MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle, scientifically named Silybum marianum has been used in traditional herbal medicine since the first century. Milk thistle has been a long standing staple with the herbalist & is extremely popular in Europe where it is used in liver tonics.

Milk thistle, primary acts as a powerful antioxidant and supports the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione. Scientific evidences exists that milk thistle works wonders in treating liver deceases, even those associated with drug and alcohol abuse. The protective agents of milk thistle go to work, helping stop the destructive acts to living cells and also stimulates the growth of new cells in the liver. Milk thistle has even been used to treat patients with liver damage due to chemotherapy. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), also called holy thistle & silybum; has been used to treat liver ailments since the days of ancient Rome. Milk thistle improves the liver's ability to eliminate toxins from the body, and repairs damage to the liver caused by hepatitis, cirrhosis, poisonous mushrooms, drugs, and toxic chemicals.

The active ingredient, or liver-protecting compound in milk thistle is known as silymarin. It is a natural liver detoxifier and protects the liver from many industrial toxins. This substance, which actually consists of a group of compounds called flavonolignands, helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. Silymarin also keeps new liver cells from being destroyed by these same substances, reduces inflammation (important for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis), and has potent antioxidant effects. The silymarin complex contains four phytochemicals: silybinin, isosilybinin, silydianin, and silychristin. The terms "milk thistle" and "silymarin" are often used interchangeably. Silymarin acts upon the liver to increase the concentration of glutathione by up to 35% more, which is an amino acid-like compound involved in liver detoxification. Today, several scientific studies suggest that silymarin protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen.

BENEFITS OF MILK THISTLE
Numerous studies have shown conclusively that no other herb has quite the effect on the liver as does Milk Thistle. This herb is involved in nearly every aspect of healthy liver function, from helping during the detoxifying process, to helping the liver regenerate new cells to replace damaged cells. Milk thistle supplements helps extend the life of patients suffering from cirrhosis. Several studies have also shown that silymarin helps normalize liver function in people with hepatitis A, B, and C.

There is no mainstream medicine that can offer people suffering from liver disorders benefits comparable to those of milk thistle. Research has a shown that milk thistle protects the liver from the damage that can result from prolonged use of drugs, such as acetaminophen, antibiotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and normalize liver enzyme levels damaged by toxic chemicals.

Besides protecting the liver, milk thistle is also involved in a number of other functions. Milk thistle is useful for inflammatory conditions, especially psoriasis, which is marked by rapid skin cell proliferation of inflamed cells that leads to raised, painful patches of irritated skin. Milk thistle is also often used to treat the accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. Milk thistle has also been shown to be beneficial to cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy.

Milk thistle is also an extremely powerful antioxidant that protects the cells of the liver from free radical damage. It is also involved in helping the liver to make new healthy cell. Milk thistle is also used in the prevention and treatment of gallstones. Studies suggest that silymarin from milk thistle can block various types of toxins from entering and injuring liver cells.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MILK THISTLE
Side effects from milk thistle happen only rarely, but may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and rash or other skin reactions. However these reactions are rare & are reported very few.

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