Milk Thistle
水飞蓟 (Shuǐ Fēi Jì) · Silybum marianum
The gold standard for liver support supplements. Contains silymarin, a potent antioxidant compound that protects liver cells from damage and supports detoxification.
Bueno Para
Beneficios Principales
Protects liver cells from damage
Clinical trials show benefit in alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis
Supports liver regeneration
Silymarin stimulates protein synthesis in liver cells, promoting regeneration
Antioxidant protection
Silymarin is 10x more potent than vitamin E as a liver antioxidant
May reduce insulin resistance
Trials in diabetic patients show improved fasting glucose and HbA1c
Cómo Tomar
Seguridad e Interacciones
Posibles Efectos Secundarios
- Very well tolerated — one of the safest herbs
- Mild laxative effect in some
- Rare: allergic reaction in people allergic to ragweed family
No Usar Si
- Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, daisies)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (weak estrogenic effect at very high doses)
Interacciones con Medicamentos
- May affect CYP enzymes — theoretical concern with many drugs
- Diabetes medications — may potentiate blood sugar lowering
- Statins — may provide additive liver protection (beneficial interaction)
Uso Tradicional
Not a traditional TCM herb — Western origin. However, Shui Fei Ji (水飞蓟) is now included in Chinese pharmacopoeia. Used in European folk medicine since ancient Greece for liver and gallbladder complaints. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder recommended it for bile.
Investigación Moderna
Over 1,400 studies. Silymarin complex (silybin, silychristin, silydianin) provides hepatoprotection through multiple mechanisms: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and cell-regenerating. Used as emergency treatment for death cap mushroom (Amanita) poisoning in hospitals.
Ver estudios en PubMed →Where to Buy
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