Milk Thistle

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.

Evidenspoeng
7.5/10
Sikkerhet
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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

Hvordan ta

Typisk dose: 200-400mg silymarin (from 140-300mg milk thistle extract standardized to 70-80% silymarin) 2-3x daily
Former: capsule, tablet, liquid extract, seed powder
Tidspunkt: Take with meals. For liver protection during alcohol use, take before drinking. 8-12 weeks for therapeutic effect
Silybin (the most active component) has poor bioavailability — phosphatidylcholine complexes (Siliphos) improve absorption 5-10x

Sikkerhet og interaksjoner

Mulige bivirkninger

  • Very well tolerated — one of the safest herbs
  • Mild laxative effect in some
  • Rare: allergic reaction in people allergic to ragweed family

Ikke bruk hvis

  • Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, daisies)
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (weak estrogenic effect at very high doses)

Legemiddelinteraksjoner

  • May affect CYP enzymes — theoretical concern with many drugs
  • Diabetes medications — may potentiate blood sugar lowering
  • Statins — may provide additive liver protection (beneficial interaction)

Tradisjonell bruk

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.

Moderne forskning

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.

Se studier på PubMed

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