Silymarin
Other Names : Flavobion or Legalon
Silymarin is a flavonoid and part of the phytonutrient family, which is a group of compounds found in plants that display antioxidant properties. Silymarin actually consists of four strong antioxidant chemicals called silybin (silibinin), silidianin and silicristin and isosilibinin. It is a natural liver detoxifier and protects the liver from many industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, and more common agents like alcohol.Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) is the major source of silymarin.
The main constituents composing silymarin are silibinin, silicristin, isosilibinin, and silidianin.
See also :
Special Precautions and side effects of Silymarin
- Precaution if you have a hormonal disorder (endometriosis, myoma of the uterus, breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, prostatic cancer) because of the possible estrogen-like effect of silymarin.
- may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives and medicaments for use in the hormone therapy. It can also enhance the effect of medicines such as diazepam, alprazolam, ketoconazole, lovastatin, vinblastine.
- Silymarin should be taken after meals. Not recommended for concomitant use of alcoholic drinks with this medicine.
- Pregnancy and lactation : Silymarin may be administered during pregnancy only when it is strictly in the indicated consultation with the doctor. Breastfeeding: Due to insufficient data on the application in nursing mothers is not recommended for application silymarin capsules if you are breastfeeding.
- While taking silymarin rarely may occur slight disturbances functions of gastro-intestinal tract: a mild laxative effect (diarrhea), feeling bloated abdomen, and in rare case of allergic reactions. Disorder that occurs at the level of the ear and labyrinth: rarely get to reinforcement of the existing balance disorders. Disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in isolated cases are possible rash and itching. Side effects are transient and abate after discontinuation of the medicine. If you notice any of these or any other side effects, which is not listed here, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Health Benefits and uses of Silymarin
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that relieves the symptoms of hepatic dysfunction. The medicine silymarin is used as adjunctive therapy of inflammatory chronic diseases of the liver, cirrhosis liver toxicity and liver damage. According to the “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews,” animal studies have shown that silymarin helps repair damaged liver tissue, balances liver enzymes, enhances liver function and has a protective affect on the liver by preventing toxins from penetrating hepatic cell membranes. As such, silymarin is marketed in some countries, particularly the Philippines under the name Liveraide, as an herbal liver supplement.
- Anecdotal claims suggest that it may help people with some liver diseases, although it is unlikely to be helpful with advanced liver cirrhosis or cancer.
- Cancer : Silymarin has also been identified as a potential cancer preventative, especially skin and colon cancers, but more research is required to better understand the mechanisms.
- Liver-protection : these same flavonolignans protect kidney cells in culture from the renal toxic effects of the drugs paracetamol, cisplatin, and vincristine (Sonnenbichler, Scalera, Sonnenbichler, & Weyhenmeyer, 1999). Another study in rats demonstrated that silibinin protected renal tubular cells from the oxidative damage from cisplatin (Gaedeke, Fels Bokemeyer, Mengs, Stolte, & Lentzen, 1996). Silibinin also protects against experimental cyclosporine nephrotoxicity
- See also : benefits of Milk Thistle
Food Sources
- Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) is the major source of silymarin. All parts of the plant contain silymarin with the seeds containing especially high levels. Medical silymarin is extracted from milk thistle seeds. The sprouts and young stems are eaten in many parts of the world--especially in Mediterranean countries. The adult plant is a thorny plant with a purple thistle and is considered a weed in most parts of the world. On North American farms it is a constant target of pesticides, which are themselves a major source of liver toxins. Silymarin is present in most members of the thistle family but nowhere else in the high concentrations found in milk thistle.
- Artichokes : The most common food source of silymarin (besides milk thistle) is artichokes (Cynara Scolymus) which is also a member of the thistle family. A much rarer member of the thistle family is cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) which is also known as artichoke thistle or wild thistle. This plant provides a common salad ingredient in Arabic countries. Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus Tuberosus) do not contain silymarin. Despite the name, Jerusalem artichokes are not related to true artichokes and are not a member of the thistle family--they are actually closely related to sunflowers.
- Spices : Several spices contain silymarin--mostly spices that are unknown outside of Arabic countries, Southeast Asia and Brazil. Turmeric and coriander both contain silymaric. Turmeric is a yellow-orange power that is used in curries and some southeastern dishes. It also shows up in some Mexican dishes such as Arroz con Pollo. Coriander (aka Chinese parsley) is an herb that is eaten raw in many Thai and South American dishes (where it is known by its Spanish name: cilantro).
- Other Sources : Trace amounts of silymarin are found in eclipta (Eclipta Prostrata)--a weed that grows in Southeast Asia and Brazil. There are also trace amounts in grapes, beet greens, peanuts, brewer's yeast and berries. It is a common "added ingredient" in bread products found in health food stores. The roots and rhizomes of the black cohosh (Actaea Racemosa) also contain small amounts of silymarin. This plant was called squawroot by Native Americans and was used to relieve menstrual cramps.
