Silymarin is a unique flavonoid complex and the active ingredient in “milk thistle”. It has an antioxidant activity and can increase the glutathione level in the liver by as much as 50%. Silibinin is the key component of silymarin.
In terms of antioxidant activity, silymarin is 10 to 20 times stronger than vitamin E. Silymarin stimulates the body to manufacture glutathione and superoxide dismutase. It also protects the liver cells from damage caused by toxins and medications.
Potential Benefits of Silymarin:
- Alcohol-related liver diseases.
- Hepatitis.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Anti – cancer activity against colon, prostate, and skin cancers.
- Promotes milk production in humans.
- Protects the liver in poisoning with amanita mushroom.
- Improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic people.
- Liver detoxification.
- Psoriasis.
- Halitosis (bad breath).
- Improves liver function and decreases liver damage caused by medications in HIV/AIDS.
- Liver involvement in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
- Non – alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- May have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Dosage:
Silymarin is usually used 400 – 800 mg per day.