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Milk thistle is one of the most researched plants in herbal medicine. Milk thistle preparations have been used for the treatment of liver ailments since antiquity with the first documented use by Pliny the Elder (AD 2379). It has been much studied in modern times with intensive research occurring over the last thirty years. The efficacy of the main constituents of milk thistle has been confirmed by extensive laboratory, histological and clinical data.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a member of the Aster family and derives its name from its appearance. The primary part of the plant used in herbal medicine is the seed, although the leaf and stem are edible as well (remove the thistles first!). Other common names are Mary thistle, Marian thistle, Lady’s thistle, Holy thistle and wild artichoke.
Milk Thistle’s primary use today is to support and detoxify the liver. It also has historical uses as an antidote to mushroom poisoning (amanita or death cap) and as a galactagogue (milk-enhancing and enriching) for lactating mothers. We will concentrate here on the benefits for the liver.
The liver is the largest organ in the body and is involved in many metabolic processes. One of the most important is the neutralization and disposal of toxic substances and cellular waste. It is located on the right side in the abdomen and is protected by the lower right rib cage.
If the liver is sluggish or damaged, toxic wastes (both internal cell debris and external ingested - such as alcohol, chemicals, and drugs) build up and cause liver cell damage. When the liver cannot process waste products brought to it by the blood, they reenter the blood stream and circulate. This in turn stimulates the immune system and the process becomes circular with the net effect that the cells in the entire body receive waste. As you can see, the liver is a most important organ. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for protecting, cleansing, and aiding regeneration of the liver.
Research suggests that the hepatoprotective (liver protecting) effect of milk thistle is mostly due to a group of flavonoids found in the seed commonly known collectively as silymarin. Because of this, most companies use a standardized extract of milk thistle seed, usually standardized to 70-80% silymarin.
Silymarin acts to benefit the liver in many ways. It inhibits liver damage by stabilizing the structure of the liver cell’s outer membrane in such a way that certain toxins cannot enter the cell. Silymarin penetrates the outer layer (Hydrophilic Zone) of the cell and binds with the lower phospholipid layer, reinforcing and stabilizing the entire outer membrane.
Silymarin stimulates the regeneration of the liver by stimulating RNA polymerase A - enhancing ribosome protein synthesis. This results in activating the regenerative capacity of the liver through new cell development.
Silymarin enhances the detoxification process by acting as a powerful antioxidant. Certain toxins act as free radicals - highly reactive molecules that can damage other molecules, including those in cells. Silymarin prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant, and it is at least ten times more potent in antioxidant activity than Vitamin E. Silymarin also increases the glutathione (GSH) content of the liver. GSH is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of hormones, drugs and chemicals. In addition, it inhibits leukotriene formation and inflammation that constricts bile flow.
Nature’s Sunshine's Time Released Milk Thistle is a concentration of the standardized extract of silymarin at 80%. It is made to be time released by putting different coatings on different layers during production. This product may be beneficial for fatigue, weight gain and alcoholism. It can also be beneficial in more serious illnesses such as exposure to toxic chemicals, cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. However, seek appropriate medical help in these instances.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Recommended dosage of Milk Thistle Time Release is 280 mg. twice per day. This may be increased depending on the severity of the liver damage. Milk thistle is not toxic, although with high doses some looseness of stools may occur. Milk thistle is safe for long-term use.
Order Milk Thistle T/R from NSP
REFERENCES:
Murray, Michael T., N.D. The Healing Power of Herbs (Rocklin, CA
rima Press 1995) 243-252.
Hikino H, et al,: Antihepatotoxic actions of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum fruits. Plant Medica 50, 248-250, 1984.
Cell Biochemical and Function Journal, April 1984 Vol. II (II - 85-88).
Bisset, N. G. [ED], Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. (Stuttgard: Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 1994), 121.
For Educational Purposes Only. Consult a qualified health-care practitioner for all serious illnesses. This handout was prepared by Nature’s Field and may be reproduced provided it is not altered in any way.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a member of the Aster family and derives its name from its appearance. The primary part of the plant used in herbal medicine is the seed, although the leaf and stem are edible as well (remove the thistles first!). Other common names are Mary thistle, Marian thistle, Lady’s thistle, Holy thistle and wild artichoke.
Milk Thistle’s primary use today is to support and detoxify the liver. It also has historical uses as an antidote to mushroom poisoning (amanita or death cap) and as a galactagogue (milk-enhancing and enriching) for lactating mothers. We will concentrate here on the benefits for the liver.
The liver is the largest organ in the body and is involved in many metabolic processes. One of the most important is the neutralization and disposal of toxic substances and cellular waste. It is located on the right side in the abdomen and is protected by the lower right rib cage.
If the liver is sluggish or damaged, toxic wastes (both internal cell debris and external ingested - such as alcohol, chemicals, and drugs) build up and cause liver cell damage. When the liver cannot process waste products brought to it by the blood, they reenter the blood stream and circulate. This in turn stimulates the immune system and the process becomes circular with the net effect that the cells in the entire body receive waste. As you can see, the liver is a most important organ. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for protecting, cleansing, and aiding regeneration of the liver.
Research suggests that the hepatoprotective (liver protecting) effect of milk thistle is mostly due to a group of flavonoids found in the seed commonly known collectively as silymarin. Because of this, most companies use a standardized extract of milk thistle seed, usually standardized to 70-80% silymarin.
Silymarin acts to benefit the liver in many ways. It inhibits liver damage by stabilizing the structure of the liver cell’s outer membrane in such a way that certain toxins cannot enter the cell. Silymarin penetrates the outer layer (Hydrophilic Zone) of the cell and binds with the lower phospholipid layer, reinforcing and stabilizing the entire outer membrane.
Silymarin stimulates the regeneration of the liver by stimulating RNA polymerase A - enhancing ribosome protein synthesis. This results in activating the regenerative capacity of the liver through new cell development.
Silymarin enhances the detoxification process by acting as a powerful antioxidant. Certain toxins act as free radicals - highly reactive molecules that can damage other molecules, including those in cells. Silymarin prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant, and it is at least ten times more potent in antioxidant activity than Vitamin E. Silymarin also increases the glutathione (GSH) content of the liver. GSH is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of hormones, drugs and chemicals. In addition, it inhibits leukotriene formation and inflammation that constricts bile flow.
Nature’s Sunshine's Time Released Milk Thistle is a concentration of the standardized extract of silymarin at 80%. It is made to be time released by putting different coatings on different layers during production. This product may be beneficial for fatigue, weight gain and alcoholism. It can also be beneficial in more serious illnesses such as exposure to toxic chemicals, cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. However, seek appropriate medical help in these instances.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Recommended dosage of Milk Thistle Time Release is 280 mg. twice per day. This may be increased depending on the severity of the liver damage. Milk thistle is not toxic, although with high doses some looseness of stools may occur. Milk thistle is safe for long-term use.
Order Milk Thistle T/R from NSP
REFERENCES:
Murray, Michael T., N.D. The Healing Power of Herbs (Rocklin, CA
rima Press 1995) 243-252.Hikino H, et al,: Antihepatotoxic actions of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum fruits. Plant Medica 50, 248-250, 1984.
Cell Biochemical and Function Journal, April 1984 Vol. II (II - 85-88).
Bisset, N. G. [ED], Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. (Stuttgard: Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 1994), 121.
For Educational Purposes Only. Consult a qualified health-care practitioner for all serious illnesses. This handout was prepared by Nature’s Field and may be reproduced provided it is not altered in any way.
