MILK THISTLE /SILYMARIN
COMMON NAME : Milk Thistle
LATIN NAME : Silybum marianum L. Gaertn. or
Carduus marianus L.
ACTIVE SUBSTANCES : Flavonoids (silybin,
silydianin, silychristin known collectively as Silymarin)
DESCRIPTION : Milk thistle was named Silybum by
Dioscorides in 100 AD for its large purple thistle-like flower heads.
Since ancient times, the plant was valued for its nutritional and
medicinal properties. By the Middle Ages the seed of the Milk Thistle was
commonly used to treat liver diseases, to promote the flow of bile, and as
a general tonic for the stomach, spleen, gallbladder, female organs, and
liver.
PHYSIOLOGY : Milk Thistle contains three potent
liver protective flavonoids: silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, known
collectively as silymarin. Numerous clinical trials have shown that
silymarin and milk thistle extract can protect the liver. Silymarin
counteracts the toxic effects of a wide variety of poisons, including
alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen overdose, and the Deathcap
mushroom, Amanita phalloides which causes death within a day. The
mechanism of action of silymarin involves altering the membranes of
hepatic cells to inhibit passage of toxins and increasing cellular
regeneration by stimulating protein synthesis. Silymarin also has
antioxidant activity and inhibits inflammatory enzymes. Recent research
has indicated that silymarin helps to protect against depletion of the
antioxidant glutathione in liver cells.
ACTIVE PROPERTIES : Milk Thistle extract has been
the subject of numerous clinical trials and studies due toits potent liver
protective properties. Milk thistle has been used for hepatitis, viral
hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty degeneration of the liver. Milk
thistle has been used for indigestion since it promotes the flow of bile
and thus helps emulsify fats. A positive therapeutic effect has been
reported using silymarin for psoriasis. The Eclectics recommended milk
thistle for varicose veins.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE : 300-600 mg. /day.
HISTORICAL USES :
• Liver disease, acute, chronic hepatitis
• Protect liver from toxins, heavy metals, alcohol, poisons
• Cholagogue
• Fatty degeneration of the liver
• Jaundice
• Psoriasis
• Uterine tonic, menstrual difficulties
• Spleen, kidney, gall bladder tonic
• Varicose veins
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS : No
known toxicity, even in large doses.
