Milk thistle

Thanks to the bioflavonoids it contains, milk thistle extract can be used in combination with allopathic treatments for the following conditions:

• alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• hepatitis
• liver cirrhosis
• therapies such as radiotherapy
• cancer
• diabetes
• cardiovascular diseases - it has a cardioprotective role, due to the increase in good HDL cholesterol levels, but also due to its ability to reduce blood pressure

Silymarin is known for the following properties:

• hepatoprotective
• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• lipid-lowering
• neuroprotective

Traditional medicine has used milk thistle over time to treat liver (hepatoprotective) and gallbladder disorders, to stimulate breast milk production, and as a remedy for liver problems resulting from venomous snake bites, alcohol consumption, and poisoning.

It is used as a hepatoprotector in the following conditions: alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis or cirrhosis. Silymarin is also used to protect the liver from various types of toxins and to support cell regeneration. At the same time, it reduces the local inflammatory process (due to its antioxidant function) by neutralising the free radicals that result from the metabolism of certain compounds. Also due to its antioxidant function, silymarin is being researched for its positive anti-carcinogenic effects, as well as for reducing the adverse reactions experienced by patients being treated for this disease.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Researchers have linked the onset of acne to oxidative stress. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role of milk thistle, it can be administered as a dietary supplement in the treatment of this condition.

Milk thistle has also been indicated for neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's).

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have a neuroprotective role and may help prevent the decline in cognitive function associated with ageing.

Supplementing allopathic treatment with milk thistle supplements reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (lipid-lowering effect) due to its glucose-modulating effect.

One of the compounds it contains acts as an antidiabetic drug and increases insulin sensitivity. This effect is complemented by a decrease in blood sugar levels. It has been shown that people who regularly use silymarin as a dietary supplement have lower blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin levels. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, it also reduces the risk of developing diabetes and associated complications (such as kidney disease).

In osteoporosis, the main problem is the progressive loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis manifests itself through reduced bone density, pain and a predisposition to fractures. Experimental research shows that silymarin stimulates bone mineralisation and may therefore play a preventive role in bone loss. The effect of silymarin in preventing bone loss associated with menopause is also being investigated.

The antioxidant effect of silymarin from milk thistle may have anticarcinogenic effects. In addition, the same extract may be useful in reducing the side effects experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Milk thistle

Has the following effects:

• detoxifies the liver and blood
• regenerates liver cells
• protects hepatocytes from the action of toxins
• stimulates bile secretion
• promotes digestion
• regulates blood cholesterol levels
• promotes mental tone
• reduces fatigue
• powerful anticarcinogenic

Artichoke

Has the following effects:

• choleretic-cholagogue effect (stimulates bile secretion and excretion)
• stimulates and improves digestion
• protects liver cells
• diuretic, depurative, blood purifying action
• intensifies cholesterol excretion through bile and helps normalise blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Milk thistle is used to treat and restore the liver, while alcohol destroys this organ, neutralising the therapeutic effect of the medicine. Therefore, while taking milk thistle, you should completely refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.