Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for liver disorders. It contains an antioxidant compound called silymarin that is believed to help the liver function and provide antioxidant support. The herb has also been known to promote hepatic regeneration, and help detoxify the body. It is a flowering plant that is related to daisies and ragweed, and is native to Mediterranean countries. Its seeds are the source of the compound, which is also found in other parts of the plant. The most important part of this herb is its hepatoprotective properties.
Preclinical studies have shown that silymarin can reduce oxidative stress and consequently cytotoxicity, thus protecting intact liver cells or those not yet irreversibly damaged. This hepatoprotective activity of silymarin is related to its free radical scavenging action and modulation of enzymes involved in the development of hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Its other hepatoprotective effects include inhibiting lipid peroxidation, increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase, and preventing xenobiotics from being metabolized by the liver. It has been shown to protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and improve liver function in diabetic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
It has also been shown to prevent the occurrence of gall stones by lowering cholesterol levels, and it can stimulate bile flow, which can help to eliminate toxins from the body. Studies show that silymarin can also help reduce triglyceride levels in patients with high cholesterol. It is thought that this may be due to its hepatoprotective effects on the liver and gall bladder.
A study of 190 patients with hepatitis C showed that silymarin improved symptoms and quality of life in addition to improving liver function tests. The study used a commercially available silymarin formulation (Eurosil 85), which was developed to maximize its oral bioavailability. It was also compared with the conventional treatment of diammonium glycyrhizinate, and showed that the commercial silymarin formulation resulted in a significantly greater improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Nutritional supplements are a common form of alternative medicine that can be used to treat or manage a wide range of conditions and diseases in animals, including nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, allergies, autoimmune disease, and many more. The best nutrition supplements are made with high-quality ingredients that are tested for purity and potency, and have a long history of safety in clinical use.
These products are sold online, in pet stores, and by veterinarians. Veterinary nutritional supplements should be used under the guidance of a qualified veterinary professional. It is not recommended to give supplements to pets who are allergic to them or are pregnant or nursing. It is also advised not to take them with certain medications, especially acetaminophen and some antibiotics. Always read the labels on nutritional supplements, and consult your vet if you have any concerns about giving them to your pet. For the best results, follow your vet’s instructions carefully. They may recommend a higher dose than is suggested on the label, or recommend a different product.