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Milk Thistle Promotes Liver Detoxification

14011 Views Posted on: 2019-12-16
Posted by: Ireneusz Adamczyk

Milk Thistle Promotes Liver DetoxificationThe liver is a primary defense against daily toxins.

People used to think that the main threat to their liver was alcohol.

Today's nemesis is obesity. The result is an epidemic crisis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).1

Liver-related deaths jumped 65% between 1999 and 2016.2,3

Milk thistle extract has demonstrated benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis.4-7

When standardized extracts of milk thistle are combined with a phospholipid delivery system, absorption is significantly enhanced.

Milk Thistle Promotes Liver DetoxificationWhat you need to know

  • The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and is critical for numerous functions, including removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body.
  • Liver disease is on the rise, affecting a large percentage of the population.
  • Extracts of milk thistle contain a powerful blend of liver-protecting compounds that help defend against toxins and oxidative stress.
  • Studies have demonstrated the ability of milk thistle extracts to protect the liver from a variety of causes of injury.
  • Standardized extracts of milk thistle complexed to phospholipids provide the greatest absorption into body tissues.


Milk Thistle Promotes Liver DetoxificationThe public tends to assume that liver disease affects only those who have abused alcohol.

What few people know is that as many as 30% of all adults suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mostly caused by obesity.

There has been an almost two-fold increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease since 1991. 1

Those whose diets consist of junk food and drinking sodas are falling victim to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease at alarming rates.8

The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in the body. It is susceptible to many sources of damage. These can include fatty liver disease infections, metabolic insults, and toxic poisonings including alcohol abuse.

Milk thistle extract has been shown to guard the liver from damage and reduce liver-related mortality.4,9-11

Factors behind Liver Disease

Poor diets, obesity, and other factors can lead to permanent liver damage. Chronic liver injury increases the risk for liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Here are some underlying correctable risk factors of the surging liver disease epidemic:

  1. Excess alcohol ingestion (especially without accompanying it with antioxidants like n-acetyl-cysteine).12-14
  2. Excess use of acetaminophen pain-relieving drugs (sometimes sold as Tylenol®).15-17
  3. Abdominal obesity and excess body weight that contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.18 Almost 40% of adults are clinically obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1

Considering the critical role of the liver in human health, and the growing incidence of liver disease, researchers have focused on the capacity of milk thistle extract to inhibit the most common causes and pathologies of liver damage.

The Potent Liver-Protection Effects of Milk Thistle Extract

Extracts of milk thistle contain several natural compounds that demonstrate the ability to defend the liver from injury. These compounds offer multiple mechanisms of liver protection, including strong oxidant protection and anti-inflammatory properties.19,20

Here are some brief descriptions of studies looking at how milk thistle extract defends against some of the main drivers of liver disease.

Phospholipids: Improving the Bioavailability of Milk Thistle Extract

The Potent Liver-Protection Effects of Milk Thistle ExtractNovel formulations of milk thistle extract have been developed that greatly improve the ability of the digestive system to absorb its beneficial compounds.

By joining these compounds with natural phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, the bioavailability of standardized extracts of milk thistle is greatly increased.37

This new delivery system has been shown both to increase entry of milk thistle's essential liver-protective compounds into the body and to maximize its beneficial effects.37

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by the deposition of fatty compounds in the liver. As the name implies, it is not caused by alcohol abuse and can occur even in individuals with little or no alcohol intake.

The prevalence of this disease is increasing, closely following the increases seen in related disorders, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.1 In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur in up to 90% of obese individuals. 21 Fatty liver disease is on track to soon surpass alcoholism and viral hepatitis as the most common cause of chronic liver disease.

Early in its course, fatty liver disease may go unnoticed. However, it can progress over time to cause significant fibrosis of the liver and ultimately result in liver cancer, cirrhosis, and/or liver failure.

Scientists have demonstrated that, in preclinical models, extracts of milk thistle are capable of changing the abnormal metabolism associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, reducing the accumulation of fatty substances and protecting cells from oxidative damage and death. 22-24

The mechanism of this protection may involve altering gene expression related to lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant mechanisms.

In multiple studies of humans with fatty liver disease, intake of milk thistle extract has been associated with a reduction in fat deposition and improved enzyme blood markers of liver damage. 25-27

A meta-analysis of eight trials concluded that milk thistle extract effectively lowered liver enzymes, compared to controls, in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.28

In randomized controlled trials, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease subjects treated with milk thistle extract for 48 weeks had markedly less fibrosis than those who received placebo.25,26,29

Alcohol and Other Liver Toxins

Alcohol and Other Liver ToxinsThe liver is susceptible to an array of dangerous toxins known as hepatotoxins, including Amanita mushrooms, acetaminophen, arsenic, alcohol, and others.5,30,31

Research shows that milk thistle extract prevents liver damage when given before or during the exposure to a liver toxin.9,10,32,33

andlt;pstyle="text-align: justify;"andgt;A common toxic cause of liver injury is alcohol abuse, and it appears to be on the rise, particularly in young adults.2,3 The best prevention of alcoholic liver disease is cessation of alcohol intake, but clinical trials have shown that milk thistle extract can even benefit people who've already developed the condition.6,11

One of these trials evaluated three different dose levels and found that the highest doses, 360 mg per day of the milk thistle extract preparation, resulted in the greatest improvement in liver enzyme levels.6 Another study showed that a group of patients with alcohol-induced liver disease who were treated with milk thistle extract showed improvements in liver enzymes and liver pathology.7

New studies show even what some people consider moderate alcohol ingestion can inflict an injurious impact.34 One might consider supplementing with milk thistle extract, n-acetyl-cysteine, vitamins B1, and C before ingesting ethanol.35

Liver Enzymes as Markers of Liver Injury

Liver Enzymes as Markers of Liver InjuryMeasurement of liver enzyme levels is an important tool that clinicians and researchers use to identify ongoing liver injury.

These proteins, including AST and ALT, are normally present inside liver cells. However, when any pathology causes damage to liver cells, the levels of these enzymes rises in the blood, detectable on a simple blood test.

Elevated liver enzyme levels are therefore a useful marker of liver disease and can help to track response to treatment.

Milk thistle extracts have been found to decrease liver enzyme levels in many clinical studies, indicating protection from various types of liver injury.6,28,38-41

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the end-stage of chronic liver injury. It can occur following years of ongoing liver injury from a number of possible causes, including viral and alcoholic hepatitis.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is generally considered irreversible. But scientists have observed promising improvements with milk thistle extract in clinical trials.

In one such trial of 60 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, those randomized to receive 450 mg of a milk thistle extract daily benefited from a reduction in a marker of liver fibrosis, along with improvements in oxidant reduction.36

Also, in a study of alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients with cirrhosis, 420 mg of milk thistle extract per day was associated with a higher overall four-year survival. This study showed that 58% of subjects supplementing with milk thistle survived compared to only 39% survival in controls (who did not receive milk thistle extract).4 The greatest clinical improvement was observed in alcoholics.

Summary

Among its myriad functions, the liver is crucial for detoxification, purifying the body of various toxic substances. As it performs these functions, the liver is itself prone to injury.

Cirrhosis

Acting through multiple mechanisms, compounds in milk thistle extract have the ability to protect the liver against toxins and metabolic disorders.

Health-conscious individuals can boost their body's absorption of these protective compounds by taking standardized extracts of milk thistle that have been made more bioavailable via a phospholipid delivery system.

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

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Scientific Sources

30% adults fatty liver?

What few people know is that as many as 30% of all adults suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mostly caused by obesity. Silent epidemic largely unrecognized despite affecting nearly one-third of adult population. Not caused by alcohol consumption.

40% adults obese CDC?

Abdominal obesity and excess body weight that contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Almost 40% of adults are clinically obese according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity epidemic directly driving fatty liver disease prevalence increase.

90% obese individuals NAFLD?

Prevalence of this disease is increasing, closely following increases seen in related disorders, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur in up to 90% of obese individuals. Nearly universal among obese population demonstrating strong obesity-NAFLD connection.

Novel formulations improved?

Novel formulations of milk thistle extract have been developed that greatly improve ability to absorb and utilize active compounds. Standard milk thistle poorly absorbed due to low water solubility. Advanced delivery systems overcome bioavailability limitations enabling therapeutic efficacy.

Fatty compound deposition?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by deposition of fatty compounds in liver. As name implies, it is not caused by alcohol consumption. Excess fat accumulation impairs liver function leading to inflammation, fibrosis, potentially cirrhosis if untreated. Metabolic origin rather than toxic.

  • 30% all adults NAFLD silent epidemic
  • 40% adults clinically obese CDC data
  • 90% obese individuals NAFLD nearly universal
  • Non-alcoholic origin not caused by alcohol
  • Obesity-caused mostly metabolic etiology
  • Fatty compound deposition liver fat accumulation
  • Novel formulations developed improved bioavailability
  • Absorption greatly improved advanced delivery
  • Diabetes connection related disorder
  • Metabolic syndrome link cluster conditions
  • Prevalence increasing following obesity epidemic
  • Liver detoxification support functional improvement
  • Inflammation reduction hepatoprotective effects
  • Fibrosis prevention progressive damage halt
  • Cirrhosis risk reduction end-stage prevention

Milk Thistle Liver Detoxification Protocol

Step 1: Recognize 30% Adult NAFLD Epidemic

What few people know is that as many as 30% of all adults suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mostly caused by obesity. Silent epidemic largely unrecognized despite affecting nearly one-third of adult population. Not caused by alcohol consumption - metabolic origin distinguishes it from alcoholic liver disease. Widespread prevalence demands attention.

Step 2: 40% Obesity CDC - 90% Obese Have NAFLD

Abdominal obesity and excess body weight contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Almost 40% of adults are clinically obese according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur in up to 90% of obese individuals. Obesity epidemic directly driving fatty liver disease - nearly universal among obese demonstrating causal relationship.

Step 3: Fatty Compound Deposition Mechanism

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by deposition of fatty compounds in liver. As name implies, not caused by alcohol. Excess triglycerides and other lipids accumulate in hepatocytes (liver cells) impairing normal function. Leads to inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis (scarring), potentially cirrhosis (end-stage) if progression unchecked. Metabolic dysfunction rather than toxic insult.

Step 4: Related Disorders - Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Prevalence of this disease is increasing, closely following increases seen in related disorders, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. NAFLD part of constellation of metabolic conditions sharing insulin resistance as common mechanism. Often coexist: 90% obese have NAFLD, high percentage also have diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Addressing one condition benefits others.

Step 5: Novel Formulations Overcome Bioavailability

Novel formulations of milk thistle extract have been developed that greatly improve ability to absorb and utilize active compounds silymarin. Standard milk thistle has low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability limiting therapeutic efficacy. Advanced delivery systems (phospholipid complexes, nanoparticles, enhanced solubility) overcome absorption barriers enabling sufficient plasma levels for hepatoprotective effects.

Step 6: Liver Detoxification and Hepatoprotection

Milk thistle with novel formulations promotes liver detoxification through multiple mechanisms: antioxidant protection against oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects reducing steatohepatitis, membrane stabilization protecting hepatocytes, regeneration support enhancing liver repair. For 30% adults with NAFLD, especially 90% obese individuals, milk thistle provides rational evidence-based intervention addressing underlying fatty liver pathology.

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (K76.0 - 30% adults)
  • Obesity clinical (E66.9 - 40% adults CDC)
  • Obese with NAFLD (90% prevalence)
  • Abdominal obesity visceral fat
  • Excess body weight contributing factor
  • Diabetes (E11.9 - related disorder)
  • Metabolic syndrome (E88.81 - related)
  • Liver inflammation (K75.9)
  • Hepatic steatosis fatty deposition
  • Fibrosis risk progressive liver damage
  • Cirrhosis prevention needed (K74.60)
  • Liver detoxification impaired
  • Part of 30% NAFLD population
  • Milk thistle hypersensitivity
  • Ragweed allergy (cross-reactivity - same family)
  • Pregnancy first trimester insufficient safety data

30% All Adults Suffer Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: What few people know is that as many as 30% of all adults suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, mostly caused by obesity. Silent epidemic largely unrecognized despite affecting nearly one-third of adult population. Not caused by alcohol consumption - metabolic origin from obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome distinguishes it from alcoholic liver disease.

Citation: Epidemiological data documenting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence of approximately 30% among all adults, with obesity identified as primary causative factor rather than alcohol consumption.

40% Adults Clinically Obese CDC - 90% Obese Have NAFLD: Abdominal obesity and excess body weight that contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Almost 40% of adults are clinically obese according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevalence of this disease increasing, closely following increases in related disorders. In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur in up to 90% of obese individuals. Demonstrates nearly universal NAFLD among obese population.

Citations: CDC obesity statistics showing 40% clinical obesity prevalence in adults. Studies documenting NAFLD occurrence in up to 90% of obese individuals, establishing strong obesity-fatty liver causal relationship.

Novel Formulations Greatly Improve Bioavailability: Novel formulations of milk thistle extract have been developed that greatly improve ability to absorb and utilize active compounds silymarin. Standard milk thistle has poor oral bioavailability due to low water solubility. Advanced delivery systems (phospholipid complexes, enhanced solubility formulations) overcome absorption barriers enabling therapeutic plasma concentrations for hepatoprotective efficacy.

Fatty Compound Deposition and Related Disorders: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by deposition of fatty compounds in liver. As name implies, it is not caused by alcohol. Prevalence increasing, closely following increases seen in related disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. NAFLD part of metabolic disease constellation sharing insulin resistance mechanism.