familiar to most people as vitamin C or beta-carotene. It is
an herb called Milk Thistle and it has some extraordinary
protective properties.
Milk Thistle, also known as Silymarin has enjoyed a
long history of use in European folk medicine. Centuries
ago, Romans recognized the value of this herb for liver
impairments. They routinely used the seeds and roots of the
plant to restore and rejuvenate a diseased liver. Pliny the
Elder, an ancient Roman, re c o rded how the juice of Milk
Thistle, when mixed with honey was used for carrying off
bile. Dioscorides extolled the virtues of Milk Thistle as an
effective protectant against snake bites.
The genus silybum is a member of the thistle tribe of
the daisy family. Two species of the plant exist and both are
native to southern Europe and Eurasia. Plants which grow
in the Southern United States actually have more potent
seeds than their European and Asian counterparts.
Milk Thistle is a stout and sturdy looking plant,
which can grow up to 12 feet tall. The flower heads can
expand to six inches in diameter and are a vivid purple
color. They usually bloom from June to August. Very sharp
spines cover the heads. The leaves are comprised of hairless,
milky bands, and when young, are quite tender.
Historically, the seed of Milk Thistle was used as a
cholagogue which stimulated the flow of bile. The seed was
also used to treat jaundice, dyspepsia, lack of appetite and
other stomach disorders. Homeopathic uses included:
peritonitis, coughs, varicose veins and uterine congestion.
While tonics were sometimes made from the leaves of ...THE DEADLY DEATHCAP MUSHROOM AND SILYMARIN
The protective action of Silymarin in the liver has
been confirmed through several experimental and clinical
studies. Animals who have had their livers exposed to toxic
chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, amanita toxin
(deadly mushroom) and galactosamine were protected from
damage by Milk Thistle.3 Animals who had their livers
partially removed experienced some organ regeneration
when treated with Milk Thistle.
In the 1970’s, additional research on the ability of
Milk Thistle to de-toxify liver cells of deadly mushro o m
poisoning was conducted. The poison of this mushroom is
extremely toxic and usually results in death within two to
five hours. Amantine causes severe hemorrhagic liver
dystrophy and inevitable death. Even when the studies were
undertaken, scientists did not expect Milk Thistle to offer
any significant protection against such a volatile and deadly
toxin. The two peptides which comprise the poison are the
most potent liver damaging substances currently known.
Sixty patients who had severe amanita poisoning in
Europe were treated with Milk Thistle. The results were
impressive.
In experiments where silymarin was given before the
amanita toxin was ingested, it was 100 percent effective in
preventing liver toxicity.4 If given within ten minutes, it still
neutralized the poison. Even after 24 hours, it was found to
prevent death and liver damage.5
Not only did Milk Thistle protect the liver fro m
amantine damage, it also helped to prevent the loss of
weight normally seen in animals that have ingested the
poison. The impressive results of these tests resulted in
stepped up production of Milk Thistle extract, which has
made it much more available now.
...THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTION OF SILYMARIN AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Certain substances can damage the liver by
producing or behaving like free radicals. These volatile
molecules are highly reactive and their action can destroy
living tissue. Alcohol is one of these substances. Because
silymarin acts as an excellent antioxidant, it should be taken
by anyone who consumes alcohol or other toxic substances
such as drugs etc. Studies have shown that milk Thistle can
help to prevent liver damage caused by pharmacologic
drugs.13
Studies have proven that Silymarin’s antioxidant
activity is up to ten times more potent than vitamin E.14
Technically speaking, Silymarin helps prevent the depletion
of glutathione (GASH), which can result from an excess of
alcohol consumption or from other toxin exposure. It also
increases the basal GASH of the liver by 35 percent.15 GASH
plays a very vital role in detoxifying the liver.
Concerning patients with chronic alcoholic liver
disease, tests concluded that: “The scavenger, Silymarin is
able to increase the antioxidant protection of the cells by
ameliorating the deleterious effect of free radical reactions.” 16
Alcohol consumption, which in some individuals can
be as little as one to two ounces can be enough to cause
significant liver damage, which can lead to immune system
suppression. For this reason, if you drink, even just
occasionally, antioxidants such as Silymarin, selenium,
Vitamin C and E should be taken regularly.
Silymarin prevents liver damage by acting as a
powerful antioxidant more potent than vitamin E or C.
Milk Thistle should be added to the antioxidant array
which is currently touted as effective free radical scavengers.
Unlike vitamin C, A or E, Milk Thistle remain relatively
unknown as an effective antioxidant.
...LEUKOTRIENES AND SILYMARIN
The liver can also sustain damage from the presence
of compounds called leukotrienes. These are produced
when an oxygen molecule is transferred to a
polyunsaturated fatty acid. In order for this reaction to
occur, an enzyme called liooxygenase must be present. The
silymarin in Milk Thistle inhibits the action of this enzyme
which results in a decrease in the formation of these
leukotrienes.17 ...DO WE NEED EXTRA LIVER PROTECTION?
Even if you don’t suffer from any liver disease or
don’t abuse alcohol, you may still require the therapeutic
effects of Milk Thistle. Everything that enters the liver
through the portal vein must be de-toxified and neutralized.
Many of us eat diets that are too high in protein, take overthe-
counter or prescription drugs, and routinely expose
ourselves to radiation and other pollutants.
Everything we breath, eat and absorb through our
skin is purified and refined in the liver. Some of the more
detrimental compounds we ingest that increase the liver’ s
work load include:
pain killing drugs
heavy metals
excess hormones
saturated and rancid fats
metabolite waste products from biochemical reactions
pesticides and herbicides
nicotine
stress
high protein diets
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. author of Natural Health,
Natural Medicine says,
“High protein diets impose a considerable work load
on the digestive system and may contribute to feelings of
fatigue and lack of energy.”
The problem with protein is that the liver has to work
harder to detoxify the body from the nitrogen waste which results when it is metabolized. This compound called ure a
has to eventually be eliminated from the body through the
kidneys.
Most of us are routinely exposed to nicotine, toxins of
various kinds and a whole host of synthetic drugs fro m
ibuprofen to steroids.
Most of us overeat the wrong things and pass up
what’s really good for us. High fat, high sugar, high protein
diets stress the liver. Overeating, especially overcooked,
fatty foods puts added strain on the liver. In addition, lack
of exercise has an indirect effect on the liver. When we don’t
exercise, an excess of toxins can build up and has to be
transformed by the liver.
Typically, when we are exposed to chemicals which
can injure the liver, the amount of glutathione in the liver
d e c reases. When this substance is reduced, the liver
becomes susceptib ...CHRONIC FATIGUE AND LIVER FUNCTION
A poorly functioning liver can underlie chronic
fatigue including CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Even if
the liver has sustained only minimal damage, the immune
system can be compromised
This effect has been observed in laboratory tests. For
example, in some instances, liver injury has resulted in the
rampant development of yeast infections throughout the
body. The liver plays an integral role in so many other body
systems and organs. Anyone who suffers fro m
compromised liver function will experience chronic fatigue
in combination with other symptoms.
...TREATING PSORIASIS WITH SILYMARIN
There is some evidence to suggest that abnormal liver
function may play a role in the development of psoriasis.
Because the liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the
blood, its connection to disease like psoriasis may be very
significant. Psoriasis has been linked to certain toxic
substances which circulate throughout the bloodstream. If
the liver is compromised and these toxins are not properly
filtered, they can cause the psoriasis to become more
pronounced. The presence of leukotrienes has also been
connected to psoriasis. As mentioned earlier, silymarin
inhibits the production of these damaging molecules.
Another added benefit of Milk Thistle for people who suffer
form psoriasis is that it also helps to balance certain cellular
chemicals in the skin which determine the rate in which skin
cells are reproduced.21
...References
1Steven Foster, “Milk Thistle.” Nutrition News. Vol. XII,
No. 10, 1989.
2Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.,
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. (Rocklin, California: Prima
Publishing, 1991), 82.
3Ibid.
4Michael Murray, N.D., The Healing Power of Herbs.
(Rocklin, California: Prima Publishing, 1995), 245.
5A. Desplaces, et al.: “The effects of silymarin on
experimental phalloidin poisoning.” Arzneimittel-Forsch 2 5 ,
1975, 89-96.
6Daniel B. Mowre y. Next Generation Herbal Medicine.
(Lehi, Utah: Cormorant Books, 1988), 111.
7Christopher Hobbs, Foundations of Health-Healing with
Herbs and Foods. (Capitola, California: Botanica Press, 1994),
274.
8Ibid., 275.
9Murray, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 73.
10Murray, The Healing Power of Herbs, 245.
11R. Braatz. “The effect of silymarin on intoxication with
ethionine and ethanol.” Braatz and Schneider, op. cit., pp. 31-
36, 1976.
12Ibid.
13Mowrey, 121.
14Murray, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 82.
15Ibid.
16G. Muzec, “The Effects of the Bioflavonoid Silymarin on
the In Vi t ro Activity and Expression of Supero x i d e
Dismutase (SOD),” Acta Physiol, (Hungary: 1991), 78.
17Murray, The Healing Power of Herbs, 244.
18J. Sonnebichler, et.al. “Stimulatory effect of silibinin on
the DNA synthesis in partially hepatectomized rat livers:
Non-response in hepatoma and other malignant cell lines.”
Biochem Pharm 35, 1986, 538-541.
19Murray, The Healing Power of Herbs, 244.
20Ibid., 248.
21Ibid.
-- Vitanet ® ...FUNCTIONS
The active ingredients in Milk Thistle consist of a
complex of compounds which are referred to as silymarin.
These substances can actually protect the liver against
certain toxins, while simultaneously boosting the function of
the liver. Milk Thistle contains some of the most potent liverp
rotecting substances known. For this reason, it is an
invaluable herb for the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis,
jaundice and fatty degeneration of the liver.
In addition, silybin, one of the compounds found in
Milk Thistle, has been used as an antidote to the lethal
deathcap mushroom whose toxin targets liver cells. Because
of this action, in Germany, Milk Thistle has been used to
block the action of amanita mushroom poisoning. In the case of mushroom poisoning, the herb is administered
intravenously.
Studies have indicated that Milk Thistle has valuable
therapeutic merit for severe liver disorders and acts as liver
restorative as well.1 Not only does it promote new cell
growth in the liver, it also prevents the formation of
damaging leukotrienes.
Because the liver plays a vital role in maintaining a
healthy immune system, Milk Thistle can contribute to
increased disease resistance. This link may explain why it
also has value for anyone suffering from psoriasis or chronic
fatigue syndrome.
In addition, Milk Thistle can legitimately be called an
antioxidant. It helps protect the cells from free radicals by
scavenging them before they can cause cellular damage.
Flavonoids have tremendous value as antioxidants and Milk
Thistle is rich in them. The flavonoid-like compounds of this
herb help to promote cell membrane integrity and to reduce
its permeability.
Milk Thistle also acts to protect the kidneys, brain
and other vital organs from toxin damage, treats allergic
reactions, reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It
also helps to emulsify fats and enhance bile flow, making it a
good remedy for indigestion.
...THE ACTION OF SILYMARIN ON THE LIVER
The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body.
Anytime we ingest potentially harmful chemicals, which
include drugs or alcohol, liver cells must filter out these
compounds. Michael Moore, author of Medicinal Plants of the
Desert and Canyon West says:
“When the liver is overworked, or unequal to the task
our brain gives it, its blood vessels enlarge, the fluids move
m o re slowly through it as it tries to increase its working
area; it gets enlarged and congested.”
He goes on to say that Milk Thistle improves the
quality of blood proteins which help move toxins out of the
blood.
The chemical components of Silymarin are referred to
as true hepato-protective or “liver friendly.” The capability
of Milk Thistle to protect the liver and enhance its function
is due largely to its ability to inhibit certain factors, which
result in liver damage. The most significant of these are
leukotrienes or free radicals. What makes the silymarin
compounds in Milk Thistle even more impressive is that
while they protect, they also stimulate liver protein
synthesis.2 This explains why even an injured liver can
regenerate tissue more rapidly when Silymarin is present.
Leukotrienes, which harm liver tissue, are
compounds which are created when oxygen transfers to a
polyunsaturated fatty acid. Silybum compounds can help to
inhibit the formation of these molecules.
The flavonoid-like compounds which comprise
silymarin have two specific actions on the liver:
1. Silymarin binds hepatocyte (liver cell) membranes which
protects them from the potential damage of
environmental toxins, (such as the death cap mushroom),
foreign chemicals, endogenous poisons and free radicals.
2. Silymarin enters the liver cells and promotes their ability
to produce certain enzymes which are vital to liver
health. This action can speed the healing of liver cells
from injury or disease. By enhancing the production of
these enzymes, ...SILYMARIN: LITTLE KNOWN ANTIOXIDANT
The antioxidant bioactivity of the silymarin
compounds contained in Milk Thistle have been generally
overlooked by experts who suggest taking vitamin E, C, A,
beta - carotene and selenium supplements. Adding Milk
Thistle to this complement of antioxidants is strongly
recommended, especially for anyone who smokes,
consumes alcohol or must take drugs on a continual basis.
The hepato-protective properties of silymarin combined
with its free scavenging action make it an invaluable defense
against so many toxins which pollute our bodies.
Studies suggest that taking Milk Thistle on a daily
basis may provide the liver with protection against heavy
metals, environmental pollutants and dietary toxins. One
study confirmed that Silymarin did indeed neutralize the
damaging effects of cadmium, which can accumulate in
living tissue.11
The implications of clinical trials on Milk Thistle
suggest that regular ingestion of silymarin can provide a
significant amount of free radical protection during the
course of one's inevitable encounter with air, water or food
born pollutants.12
The protective potential of Milk Thistle has only just
begun to be investigated. If it can perform so admirably
against potent poisons, it most likely has a whole host of
other protective actions. As an antioxidant, it should be
added to the typical list of supplements we need to take for
cellular defense.
...MILK THISTLE: A VITAL COMPONENT OF LIVER REHABILITATION
In addition to the flavonoid-like components of
Silymarin, Milk Thistle seeds also contain betaine, which has
proven itself as a liver protectant. Additionally, essential
fatty acids are found in Milk Thistle which help control
chronic inflammation.7
Milk Thistle should be a vital part of any therapeutic
program designed to treat liver disorders. It can provide
liver protection after exposure to radiation, heavy metals or
toxic chemicals. Anyone who has hepatitis or cirrhosis
should be using this herb as part of their treatment regimen.
Concerning Milk Thistle and the liver, Christopher
Hobbs wrote:
“I first learned of Milk Thistle in early 1984, when I
began harvesting seeds from wild plants growing in
California and taking the liquid extract I made from them. I had sustained heavy damage to my liver as a result of
having hepatitis twice, in 1963 and in 1967, and I was able to
greatly restore my digestive power with the help of this
herb. Since then, I have witnessed other surprising
recoveries from severe liver ailments with the use of this
herb.”8
There is no question that the Silymarin compounds of
Milk Thistle have significant therapeutic value for liver
diseases of various kinds including: hepatitis, fatty
infiltration of the liver, cirrhosis, and inflammation of the
bile duct.9
The tyramine and histamine content of Milk Thistle
works to stimulate the production and flow of bile, which
also benefits the liver.
A whole host of laboratory tests from biopsies to
clinical data confirm that Silymarin is particularly effective
in treating and preventing liver damage from alcohol abuse
or chemical exposure. Extensive clinical trails have clearly
shown that Milk Thistle can reverse the symptoms of many
liver disorders.
In addition, Milk Thistle can exert a therapeutic effect
on chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty infiltration of the liver,
cholestasis of pregnancy, ...SILYMARIN’S EFFECT ON A FATTY LIVER
Frequently, when liver tissue sustains free radical
damage, fatty acids are released. The presence of these fatty
acids can cause inflammation and step up the production of
damaging leukotrienes. This fatty infiltration of the liver can
be caused by alcohol or other chemicals. Silymarin helps to
neutralize this reaction by inhibiting lipid break down,
which decreases the presence of fatty acids. Intere stingly,
while fatty acid production is counteracted by silymarin,
protein synthesis is stimulated. This action causes an
increase in the production of new liver cells, which is so
vital if the liver is damaged or diseased. This stimulatory
e ffect only applies to healthy cells and does not affect
malignant ones.18
...SILYMARIN’S EFFECT ON GALLSTONES
Because silymarin helps to promote the flow of bile
by increasing its solubility, it may be very beneficial in
treating or preventing gallstones. Studies have shown that
taking Milk Thistle has resulted in a pronounced reduction
of cholesterol in the bile.20 Whenever the flow of bile is
increased, the chances of developing a gallstone are
decreased. Intere stingly, some very low fat or even non-fat
diets designed to produce quick weight loss have been
known to cause gallbladder attacks. When fats are
drastically reduced, bile flow is inhibited resulting in
stagnant bile, which is prone to forming stones. Keeping bile
flow active is necessary for good health, digestion and the
prevention of gallstones.
...THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND MILK THISTLE
Silymarin may also be helpful to people suffering
from high blood pressure and those that have experienced
heart attacks. The flavonoids in Milk Thistle act as free
radical scavengers, which are important in preventing
damage to artery walls. ...ESTROGEN-RELATED DISEASES AND SILYMARIN
Like other bioflavonoids such as quercitin and
proanthocyanidin, Silymarin helps to control the risk of
estrogen - related diseases such as breast tumors. Research
suggests that when the liver is functioning properly, bad
forms of estrogen can be filtered from the body. If the liver is
congested or damaged, these substances continue to
circulate and may be responsible for the development of
specific diseases such as breast cancer. Keeping the liver
healthy is vital for women because they must deal with
estrogen / progesterone peaks and valleys. Frequently, the
role of the liver is helping the body deal with hormones is
not stressed enough by standard medical practitioners.
...OBESITY AND POOR LIVER FUNCTION
Unfortunately, the liver’s role in weight reduction is
rarely addressed. Boosting liver function is badly neglected
in virtually all weight loss programs. The liver is the
primary organ involved in purifying the blood of impurities
and in metabolizing fat. Liver support should be an integral part of any weight reduction strategy. Milk Thistle can help
to expedite the removal of fat from the liver.
Poor liver function is usually not implicated as a
causal factor for obesity in the first place. O. Nomura and Y.
Satomura in the 1986 edition of Int. J. Obesity stated, “Liver
function is disturbed in a large percentage of overweight
individuals.” The liver also plays a role in stabilizing blood
sugar levels, which can contribute to food cravings and
appetite surges. ...SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MILK THISTLE
• Milk Thistle effectively protects the liver from the
deleterious effects of alcohol and other toxic chemicals,
heavy metals and poisons.
• The silymarin compounds in Milk Thistle actually
accelerate protein synthesis in the liver, which stimulates
the production of new, healthy liver cells.
• The flavonoids contained in Milk Thistle act as effective
free radical scavengers, which also protect the liver from
damage.
• Milk Thistle helps to block certain inflammatory
reactions and is an anti-allergenic substance.
• Certain chemical constituents of Milk Thistle help to
increase the flow and solubility of bile which is beneficial
for both the liver and the gallbladder. Increased bile flow
helps to prevent the formation of gallstones.
• Milk Thistle can effectively treat jaundice, cirrhosis,
hepatitis, and fatty infiltration of the liver.
• Silymarin is considered a spleen, and gallbladder tonic.
• Milk Thistle may be helpful in treating psoriasis, chronic
fatigue syndrome, diabetes and estrogen-related disorders.
...
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