Herbs and plantsMilk thistle — a shield for the liver after years of medication?
Sources: 13 · Article: 15 537 characters
Henryk Różański says that silymarin may protect liver cells from harmful substances, including paracetamol and alcohol.
- The STOP NOP Association attributes to it the ability to stabilize liver cell membranes and stimulate their regeneration.
- Różański gives oral doses of 140 to 400 mg per day, noting that the dose should be determined individually.
- At a dose of 140 mg or more, it may cause laxative effects, gas, and abdominal pain.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Silymarin may protect liver cells from various harmful substances, including paracetamol and alcohol.
„It protects liver cells from the harmful effects of chloroform, ether, carbon tetrachloride, mycotoxins (including toxins from the death cap mushroom), acenol (paracetamol, acetaminophen), pyramidon, antipyrine, and ethanol. It removes free radicals. It inhibits lipoxygenase and slows the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.”Chroni komórki wątrobowe przed szkodliwym wpływem chloroformu, eteru, czterochlorku węgla, mikotoksyn (w tym również toksyn z muchomora sromotnikowego), acenolu (paracetamolu, acetaminofenu), piramidonu, antypiryny, etanolu. Wymiata wolne rodniki. Hamuje lipoksygenazę, spowalnia tworzenie prostaglandyn i leukotrienów prozapalnych.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
Silymarin is said to stabilize liver cell membranes and stimulate their regeneration.
„Milk thistle owes its medicinal properties to silymarin. [?] Silymarin stabilizes the cell membranes of liver hepatocytes, thereby protecting the liver from the effects of toxic compounds and stimulating its regenerative capacity [2];
as in all diseases, diet is an important part of treatment.”Ostropest plamisty swoje właściwości lecznicze zawdzięcza sylimarynie. [?] Sylimaryna stabilizuje błony komórkowe hepatocytów wątrobowych, przez co chroni wątrobę przed działaniem związków toksycznych i pobudza jej zdolności regeneracyjne [2];
jak we wszystkich chorobach, niebagatelne znaczenie w leczeniu ma dieta.
Henryk Różański
Silymarin is also said to limit collagen buildup and prevent liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
„Silymarin reduces lipid peroxidation. It increases RNA polymerase I and stimulates translation in liver cells. It reduces collagen accumulation, preventing cirrhosis and fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, and heart. Silymarin reduces the expression of the profibrogenic cytokine TGF-beta.”Sylimaryny redukuje preoksydację lipidów. Wzmaga polimerazę I RNA, pobudza translację w komórkach wątroby. Redukuje kumulację kolagenu, zapobiegając marskości i zwłóknieniu wątroby, nerek i serca. Sylimaryna redukuje ekspresję profibrogennej cytokiny TGF-beta.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański gives oral silymarin doses of 140 to 400 mg per day, but notes that the dose should be determined individually.
„Recommended oral doses of silymarin: 140–400 mg/day. However, the dose should be determined individually, since an amount of 140 mg or more per day may cause laxative effects, gas, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, the dose should be reduced to 70 mg once a day.”Zalecane dawki doustne sylimaryny: 140-400 mg/dziennie. Należy jednak dobrać dawkę indywidualnie, bowiem w ilości 140 mg i więcej dziennie może wywoływać przeczyszczenie, wiatry i ból brzucha. Jeśli takie objawy występują dawkę trzeba zmniejszyć do 70 mg 1 raz dziennie.
Henryk Różański
At a dose of 140 mg or more, silymarin may cause laxative effects, gas, and abdominal pain.
„However, the dose should be determined individually, since an amount of 140 mg or more per day may cause laxative effects, gas, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, the dose should be reduced to 70 mg once a day. In Poland, very good silymarin products include Sylimarol 35, 70, Sylivit 80 and 150 (with vitamins), and the previously mentioned Sylicynar.”Należy jednak dobrać dawkę indywidualnie, bowiem w ilości 140 mg i więcej dziennie może wywoływać przeczyszczenie, wiatry i ból brzucha. Jeśli takie objawy występują dawkę trzeba zmniejszyć do 70 mg 1 raz dziennie. W Polsce bardzo dobrymi preparatami z sylimaryną są: Sylimarol 35, 70, Sylivit 80 i 150 (z witaminami) i wspomniany Sylicynar.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes a product combining silymarin with cynarin as having complementary effects in supporting liver protection.
„I consider this an excellent solution, because both complexes of active compounds complement and enhance each other's hepatoprotective (protecting the liver tissue), bile-stimulating, bile-producing, anti-inflammatory, and lipotropic properties. At higher doses, the product has a laxative effect.”Uważam to za doskonałe rozwiązanie, bowiem oba kompleksy związków aktywnych wzajemnie się uzupełniają i wzmagają we właściwościach hepatoprotekcyjnych (ochraniających miąższ wątroby), żółciopędnych, żółciotwórczych, przeciwzapalnych i lipotropowych. W większych dawkach preparat działa przeczyszczająco.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes milk thistle silymarin as supporting liver regeneration together with cynarin.
„Phytopharmacological action: a typical acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (lycopod alkaloids), but weaker than clubmosses containing huperzine A and B; anticancer (induction of apoptosis through activation of caspase-3); improves memory and learning processes; increases digestive juice secretion; protects liver tissue and has bile-stimulating and antibacterial effects. It has an antiviral effect. It stimulates regeneration of liver tissue and nervous tissue. In terms of liver protection and regeneration, it has a synergistic effect with cynarin (artichoke) and silymarin (milk thistle).”Działanie fitofarmakologiczne: typowy inhibitor acetylocholinoesterazy (alkaloidy likopodanowe), ale słabszy niż widłaki zawierające huperzine A i B, przeciwnowotworowe (indukcja apoptozy przez aktywację kaspazy-3); poprawia pamięć i usprawnia procesy uczenia się; wzmaga wydzielanie soków trawiennych; działa ochronnie na miąższ wątroby, żółciopędnie i antybakteryjnie. Wywiera wpływ przeciwwirusowy. Pobudza procesy regeneracji miąższu wątroby i tkanki nerwowej. W zakresie hepatoprotekcji i proregeneracji wątroby wykazuje synergizm z cynaryną (karczoch), i sylimaryną (ostropest).
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański recommends combining speedwell with milk thistle for cirrhosis and fatty liver.
„Indications: mycotoxin and mushroom poisoning; liver damage, liver inflammation, viral hepatitis; spasms of the biliary system, cirrhosis and fatty liver (combine speedwell with milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric, choline, inositol, betaine, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and agrimony herb); nervous system damage (combine with other neuroprotective herbs, e.g.”Wskazania: zatrucia mikotoksynami, grzybami; uszkodzenie wątroby, stan zapalny wątroby, wirusowe zapalenie wątroby; stany skurczowe układu żółciowego, marskość i stłuszczenie wątroby (przetacznik łączyć z ostropestem, karczochem, kurkumą, choliną, inozytolem, betainą, witaminami z grupy B, z niezbędnymi nienasyconymi kwasami tłuszczowymi, zielem rzepiku); uszkodzenia układu nerwowego (łączyć z innymi ziołami neuroprotekcyjnymi, np.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association lists milk thistle as being used in unconventional treatment for hepatitis B.
„unconventional: milk thistle is used to treat hepatitis B. Milk thistle owes its medicinal properties to silymarin. [?] Silymarin stabilizes the cell membranes of liver hepatocytes, thereby protecting the liver from the effects of toxic compounds and stimulating its regenerative capacity [2];
as in all diseases, diet is an important part of treatment.”niekonwencjonalne: w leczeniu WZW B stosuje się ostropest plamisty. Ostropest plamisty swoje właściwości lecznicze zawdzięcza sylimarynie. [?] Sylimaryna stabilizuje błony komórkowe hepatocytów wątrobowych, przez co chroni wątrobę przed działaniem związków toksycznych i pobudza jej zdolności regeneracyjne [2];
jak we wszystkich chorobach, niebagatelne znaczenie w leczeniu ma dieta.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 90.
A meta-analysis found that milk thistle reduced the incidence of liver injury during tuberculosis treatment after four weeks.
Aim of the study: Prophylactic therapy with silymarin to prevent the development of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (anti-TB DILI) has been under debate. We aimed to evaluate the effect of silymarin in the prevention of anti-TB DILI.
Results: A total of 1198 patients from five RCTs (585 in the silymarin groups and 613 in the placebo groups) were included. Overall, silymarin significantly reduced the occurrence of anti-TB DILI at week 4 [RR: 0.33, 95% CI (0.15, 0.75)]. In addition, silymarin had a protective effect on liver function in patients receiving anti-TB drugs [SMD = - 0.15, 95% CI (-0.24, -0.07), P < 0.001 (ALT); SMD =-0.14, 95% CI (-0.23, -0.06), P = 0.001(AST); SMD =-0.12, 95% CI (-0.20, -0.03), P = 0.008 (ALP)]. Silymarin caused similar AEs to those seen in the placebo groups [OR: 1.09, 95% CI (0.86, 1.39), P = 0.47]. Prophylactic silymarin therapy contributed to a noticeably reduced risk of anti-TB DILI four weeks after treatment began. In addition, silymarin significantly improved liver function in patients receiving anti-TB drugs.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Jilin University, National Natural Science Foundation of China
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A meta-analysis of randomized studies found that silymarin lowered AST and ALT liver enzyme levels, but not ALP.
Aim of the study: It is widely believed that Silybum marianum (silymarin) alleviates liver injury caused by various factors and of varying severity through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of silymarin administration on serum levels of liver enzymes, including AST, ALT, and ALP.
Results: The subgroup analysis also showed a significant decrease in AST and ALT levels in patients with a BMI below 30, while silymarin treatment had no significant effects on AST and ALT levels in patients with a BMI ≥ 30. Silymarin at a dose below 400 mg and a treatment duration of ≤ 2 months had greater effects in lowering AST and ALT levels than higher doses and longer treatment periods. AST and ALT levels decreased significantly in patients with NAFLD and viral hepatitis, while silymarin had no significant hepatoprotective effects in patients with drug-induced liver injury and alcohol-related liver disease. Adjusting the dose and treatment duration of silymarin is recommended for patients with different causes of liver damage.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a clinical study of people with hypoxia, liver enzyme levels were lower with silymarin than with placebo on the third day of treatment.
Aim of the study: Various drugs affect liver problems caused by general hypoxia, including silymarin. Because of fungal killer toxins, silymarin (milk thistle) is now used as an effective drug to prevent and treat liver diseases and liver toxicity. In addition, silymarin protects liver cells from solvents and chemical substances. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of silymarin on liver problems caused by general hypoxia.
Results: In the silymarin group, liver enzyme levels were lower than in the placebo group on the third day after treatment (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in coagulation factors or WBC count on the third day after treatment (P > 050). On the third day after treatment, GGT levels were lower in the silymarin group (P < 0.05). Silymarin decreased liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and CPK) and GGT levels. Therefore, its use is recommended for patients with hypoxic liver injury.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review indicates that silybin may inhibit processes involved in fibrosis and help reverse fibrotic changes in the liver.
Aim of the study: Chronic liver disease leads to a response resembling “wound healing,” also known as fibrosis, resulting in a progressive buildup of connective tissue. Excessive fibrogenesis, which disrupts intercellular connections and interactions as well as the composition of the extracellular matrix, is a feature of the fibrotic process mediated by various cell types and chemical mediators such as transforming growth factor-β.
Results: The herb Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, has been widely studied for its potential to treat liver diseases. Silymarin contains 50% to 70% silybin, which has the highest level of biological activity. Silybin appears to be relatively safer, and the available evidence on its potential mechanisms of action is encouraging. The aim of this article is to analyze the growing evidence linking biochemical oxidative events to excessive fibrogenesis, as well as silybin's inhibitory mechanisms that help reverse fibrosis and fibrotic lesions.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review describes silymarin's protective properties for the liver, while also highlighting the limits of its absorption.
Aim of the study: Silymarin, extracted from the seeds of Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has been used in traditional medicine for many years and is recognized for its neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties.
Results: Nanocarriers are a promising solution to silymarin's low solubility and limited bioavailability, with the aim of improving targeted delivery to the central nervous system and liver tissue. These developments position silymarin as a phytopharmaceutical with potential applications across several areas. This review provides an overview of silymarin's history, phytochemical composition, and pharmacokinetic profile, with particular focus on targeted drug delivery systems. Special emphasis is placed on its potential role in managing various diseases.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Ascorbate, for anyone eating anything other than human milk, must reach the lower bowel to deal with everyday endotoxin production and swallowed pertussis exotoxin. If a very young infant is in the ICU with well-established and severe whooping cough, before I could get to treat them at home, I would recommend that the doctors give one dose of IV ascorbate and continue oral or nasogastric ascorbate dosing, with close monitoring of urine output and kidney function. I would also recommend giving IV fluids and continuing maternal milk, either orally or through a nasogastric tube.”The ascorbate, in anyone eating anything besides human milk, must get to the lower bowel to deal with everyday endotoxin production, and the pertussis exotoxin that is swallowed. If a very young infant is in the ICU with well established and severe whooping cough, before I could get to treat them at home, I would recommend the doctors give one dose of IV ascorbate plus continuing oral ascorbate or nasogastric ascorbate dosing with close monitoring of urine output and kidney function. I also would recommend administering IV hydration and continuing maternal milk either orally or through nasogastric tube.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Clearly Not the CDC If you thought all that was bad, try the proposal from the National Centers for Immunization and Respiratory Disease at the CDC; one study found that IgA antibodies in breast milk could reduce vaccine potency—especially in developing countries; American breast milk is not nearly as good (11). Their proposal: delay breastfeeding. No, you didn't misread that; the abstract says: “Strategies to overcome this negative effect, such as delaying breast-feeding at the time of immunization, should be evaluated.” Oh, right. That'll fix it. Not! Reference: (1) Virtanen M, Peltola H, Paunio M, Heinonen OP.”Clearly Not the CDC If you thought all that was bad, try out the proposal from the National Centers for Immunization and Respiratory Disease in CDC; a study found that the IgA antibodies in breast milk could reduce the potency of vaccines - especially in developing countries; American breast milk is not nearly as good (11). Their proposal: delay breast-feeding. No, you didn't misread; the abstract says; "Strategies to overcome this negative effect, such as delaying breast-feeding at the time of immunization, should be evaluated." Oh, right. That'll fix it. Not! Reference: (1) Virtanen M, Peltola H, Paunio M, Heinonen OP.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„The liver is the primary site of phase I and phase II biotransformation. There are many different routes of excretion, including urine, bile, sweat, saliva, tears, milk, and stool. By far, the most important excretory organs are the kidneys and liver. The kidneys are an important organ involved in the elimination of drugs and their metabolites. Substances excreted in feces usually include orally ingested, unabsorbed drugs or metabolites excreted in bile that are not reabsorbed from the intestinal tract.”The liver is the primary site of phase I and phase II biotransformation. There are many different routes of excretion, including urine, bile, sweat, saliva, tears, milk, and stool. By far, the most important excretory organs are the kidney and liver. The kidneys are an important organ involved in the elimination of drugs and their metabolites. Substances excreted in the feces usually involve orally ingested unabsorbed drugs or metabolites excreted in the bile that is not reabsorbed from the intestinal tract.
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