The liver is a large glandular organ, whose functions include storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile, detoxification of various substances, and conversion of sugars into glycogen, which it stores. The liver is also responsible for processing many vitamins and nutrients into a form that can be utilized by the body, and processing many toxic chemicals for elimination.
Modern living involves daily exposure to substances that are toxic to our bodies, which imposes a heavy load on the liver. Therefore, a healthy liver is critical to well-being. Certain lifestyle risks and medical conditions make it all the more important to ensure that the liver is being maintained at its functional best.
In Europe and Asia, herbal liver tonics have been in common use for centuries. The effectiveness of the herbs used has been validated during the past decades through modern research and clinical studies. These herbs generally contain antioxidants, cell membrane stabilizing agents, bile secretion enhancing compounds, or nutrients that prevent depletion of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione. Hepato-protection is beneficial not only for the liver, but for the overall health and vitality of our body.
Silibinin is of particular importance for those who may have concerns for the health of their liver. The most biologically active flavonolignan found in silymarin is silibinin. Standardized milk thistle extract usually consists of 60-70% silibinin. Silibinin?s main hepato-protective properties is that of free radical scavenger and membrane stabilizer. Other important antioxidant effects of silibinin are due to its influence on the superoxide dismutase8 and the enzyme system associated with glutathione.
In addition, silymarin and silibinin actually help maintain a normal rate of protein synthesis in the liver, leading to more efficient cellular functions such as cell division. Silibinin?s influence on the 5-lipooxygenase pathway can also account for its role in supporting healthy liver function.
Suggested dose is one capsule, twice per day with or without meals. Some people will take only one capsule a day. Some people may require up to four capsules a day. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women.
