Siliphos-bound Milk Thistle

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Thistle,, Dr. Murry is the best ND in the northwest and he truly knows his stuff,, here is the article:SILIPHOST: Nature's Potent Liver RemedyIt's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money Finance.

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Here is the article that I have always gone to in regards to Milk

Thistle,, Dr. Murry is the best ND in the northwest and he

truely knows his stuff,,

here is the article:

SILIPHOST: Nature's Potent Liver Remedy

Introduction

Toxic substances are everywhere. In the air we breathe, the food we

eat, and the water we drink. Even our bodies and the bacteria in the

intestines produce toxic substances. These toxins can damage the

body in an insidious and cumulative way. Your ability to detoxify

these harmful chemicals is a major factor in determining your level

of health.

When the detoxification system becomes overloaded, toxic metabolites

accumulate, and we become progressively more sensitive to other

chemicals. This accumulation of toxins can wreak havoc on our normal

metabolic processes.

Enhancing detoxification primarily involves promoting improved liver

function. Our modern environment seriously overloads our liver,

resulting in increased levels of circulating toxins in the blood,

which damage most of our body's systems. A toxic liver sends out

alarm signals, which manifest as psoriasis, acne, chronic headaches,

inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue.

Are You Toxic?

Diagnosing toxicity can involve measuring hair, blood, or fatty

tissue for suspected chemicals. However, perhaps the best

recommendation that I can give you to help you determine if your

liver is functioning up to par is to look over the following list.

If any factor applies to you, I recommend following the guidelines

for improving liver function given below:

Are you more than 20 pounds overweight?

Do you have diabetes?

Have you or do you have of gallstones?

Do you have a history of heavy alcohol or drug use?

Dou you have psoriasis?

Are you taking natural or synthetic steroid hormones like

Anabolic steroids?

Estrogens?

Oral contraceptives?

Have you been exposed to high levels of certain chemicals or drugs

like:

Cleaning solvents?

Pesticides?

Antibiotics?

Diuretics?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs?

Thyroid hormone?

Do you or have you ever had hepatitis?

Why is the liver so important in detoxification?

The liver is a complex organ that plays a key role in most metabolic

processes, especially detoxification. The liver is constantly

bombarded with toxic chemicals, both those produced internally and

those coming from the environment. The metabolic processes that make

our bodies run normally produce a wide range of toxins for which the

liver has evolved efficient neutralizing mechanisms. However, the

level and type of internally produced toxins increases greatly when

metabolic processes go awry, typically as a result of nutritional

deficiencies.

Many of the toxic chemicals the liver must detoxify come from our

environment: the content of our bowel, the food we eat, the water we

drink, and the air we breath. The polycyclic hydrocarbons (e.g.,

DDT; dioxin; 2,4,5-T; 2,4-D; PCB; and PCP), which are components of

various herbicides and pesticides, are one example. Yet, as

mentioned above, even those eating unprocessed organic foods need an

effective detoxification system because even organically grown foods

contain naturally occurring toxic constituents.

The liver plays several roles in detoxification: It filters the

blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile full of

cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically

disassembles unwanted chemicals.

How does the liver get rid of toxins?

Once the liver has modified a toxin, it needs to be eliminated from

the body as soon as possible. One of the primary routes of

elimination is through the bile. However, when the excretion of bile

is inhibited (a condition called cholestasis), toxins stay in the

liver longer. Cholestasis has several causes, including obstruction

of the bile ducts and impairment of bile flow within the liver. The

most common cause of obstruction of the bile ducts is the presence

of gallstones. Currently, it is conservatively estimated that 20

million people in the U.S. have gallstones. Nearly 20% of the female

and 8% of the male population over the age of 40 are found to have

gallstones on biopsy and approximately 500,000 gallbladders are

removed because of stones each year in the U.S. The prevalence of

gallstones in this country has been linked to the high-fat, low-

fiber diet consumed by the majority of Americans.

Impairment of bile flow within the liver can be caused by a variety

of agents and conditions, as listed in Table 2. These conditions are

often associated with alterations of liver function in laboratory

tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, GGTP, etc.)

signifying cellular damage. However, relying on these tests alone to

evaluate liver function is not adequate, since, in the initial or

subclinical stages of many problems with liver function, laboratory

values remain normal. Among the symptoms people with enzymatic

damage may complain of are fatigue, general malaise, digestive

disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual

syndrome, and constipation.

Causes of Cholestasis:

Presence of gallstones

Alcohol

Endotoxins

Hereditary disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome

Hyperthyroidism or thyroxine supplementation

Viral hepatitis

Pregnancy

Certain chemicals or drugs:

Natural and synthetic steroidal hormones:

[comp: indent all following entries]Anabolic steroids

Estrogens

Oral contraceptives [all the following are not hormones and should

not be indented]

Aminosalicylic acid

Chlorothiazide

Erythromycin estolate

Mepazine Phenylbutazone

Sulphadiazine

Thiouracil

Perhaps the most common cause of cholestasis and impaired liver

function is alcohol ingestion. In some especially sensitive

individuals, as little as 1 oz of alcohol can produce damage to the

liver, which results in fat being deposited within the liver. All

active alcoholics demonstrate fatty infiltration of the liver.

What do you recommend to support the liver and proper detoxification?

A rational approach to aiding the body's detoxification involves:

(1) eating a diet which focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds; (2) adopting a healthy

lifestyle including avoiding alcohol and exercising regularly; (3)

taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement; (4)

using special nutritional and herbal supplements to protect the

liver and enhance liver function; and (5) going on a 3 day fresh

juice fast at the change of each season.

How does diet impact detoxification?

The first step in supporting proper liver function is following a

health promoting diet low in animal foods and sugar, and high in

whole plant foods such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits,

nuts, and seeds. Such a diet will provide a wide range of essential

nutrients the liver needs to carry on its important functions. If

you want to have a healthy liver, there are three things you

definitely want to stay away from: (1) saturated fats; (2) refined

sugar; and (3) alcohol. A diet high in saturated fat increases the

risk of developing fatty infiltration and/or cholestasis. In

contrast, a diet rich in dietary fiber, particularly the water-

soluble fibers, promotes increased bile secretion.

Special foods rich in factors which help protect the liver from

damage and improve liver function include: high sulfur containing

foods like garlic, legumes, onions, and eggs; good sources of water-

soluble fibers such as pears, oat bran, apples, and legumes; cabbage

family vegetables especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and

cabbage; and artichokes, beets, carrots, dandelion, and many herbs

and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and licorice.

Can I drink alcohol or is it always harmful to the liver at any

level?

Alcohol stresses detoxification processes and can lead to liver

damage and immune suppression, but it is related to how much you

drink and how healthy your liver is. Avoid alcohol if you suffer

from impaired liver function and only drink in moderation (no more

than two glasses of wine or beer, no more than 2 ounces of hard

liquor per day).

What supplements should I take to support the liver?

A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral is a must in trying to

deal with all the toxic chemicals we are constantly exposed to.

Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E

are obviously quite important in protecting the liver from damage as

well as helping in detoxification mechanisms, but even simple

nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, and trace minerals are critical

in the elimination of heavy metals and other toxic compounds from

the body.1-3

Choline, betaine, methionine, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin

B12 are important. These nutrients are referred to as " lipotropic

agents. " Lipotropic agents are compounds which promote the flow of

fat and bile to and from the liver. In essence, they produce

a " decongesting " effect on the liver and promote improved liver

function and fat metabolism.

Formulas containing lipotropic agents are very useful in enhancing

detoxification reactions and other liver functions. Lipotropic

formulas have been used for a wide variety of conditions by

nutrition-oriented physicians including a number of liver disorders

including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and chemical-induced liver disease.

Most major manufacturers of nutritional supplements offer lipotropic

formulas. The important thing, when taking a lipotropic formula, is

to take enough of the formula to provide a daily dose of 1,000 mg of

choline and 1,000 mg of either methionine and/or cysteine.

Are there any herbs that I can take to support my liver and proper

detoxification?

There is a long list of plants that exert beneficial effects on

liver function. However, the most impressive research has been done

on a special extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) known as

silymarin - a group of flavonoid compounds. These compounds exert

tremendous effect on protecting the liver from damage as well as

enhancing detoxification processes.

Silymarin prevents damage to the liver by acting as an antioxidant.4

Silymarin is many times more potent in antioxidant activity than

vitamin E and vitamin C. The protective effect of silymarin against

liver damage has been demonstrated in a number of experimental

studies. Experimental liver damage in animals is produced by

extremely toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, amanita

toxin, galactosamine, and praseodymium nitrate. Silymarin has been

shown to protect against liver damage by all of these agents.4

Besides acting as an antioxidant, are there other ways in that

silymarin aids detoxification?

One of the key manners in which silymarin enhances detoxification

reaction is preventing the depletion of glutathione. As discussed

above, the level of glutathione in the liver is critically linked to

the liver's ability to detoxify. The higher the glutathione content,

the greater the liver's capacity to detoxify harmful chemicals.

Typically, when we are exposed to chemicals which can damage the

liver including alcohol, the concentration of glutathione in the

liver is substantially reduced. This reduction in glutathione makes

the liver cell susceptible to damage. Silymarin not only prevents

the depletion of glutathione induced by alcohol and other toxic

chemicals, but has been shown to increase the level of glutathione

of the liver by up to 35%.5 Since the ability of the liver to

detoxify is largely related to the level of glutathione in the

liver, the results of this study seem to indicate that silymarin can

increase detoxification reactions by up to 35%.

Can silymarin help in hepatitis and other liver disorders?

Yes. In human studies, silymarin has been shown to have positive

effects in treating liver diseases of various kinds, including

hepatitis; cirrhosis; fatty infiltration of the liver (chemical and

alcohol induced fatty liver); and inflammation of the bile duct.6-9

What is the form of silymarin that you recommend?

Recently, a new form of silymarin has emerged that may provide the

greatest benefit. The new form binds silybin the key component of

silymarin to phosphatidylcholine, the key component of our cellular

membranes throughout the body. The result is a product known as

SILIPHOS (available from Natural Factors as Silybin Phytosome).

Current research indicates that SILIPHOST is better absorbed and

produces better results than other silymarin or milk thistle

extracts.

What is the evidence to support the claim that SILIPHOST is better?

Several human and animal studies have shown SILIPHOST is better

absorbed. In one study, the excretion of silybin in the bile was

evaulated in patients undergoing gallbladder removal because of

gallstones. A special drainage tube, the T-tube, was used to get the

samples of bile necessary. Patients were given either a single oral

dose of the SILIPHOST or silymarin. The amount of silybin recovered

in the bile within 48 hours was 11% for the SILIPHOST group and 3%

for silymarin group.10

One of the significant features of this study is the fact that

silymarin has been shown to improve the solubility of the bile.

Since more silymarin is being delivered to the liver and gallbladder

when the phosphatidylcholine-bound silymarin is used, this form is

the ideal form for individuals with gallstones or fatty-infiltration

of the liver - two conditions characterized by decreased bile

solubility.

In another study designed to assess the absorption of SILIPHOST,

plasma silybin levels were determined after administration of single

oral doses of SILIPHOST and a similar amount of silymarin to 9

healthy volunteers. The authors concluded SILIPHOST was absorbed

roughly 7 times greater than regular milk thistle extracts

standardized to contain silymarin (70-80%).11

Are there any studies showing better results with SILIPHOST?

Several clinical studies have also shown SILIPHOST to produce better

results than regular silymarin extracts.12-14 In one study of 232

patients with chronic hepatitis (viral, alcohol, or drug induced)

treated with SILIPHOST at a dosage either 120 mg twice daily or 120

mg three times daily for up to 120 days, liver function returned to

normal faster in the patients taking SILIPHOST compared to a group

of controls (49 treated with a commercially available milk thistle

extract standardized to contain 70% silymarin; 117 untreated or

given placebo).14,

Better results were also seen in a preliminary study in patients

with chronic viral hepatitis (3 with hepatitis B, 3 with both

hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and 2 with hepatitis C) given SILIPHOST

for 2 months.12 After treatment, serum malondialdehyde levels (an

indicator of lipid peroxidation) decreased by 36%, and the

quantitative liver function evaluation, as expressed by galactose

elimination capacity, increased by 15%. A statistically significant

reduction of liver enzymes was also seen: AST decreased 17% and ALT

decreased 16%.

In another study designed primarily to evaluate the dose-response

relationship of SILIPHOST , positive effects were again displayed at

a level better than those reported for milk thistle extracts

containing 70-80% silymarin.13 In the study, patients with chronic

hepatitis due to either a virus or alcohol were given different

doses of SILIPHOST : 20 patients received 80 mg twice daily, 20 pts

received 120 mg twice daily, and 20 patients received 120 mg three

times daily for two weeks. At all tested doses, SILIPHOST produced a

remarkable and statistically significant decrease of mean serum and

total bilirubin levels. When used at the dose of 240 or 360 mg per

day, it also resulted in a remarkable and statistically significant

decrease of the ALT and GGTP liver enzymes. These results indicate

that even short-term treatment of viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis

with relative low doses of phosphatidylcholine bound silymarin can

be effective, but for the best results higher doses are indicated.

How does SILIPHOST compare with Milk Thistle Phytosome?

Milk Thistle Phytosome is a less potent version as it contains all

three flavonoids of silymarin and the ratio of to

phosphatidylcholine to silymarin is 2:1. In comparison, SILIPHOST

contains only silybin is the most potent of these active substances

of silymarin in a one to one ratio with phosphatidylcholine. One 150

mg capsule of Milk Thistle Phytosome is slightly less potent than

the 120 mg capsule of SILIPHOST.

What is the dosage recommendation for SILIPHOST ?

For general support for the liver and detoxification, 120 mg of

SILIPHOST is recommended. When additional support is needed, the

dosage recommendation is 240 to 360 mg per day.

Summary

Detoxification of harmful substances is a continual process in the

body. The ability to detoxify and eliminate toxins largely

determines an individual's health status. A number of toxins (heavy

metals, solvents, pesticides, microbial toxins, etc.) are known to

cause significant health problems. Milk thistle extracts

standardized for silymarin content (usually 70-80%) can dramatically

improve the liver's ability to detoxify harmful compounds and

function more optimally. A new form of silymarin, SILIPHOST, is

proving to be even more effective.

References:

Flora SJS, Singh S and Tandon SK: Prevention of lead intoxication by

vitamin B complex. Z Ges Hyg 30:409-11, 1984.

Shakman RA: Nutritional influences on the toxicity of environmental

pollutants: A review. Arch Env Health 28:105-33, 1974.

Flora SJS, et al.: Protective role of trace metals in lead

intoxication. Toxicology Letters 13:51-6, 1982.

Hikino H, et al.: Antihepatotoxic actions of flavonolignans from

Silybum marianum fruits. Planta Medica 50:248-50, 1984.

Valenzuela A, et al.: Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of

the glutathione content in different tissues of the rat. Planta Med

55:420-2, 1989.

Canini F, Bartolucci, Cristallini E, et al.: Use of silymarin in the

treatment of alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Clin Ter 114:307-14, 1985.

Salmi HA and Sarna S: Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional,

and morphological alteration of the liver. A double-blind controlled

study. Scand J Gastroenterol 17:417-21, 1982.

Boari C, et al.: Occupational toxic liver diseases. Therapeutic

effects of silymarin. Min Med 72:2679-88, 1985.

Ferenci P, et al.: Randomized controlled trial of silymarin

treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol 9:105-

13, 1989.

Schandalik R, Gatti G, and Perucca E: Pharmacokinetics of silybin in

bile following administration of silipide and silymarin in

cholecystectomy patients. Arzneim Forsch 42(7):964-8, 1992.

Barzaghi N, et al.: Pharmacokinetic studies on IdB 1016, a silybin-

phosphatidylcholine complex, in healthy human subjects. Eur J Drug

Metab Pharmacokinet 15(4):333-8, 1990.

Mascarella S, et al.: Therapeutic and antilipoperoxidant effects of

silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex in chronic liver disease:

Preliminary results. Curr Ther Res 53(1):98-102, 1993.

Vailati A, et al.: Randomized open study of the dose-effect

relationship of a short course of IdB 1016 in patients with viral or

alcoholic hepatitis. Fitoterapia 44(3):219-28, 1993.

Marena C and Lampertico: Preliminary clinical development of

silipide: A new complex of silybin in toxic liver disorders. Planta

Medical 57(S2):A124-5, 1991.

[Guest guest]

You are very welcome,, He also has a great website that you can read his papers on hep c, its www,doctormurray.com smalk50@... wrote: GREAT INFO! Thanks for posting this! m In a message dated 3/8/2008 8:54:49 P.M. Central Standard Time, redjaxjm writes: Thistle,, Dr. Murry is the best ND in the northwest and he

truly knows his stuff,, here is the article:SILIPHOST: Nature's Potent Liver Remedy It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money Finance. Jackie