Milk Thistle Extract Supports Liver Health in Pakistan
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb historically used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. Its active compound, silymarin (a blend of flavonolignans including silybin), is standardized to 70–80% in supplements and is clinically studied for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties147.
Key Benefits for Liver Health:
Blocks toxins (e.g., alcohol, acetaminophen, environmental pollutants) from binding to liver cells and neutralizes free radicals through antioxidant activity149.Used as an antidote for death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) poisoning in Europe.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antifibrotic Effects:
Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., NF-κB, COX-2) and reduces liver inflammation linked to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis47.
Slows fibrosis by preventing collagen deposition and stellate cell activation49.
Clinical Improvements:
Alcoholic liver disease: Reduces AST/ALT levels and improves survival in cirrhosis patients14.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Shown to decrease liver enzyme levels and improve ultrasound grading in studies67.
Viral hepatitis: Mixed results; no significant impact on hepatitis C viral load but may reduce symptoms13.
Mechanisms of Action:
Antioxidant: Boosts glutathione levels and scavenges free radicals47.
Cell Regeneration: Stimulates protein synthesis to repair liver cells49.
Metabolic Support: May improve insulin resistance in diabetic patients with liver disease46.
Usage & Safety:
Dosage: Typical doses range from 150–600 mg/day of silymarin, often divided into 2–3 doses39.
Forms: Available as capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts; often combined with dandelion, artichoke, or NAC for enhanced detox support8.
Side Effects: Rare and mild (e.g., GI upset, headaches). Contraindicated for those allergic to Asteraceae plants (e.g., ragweed) or with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer).
Quality: Choose standardized extracts (70–80% silymarin) from cGMP-certified facilities.
Limitations & Considerations:
Mixed Evidence: While some studies show benefits, others note methodological flaws or inconsistent results, particularly for viral hepatitis.
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