One of the most potent liver-protecting supplements known is Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). The active components of Milk Thistle are a group of flavanolignans known as silymarin, with silybin being the most active compound in silymarin.
Milk Thistle's strong hepato-protective effect is proven in many clinical studies, which demonstrate that it is protective in both alcohol and non-alcohol liver damage, cirrhosis, poisoning and hepatitis. Much of Milk Thistle's protective effect is due to its potent antioxidant activity where it functions as a free radical scavenger and can increase the activity where it functions as free radical scavenger and can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of glutathione. It has greater antioxidant activity than vitamin E.
Milk Thistle also has strong anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the production of damaging leukotrienes and prostaglandins (Fribrich & Koch, 1979).
Milk Thistle has also been shown, in vitro, to inhibit the growth of breast and ovarian cancer cells (Scambia et al, 1996) and has shown strong ability to regenerate liver cells.
The cytotoxicity of Milk Thistle is very low and no adverse effects have been shown with its use during pregnancy and/or lactation.
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