The seed of the milk thistle
plant contains high levels of silymarin, a flavonoid complex with very potent
liver protective action. Silymarin can prevent liver damage from a variety of
toxins. It works by inhibiting factors that cause liver damage and stimulates
the growth of new liver cells. Silymarin is a potent antioxidant, protecting the
liver from damage by free radical molecules. It also increases glutathione
levels in the liver -- glutathione acts to detoxify hormones, drugs and
chemicals. And silymarin inhibits the formation of liver-damaging leukotrienes,
preventing inflammation and damage of the liver cells. Most remarkable is
silymarin's ability to stimulate the production of new liver cells to replace
damaged ones. In experimental studies, silymarin has been shown to protect the
liver from damage by such toxic chemicals as carbon tetrachloride, alcohol and
the Amanita mushroom toxin.
Clinical studies with silymarin have shown it is effective in treating a
number of liver conditions, including cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and fatty
liver from alcohol intake. Even severely damaged livers were restored to normal
cell structure with long-term use of silymarin.
Milk thistle is a very good supplement for an ex-drinker to help restore the
normal structure and function of the liver. The dose of milk thistle is based on
silymarin content; 70-210mg of silymarin should be taken three times a day. Look
for a product that has a standardized amount of silymarin per capsule.
Studies have shown that milk thistle extracts are essentially non-toxic.
Because silymarin causes an increase in bile secretion, large doses may cause
loose stools. This can be prevented by the use of fiber, such as psyllium or
pectin.
