Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle

(Silybum marianum)

Antidote: poisoning by Death Cup mushroom; antioxidant, specifically for hepatic cells, liver diseases; acute/chronic hepatitis, jaundice, and stimulation of bile secretion/cholagogue; hepatoprotective, including drug toxicities (i.e., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, ethanol, and acetaminophen).

Antidote: Vogel, 1984

Antioxidant: Carrescia, 1980, Flora, 1998, Kropacova, 1998

Hepatoprotective: Morazzoni, 1995

Standardized: 80% standardized extract containing Silymarin 98mg
1 capsule with water 2-3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Seed powder) 565mg
1 capsule with water 3 x daily

Pharmacology:

The activity of Milk Thistle is reported to be derived from silymarin which is composed of three primary flavonoids (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin). Silymarin reportedly alters the composition of hepatocytes, limiting entry of hepatotoxins, and stimulates protein synthesis as well as hepatic regeneration. Glutathione is an important antioxidant in detoxification reactions, acting as an important sulfhydryl donor in detoxification reactions. Silymarin increases hepatic glutathione by over 35%. Milk Thistle is also reported to inhibit inflammatory effects of leukotrienes which could contribute to hepatic damage. Milk Thistle is reported to be hepatoprotective against psychotropics (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones), ethanol, acetaminophen, and other drugs that modify hepatic function.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

May have mild laxative effect and may cause uterine and menstrual stimulation. Theoretical Interactions: The concomitant use of silymarin and butyrophenones or phenothiazines results in a reduction of lipid peroxidation. Silymarin has an antagonistic effect with yohimbe and phentolamine when given simultaneously.

References:

Carrescia O, Benelli L, Saraceni F, et al, "Silymarin in the Prevention of Hepatic Damage by Psychopharmacologic Drugs. Experimental Premises and Clinical Evaluations," Clin Ter, 1980, 95(2): 157-64.

DiCarlo G, Autore G, Izzo AA et al., Inhibition of intestinal motility and secretion by flavonoids in mice and rats: structure-activity relationships. J Pharm Pharmacol 1993; 45:1054-1059.

Fintelmann V. Toxic metabolic liver damage and its treatment. Z. Phytother: 1986;(3):65-73.

Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, et al, "Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) for the Therapy of Liver Disease," Am J Gastroenterol, 1998, 93(2): 139-43.

Kropacova K, Misurova E, and Hakova H, "Protective and Therapeutic Effect of Silymarin on the Development of Latent Liver Damage," Radiats Biol Radioecol, 1998, 38(3): 411-5.

Morazzoni P, et al, "Silybum marianum," Fitoterapia, 1995, 66:3-42.

Palasciano G, Portinacasa P, Palmieri V, et al., The effect of silymarin on plasma levels of malondialehyde in-patients receiving long-term treatment with psychotropic drugs. Curr Ther Res 1994; 55:537-545.

Vogel G, Tuchweber B, Trost W, et al, "Protection by Silibinin Against Amanita phalloides Intoxication in Beagles," Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1984, 73(3): 355-62.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Milk Thistle Standardized Herbal Supplement 17.29

Milk Thistle Herbal Supplement 565 mg 11.99

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