Nutritional information on Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

The liver is the most important organ of metabolism. Its metabolic functions include regulation of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism; storage of vitamins and minerals; and detoxification reactions. Disruption of normal liver function results in significant disruption of all metabolic processes.

Since the liver is the major site of detoxification in the body, it has a very high risk for being damaged by such toxic chemicals as DDT, dioxin, 2, 4, and 5-T, 2 and 4-D, PCB and PCP. It is not known to what degree Americans are exposed to these toxic compounds. However, annual production of synthetic pesticides exceeds 1.4 billion pounds, indicating exposure levels can be quite high.

In addition many drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational) and alcohol also damage the liver. Avoidance of these harmful chemicals is the first defense against liver damage. The second defense may prove to be found in the silymarin compound. This unique formula is composed of concentrated extracts of herbs. Clinical studies demonstrate their remarkable effects in protecting the liver from chemical damage while improving liver function. Let's examine the herbs that make up Silymarin Complex.

Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle)

The common milk thistle contains some of the most potent liver protecting substances known. The concentration of these components is highest in the fruit. Silybum's effect in preventing liver destruction relates to its ability to inhibit those factors that are responsible for the damage.

Liver destruction occurs primarily as a result of certain toxins producing or acting as free radicals - highly reactive compounds that damage other molecules. Silybum components prevent free radical damage by acting as antioxidants. These components are many times more potent in antioxidant activity than Vitamin E.

Another way in which the liver can be damaged is by the action of leukotrienes. These compounds are produced by the transfer of oxygen to a polyunsaturated fatty acid. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme lipoxygenase. Silybum components inhibit this enzyme, thereby inhibiting the formation of damaging leukotrienes.

Perhaps the most interesting effect of silybum components on the liver is their ability to stimulate protein synthesis. The result is an i9ncrease in the production of new liver cells to replace the damaged old ones.

Clinical Trials of Silybum marianum

The protective effects of silybum against liver damage has been demonstrated in a number of experimental and clinical studies. Experimental liver damage in animals is produced by such diverse toxicants as carbon tetrachloride, galactosamine, and praseodynium nitrate. Silymarin, a complex of three compounds isolated from Silybum marianum has been shown to protect against liver damage by all of these agents.

Perhaps the most impressive of silybum's effects is in protection against the severe poisoning of Amanita phalloides, the death cap or toadstool mushroom. Interesting enough, silybum has a long folk history in treating deathcap ingestion. Ingestion of Amanita phalloides or its toxins cause severe poisoning and a death rate of approximately 30 %. In the animal experiments, if silymarin was administered before amanita toxin poisoning, it was 100% effective in preventing the toxicity of the mushroom. Even if the silymarin was given the 10 minutes after teh amanita toxin, it was able to completely counteract the toxic effects. If given within 24 hours, silymarin will prevent death and greatly reduce the amount of damage to the liver.

In human studies, silymarin has been shown to have significant positive effects in treating several liver diseases, including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.

In summary, concentrated silybum marianum extract offers significant protection against liver damage by

The connection Between Liver and Psoriasis

Silymarin is reported to be of great benefit to patients with psoriasis. Its action is probably related to 2 factors; improvement in liver function and inhibition of the synthesis of inflammatory leukotrienes.

The connection between the liver and psoriasis relates to one of the liver's basic tasks - filtering the blood. Psoriasis has been linked to high levels of circulating endotoxins. These toxins are found in the cell walls of gut bacteria. The liver is responsible for filtering these bacterial endotoxins along with other microbial by-products. If the liver is overwhelmed by an increased number of these endotoxins or if there is a decrease in the liver's functional ability to filter endotoxins, psoriasis gets much worse.

A diet low in fiber is associated with increased levels of the type of bacteria that produce endotoxins. Another factor is psoriasis is excessive production of leukotrienes. Remember, these compounds are produced when oxygen reacts with polyunsaturated fatty acids. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme lipoxygenase. Silymarin has been shown to reduce leukotriene formation by inhibiting lipoxygenase. Silymarin's effect in psoriasis is a prime example of how improving liver function can resolve a chronic minor condition.