Silymarin Forte

Silymarin is a flavonoid compound derived from milk thistle that supports liver function and enhances detoxification pathways. Due to its variety of functions, the Silymarin Forte formula makes a potent addition to any liver support and detoxification program. Studies show many benefits of this traditional herb including supporting the gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen. Silymarin prevents the depletion of the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, within liver cells, thereby enhancing detoxification and protecting cells from free radical activity.

Silymarin has a well-established safety profile and a long history of medicinal use. The Silymarin Forte formula includes 200 mg milk thistle per capsule, standardized to 80% silymarin.

CLINICAL APPLICATONS

• Supports Healthy Liver, Spleen and Kidney Function
• Enhances Detoxification Pathways
• Provides Liver Cell Antioxidant Protection
• Supports Healthy Nerve Cell Function and Brain Health
• Blood Sugar

Liver Health and Silymarin

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of silymarin is caused by its ability to inhibit the free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of toxic substances such as ethanol, acetaminophen, and carbon tetrachloride. The generation of free radicals is known to damage cellular membranes and cause lipoperoxidation. Silymarin enhances hepatic glutathione and may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the liver. It has also been shown that silymarin increases protein synthesis in hepatocytes by stimulating RNA polymerase I activity. A previous study on humans reported that silymarin treatment caused a slight increase in the survival of patients with cirrhotic alcoholism compared with untreated controls. (A)

OVERVIEW

The main bioflavonoid complex found in milk thistle seeds, silymarin has been widespread in use for thousands of years to improve bile transport and support the liver, spleen and kidneys. It enhances liver cell detoxification by preventing the depletion of glutathione and by binding to liver cells, protecting them from exposure to chemicals and toxins. Silymarin is also able to increase unique protein synthesiswithin cells that protect them from free radical damage.

Suggested Use:

1 capsule three times per day or as recommended by your health care professional

Liver Support and Detoxification†
Silymarin protects the liver through various functions: acting as an antioxidant;1 preventing lipid oxidation;2 balancing Phase I detoxification; enhancing glucuronidation, to help eliminate excess hormones;3,4 and preventing the depletion of glutathione.5

Silymarin also supports a normal inflammatory response by inhibiting  leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis, quieting immune mast cells and neutrophils,6-9 as well as
increasing the production of cellular proteins that promote cell regeneration.10 Clinical studies have also demonstrated silymarin can also boost immune health.11-13

Kidney Health†
Silymarin has been reported to protect the health of kidneys from free radical stress caused by exposure to heavy metals.14 Pre-supplementation with silymarin was also found to significantly protect cells from free radical damage induced by toxins, in a dose-dependent manner.15 Dietary supplementation of silymarin has also been found to protect kidney function and promote a normal response to inflammation.16 Nerve Cell

Function and Brain Health†

Animal research has demonstrated a significant reduction in levels of amyloid beta in the brain and improvement in behavior when preventively treated with a powdered diet containing 0.1% silymarin over 6 months. Silymarin-treated animals also showed calmer behavior than controls.17 In another study, silymarin was found to help counteract oxidative stress in animals to support blood sugar and nervous system health.18

Directions
1 capsule three times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Does Not Contain
Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Cautions
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

References

1. Wagner H. Plant constituents with antihepatotoxic activity. In: Beal JL, Reinhard E eds. Natural Products as Medicinal Agents. Stuttgart: Hippokrates-Verlag; 1981.

2. Bosisio E, Benelli C, Pirola O, et al. Effect of the flavanolignans of Silybum marianum L. on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and freshly isolated hepatocytes. Pharmacol Res 1992;25:147-154.

3. Baer-Dubowska W, Szaefer H, Drajka-Kuzniak V. Inhibition of murine hepatic cytochrome P450 activities by
natural and synthetic phenolic compounds. Xenobiotica 1998;28:735-743.

4. Halim AB, el-Ahmady O, Hassab-Allah S, et al. Biochemical effect of antioxidants on lipids and liver function in experimentally-induced liver damage. Ann Clin Biochem 1997;34:656-663.

5. Campos R, Garido A, Guerra R, et al. Silybin dihemisuccinate protects against glutathione depletion
and lipid peroxidation induced by acetaminophen on ratliver. Planta Med 1989;55:417-419.

6. Fiebrich F, Koch H. Silymarin, an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. Experentia 1979;35:150-152.

7. Fantozzi R, Brunelleschi S, Rubino A, et al. FMLP-activated neutrophils evoke histamine release from mast cells. Agents Actions 1986;18:155-158.

8. Dehmlow C, Murawski N, de Groot H, et al. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by silibinin in human cells. Life Sci 1996;58:1591-1600.

9. De La Puerta R, Martinez E, Bravo L. Effect of silymarin on different acute inflammation models and on leukocyte migration. J Pharm Pharmacol 1996;48:968-970.

10. Sonnenbichler J, Zetl I. Biochemical effects of the flavanolignane silibinin on RNA, protein and DNA synthesis in rat livers. In: Cody V, Middleton E, Harbourne JB, eds. Plant Flavonoids in Biology and Medicine: Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Structure-Activity Relationships. New York, NY; 1986:319-331.

11. Deak G, Muzes G, Lang I. Immunomodulator effect of silymarin therapy in chronic alcoholic liver diseases.
Orv Hetil 1990:131:1291-1292, 1295-1296. [Article in Hungarian].

12. Lang I, Nekam K, Gonzalez-Cabello R. Hepatoprotective and immunological effects of antioxidant drugs. Tokai J Exp Clin Med 1990;15:123-127.

13. Pradhan SC, Girish C. Hepatoprotective herbal drug, silymarin from experimental pharmacology to clinical
medicine. Indian J Med Res. 2006 Nov;124(5):491-504. [PMID: 17213517].

14. Chtourou Y, Mouldi Garoui E, Boudawara T, Zeghal N. Protective role of silymarin against manganese-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat. Environ Toxicol. 2013 Jan 22. doi: 10.1002/tox.21845. [Epub ahead of print].

15. Ninsontia C, Pongjit K, Chaotham C, Chanvorachote P. Silymarin selectively protects human renal cells
from cisplatin-induced cell death. Pharm Biol. 2011 Oct;49(10):1082-90. Epub 2011 May 18.

16. Kaur G, Athar M, Alam MS. Dietary supplementation of silymarin protects against chemically induced
nephrotoxicity, inflammation and renal tumor promotion response. Invest New Drugs. 2010 Oct;28(5):703-13. Epub 2009 Jul 10.