Naturopathic Information - MICROgenics Milk Thistle 28,000

The liver is the cleanser and detoxifier/filter of the bloodstream. Naturopathic thinking recognises that many people may not have a particular diagnosed liver affliction, but may experience a condition where liver function is below optimum. The liver plays such an important role in detoxification and keeping the body healthy.

Liver Detoxification

• Milk Thistle was empirically used as a remedy for almost 2000 years, and today still remains to be used as a medicine for liver conditions. Milk Thistle is traditionally referred to as hepatic substance. Hepatics are remedies which reduce damage to the liver from stressors such as xenobiotics, environmental and industrial pollutants, alcohol, cigarettes, and excess fat consumption.
• The active constituents in Milk Thistle are flavanolignans collectively called Silymarin. Silybins are a major component of Silymarin with the greatest degree of biological activity responsible for Milk thistle effect in the body. MICROgenics Milk Thistle 28,000 contains 336mg of Silybins per tablet providing a superior therapeutic dose that matches or supersedes clinical studies and pharmacological research performed on this herb.
• Scientific evidence unveils a possible mechanism behind Milk Thistle effect on the liver. It is proposed that Milk Thistle may actually alter the membrane of a liver cell protecting the cell against toxic induced damage. In addition, it is also suggested that Milk Thistle may bind to the liver cell membrane receptor site, inhibiting the binding of toxins to these sites.
• Researchers have also added that Milk Thistle accelerates the regeneration of liver cells caused by liver damage. Although, Milk Thistle is most commonly investigated for its effects on the liver, it is commonly use to aid digestion

Liver antioxidant

• Milk thistle’s ability to reduce liver damage and protect against liver deterioration is due largely to Silybin’s inhibition of factors which are responsible for free radical liver damage. Silybin acts as a potent liver antioxidant.
• A wide range of liver toxins such as alcohol, drugs, and hormones deplete a naturally occurring substance in the liver called Glutathione (GSH). Glutathione is an important antioxidant compound responsible for detoxifying and eliminating these toxic substances from the body. Milk Thistle inhibits the depletion of Glutathione and actually works to increase Glutathione levels, improving the capacity of the liver to detoxify.

Digestion

• One of the livers major functions other than detoxification is to produce bile. Bile is produced by the body to assist in the digestion of fats.
• Milk Thistle helps to maintain a healthy digestive function