Silybum marianum

HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENTS, LIVER TONIC, ANTI HEPATOTOXIC

Silybum marianum

Blessed Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a milk thistle, a plant of the Asteraceae family. This fairly typical thistle has red to purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves with white veins. Originally a native of Southern Europe through to Asia, it is now found throughout the world. The medicinal parts of the plant are the ripe seeds.

Its traditional use as a liver tonic has been supported by research showing that it contains constituents that protect liver cells from chemical damage. Historically, this herb has been used in Europe as a liver tonic, and current phytotherapy indicates its use in a whole range of liver and gallbladder conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It may also have value in the treatment of chronic uterine problems. A wealth of research done in Germany is revealing exciting data about reversal of toxic liver damage, as well as protection from potential hepato-toxic agents.

A study conducted in 85 patients revealed that silybin conjugated with vitamin E and phospholipids could be used as a complementary approach to the treatment of patients with chronic liver damage.