posted April 12, 2000 03:24 PM            

Benefits:

Liver Cleansing and Detoxification Excellent Antioxidant Helps cells to reproduce protein and regenerate

Introduction:

Milk thistle derives its name from its appearance. It is a weedy thistle most common to Europe, and has large purple flowers and white spider web-like markings on its leaves. It's medicinal and nutritional usage can be traced back over 2,000 years. A quality herbal standard of preparation of milk thistle is made from the seeds of the dried flower, and standardization of the active ingredient, silymarin (80%).

Liver Cleansing and Detoxification:

Our bodies are exposed to many various toxins daily, including auto exhaust and second-hand smoke, for example. The body has many ways of ridding our system of these toxins, the major organ being the liver. Milk thistle, with its components, can greatly assist the liver in its cleansing duties by "guarding" it, as well as enhancing its performance.

Milk thistle's active ingredient, silymarin, is capable of protecting the liver in a couple of ways. First, silymarin helps cells to produce glutathione by as much as 50%, a substance which is known for its ability to fight free-radicals (oxidants). Milk thistle also has a protective effect on liver cells. In experimental studies, milk thistle has shown the ability to bind to the outside of the cell walls and block the entrance of toxins, thereby helping the cells to produce new protein, and enabling it to regenerate.

Alcohol Use:

The overconsumption of alcohol is detrimental to the liver. As the liver works to detoxify the body of alcohol, heavy consumption of alcohol can weaken and wear down the liver and decrease its ability to clear toxins from the body. Alcohol also effects the membranes around liver cells, leading to an inflammed liver. The final stage of liver damage is cirrhosis of the liver.

There is obviously no substitute for the prevention of liver damage than to avoid overuse of alcohol, and healthy diet and exercise. However, milk thistle may help people who drink alcohol by helping to metabolize the liver and clear alcohol from the body.

Suggested Dosage:

250mg capsules, standardized to 80% silymarin, 1-2 capsules taken daily.

Safety:

Milk thistle has shown no side effects in humans. However, due to its stimulating effect on the liver and gallbladder, it may possibly have a mild laxitative effect in some people, which should cease in 2-3 days.

OH, and I can find it at GNC or any drug store

posted April 14, 2000 10:46 PM            

deltman