Silymarin

German scientists made a breakthrough in the late 1960s when they isolated liver-protectant principles in the Milk Thistle fruit. They called these silymarin. Extensive studies in test tubes, small animals, and humans have demonstrated just how good to the liver this complex mixture of flavonoid compounds called silymarin is.

Silymarin protects the liver. Research indicates that silymarin does this by altering the outer structure of liver cell membranes in such a way that certain toxic substances are blocked from entering. Studies have illustrated this protective action for a number of liver toxins, including carbon tetrachloride, radiation, and certain foods such as the highly poisonous amanita (deathcap) mushroom.

Silymarin helps cleanse the liver of dangerous toxins by scavenging for substances called free radicals that can damage the organ.

Silymarin can reverse damage and help cure the liver by encouraging the regeneration of liver cells.

In one well-designed, randomized trial that included a control group given a dummy drug for comparison, silymarin taken in 140-milligram doses three times a day significantly reduced the death rate among individuals with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. (P.Ferenci et al., Journal of Hepatology, 9 1998:105-13.)

Other trials have shown that individuals suffering from alcohol- and drug-induced liver complaints who are treated with silymarin fare much better than those given a placebo.

German health authorities have officially approved of milk thistle fruit for toxic liver damage and as a supportive treatment for chronic inflammatory liver conditions and liver cirrhosis.