Milk Thistle Extract
(Silybum marianum)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Milk thistle is native to Europe. It contains three powerful liver-protective agents. They are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, and are usually collectively referred to as silymarin. Also present are flavonoids, including apigenin, naringenin, and quercetin.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Seeds.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 100 mg to 1,000 mg (standardized to 70% to 80% silymarin).

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Inflammation
• Liver support (hepatitis B, C)
• Psoriasis

COMMENTS

• The effects of silymarin are well researched, showing protection against such hepato-toxins as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, pesticides, heavy metals, and acetaminophen overdose. Not only can silymarin protect liver cells, it can regenerate already damaged ones. Additionally, silymarin was shown to increase liver, stomach, and intestinal glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

CAUTIONS

• None significant.