Silybum marianum

Description: Milk thistle contains silybin, silydianin, and silychristin which are flavonoids that protect the liver. Collectively, these compounds are called silymarin that act to counteract the effects of alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen, and the deadly deathcap mushroom on the liver. This herb stimulates protein synthesis causing the hepatic membranes to alternate, not aloowing toxins to pass through to the liver.

Parts Used: Seeds

Common Use: Milk thistle is the miracle herb when it comes to complications of the liver. This herb is excellent for treating hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty degeneration of the liver. Fat is more easily emulsified because the flow of bile is stimulated by using milk thistle.

Origin: North America and Europe

Active Substances: Flavonoids (silybin, silydianin, silychristin)

Standard: 80% Silymarin

Pharmacology:

Active Properties:

Directions For Use:300-600mg a day. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Processing:

Bio-Enhancing:The bio-enhancing agents dandelion root, turmeric, flavonoids, artichoke, and schisandra.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:There have been no reported cases of toxicities. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Traditionally this herb has been used to treat varicose veins, psoriasis, and menstrual complications. Milk thistle became a tonic for the spleen, stomach, gall bladder, female reproductive organs, and liver during the Middle Ages.

Analysis:Type standardized extract, Standardization 84.50% based on silibin, Character light yellow powder, Ash 0.25%, Fungi >100/g, Heavy Metals >10ppm.