Milk Thistle
GENERAL: Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to treat liver conditions. Contains silymarin and silybin, which exhibit hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic mechanisms ( 2011 ). Antioxidant: Silymarin inhibits free radicals and increases antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase ( 2001 ; 2013 ). Chelates iron for antioxidant effects ( 2001 ). Anti-inflammatory: Downregulates COX-2, reducing inflammatory mediators ( 2013 ). Inhibits NF-kB, reducing proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β ( 2003 ). Antifibrotic: Silybin decreases platelet-derived growth factor, inhibiting activation of stellate cells. Reduces TGF-β, a key mediator of liver fibrosis ( 2016 ). Silymarin may increase rapamycin levels in the blood by inhibiting its liver metabolism through CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition. TOXIN AND ALCOHOL EXPOSURE: Milk thistle prevents toxin-ind...