* Crossposted from: Herbs-N-Such
Herbal Information Center - Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianus)
From:
http://www.kcweb.com/herb/herbmain.htm
This herb is found in dry, rocky soil. One of the active ingredients
found in milk thistle is the flavonoid silymarin, which has been
shown to have a direct effect on the cells of the liver, enhancing
its overall function.
The known medicinal value of milk thistle is almost exclusively to
support the liver. Milk thistle has shown positive effects in
treating nearly every known form of liver disease, including
cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and
alchohol abuse.
Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the factors
responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it works to
stimulate production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.
It also acts as an antioxidant, with far greater free radical damage
control than vitamin E. Other studies have found that milk thistle
offers some protection against toxic side effects of the pain
relieving drug acetaminophen (Tylenol).
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