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Milk thistle (silymarin) 

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Showing 1 - 3 of 3 items

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum): A Natural Protector for Your Liver

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not just a beautiful plant with characteristic purple flowers and white veins on the leaves, but also one of the most powerful and best-studied natural remedies for supporting liver health. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and today its effectiveness is confirmed by numerous scientific studies. The main value of milk thistle is its active complex - silymarin.

What is Silymarin?

The key to milk thistle’s power is silymarin , a unique complex of bioflavonoids (flavolignans) found in the seeds of the plant. Silymarin, in turn, consists of several active compounds, the most important of which is silibinin . It is this complex that is responsible for most of milk thistle’s hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.

Main Mechanisms of Action

Milk thistle works in a comprehensive way, supporting liver and overall body health through several key mechanisms:

  1. Powerful Antioxidant Action: Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals that are formed during the metabolism of toxins and protects liver cells (hepatocytes) from oxidative stress. In addition, it increases the body's levels of internal antioxidants, in particular glutathione.

  2. Liver Cell Regeneration: Silymarin stimulates protein synthesis in hepatocytes, which promotes the repair and regeneration of damaged liver cells.

  3. Protective Function: It stabilizes liver cell membranes, making them more resistant to the penetration of toxic substances such as alcohol, medications, viruses, and harmful compounds from food and the environment.

  4. Anti-inflammatory Effect: Silymarin inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, reducing inflammatory processes in the liver that often accompany liver disease.

Main Areas of Application

Due to its unique properties, milk thistle is used for:

  • Liver Support and Protection: This is the main purpose of milk thistle. It is effective for prevention and as an aid in:

    • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

    • Toxic liver damage (caused by alcohol, drugs, industrial toxins).

    • Liver support during and after drug therapy courses.

    • Comprehensive therapy of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis (under the supervision of a physician).

  • Antioxidant Support for the Body: Helps fight oxidative stress, which is the cause of premature aging and the development of many chronic diseases.

  • Improves Skin Condition: A healthy liver means clear skin. By supporting the detoxification function of the liver, milk thistle may indirectly help reduce acne, eczema, and other skin problems.

  • Metabolic Support: Some studies show that silymarin may have positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels, making it beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome.

How to Choose and Take Milk Thistle

  • Forms of Release: Milk thistle is available in capsules, tablets, extracts, powder (meal), and tea. The most effective form is a standardized extract , as it guarantees the exact concentration of silymarin.

  • Standardization: Look for products standardized to 70-80% silymarin . This is the gold standard for quality and effectiveness.

  • Dosage: Typical dosage is 150-300 mg of silymarin 1-3 times daily. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations or your doctor's prescription.

Safety and Precautions

Milk thistle is considered a very safe remedy with minimal side effects.

  • Side effects: Mild digestive upset (laxative effect) or allergic reactions may rarely occur.

  • Allergies: People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums) should use with caution.

  • Consultation with a doctor: Before starting treatment, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, taking medications (especially those that are metabolized in the liver), or if you have serious illnesses, be sure to consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Milk thistle is a well-studied, A safe and effective herbal remedy to support one of the most important organs, the liver. It is an indispensable assistant for those who seek to protect the liver from modern stresses, support detoxification processes, and improve overall well-being.