Silymarin Tablets – A Natural Liver Protecting Supplement

Silymarin tablets are made from an extract which is naturally contained within the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum).

Silymarin is heavily concentrated in the plant’s seeds and tablets are sometimes made from the powder of ground milk thistle seeds.

Silymarin tablets are popular because this herbal extract is known for a long history – dating back centuries – of use protecting the liver against toxins and diseases.

For example, milk thistle was given to individuals who ate poisonous mushrooms in an effort to get rid of toxins in the liver.

Since then, silymarin and milk thistle herbal supplements have been used for a variety of conditions ranging from alcohol-induced cirrhosis of the liver to hepatitis, psoriasis and diabetes.

Milk Thistle

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Longevity

How It Works:

• Supports liver health & detox
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Improves insulin sensitivity & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 140 - 800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Silymarin Extract from Milk Thistle Seeds

Milk thistle is a member of the Asteraceae family and is indigenous to Europe.

The perennial plant can now be found in many regions throughout the world and can be identified by its purplish flowering heads that are similar to that of an artichoke.

Silymarin is thought to be the most therapeutically active component of milk thistle, which has been used for over 2,000 years to treat a variety of conditions, especially disorders of the liver and gallbladder.

Silymarin has been traditionally extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, but can now be synthesized by combining a standardized group of flavonoids and flavonolignans, including silydianin, silychristin, silibinin and isosylibin.

How do Silymarin Tablets Work?

Silymarin is composed of several flavonoids and flavonolignans. Silibinin is thought to be the most therapeutically active constituent of silymarin. Because silymarin is so important to the therapeutic role of milk thistle, the two terms – silymarin and milk thistle – are often used interchangeably to refer to the plant.

Silymarin is a known antioxidant and is thought to help prevent toxic liver damage by reinforcing the outer membrane of liver cells to help prevent certain toxins from entering and causing further damage.

It has also been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and anti-lipid-peroxidative (prevents oxidation of lipids, such as those included in cellular membranes) effects in cell cultures and animal studies.

Silymarin’s biochemical characteristics are argued to play a role in the treatment of liver diseases, such as toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver. However, medical researchers still disagree about the clinical efficacy of silymarin.

In most cases, milk thistle and silymarin products are standardized to contain between 70% and 80% silymarin. Silymarin tablets are not the only form of silymarin; it is also available in capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures and in conjunction with other compounds.

For instance, silymarin is sometimes combined with phosphatidlycholine to improve absorption compared to standardized forms of milk thistle.

How to Take Silymarin Supplements?

It is important to always follow label instructions when it comes to silymarin capsules as ingredients and concentrations may vary. The Mayo Clinic provides some limited guidelines for silymarin supplementation.

However, dosage will always depend on age, health and condition being treated. For example, an individual diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis may take between 160 and 800 mg of silymarin in three doses daily for approximately three weeks.

Individuals taking silymarin tablets for antioxidant protection may take 140 mg over the course of three evenly spaced daily doses. However, an individual with type II diabetes may be directed to take 200 to 230 mg of silymarin in conjunction with their regular diabetic therapy (supplementation should take place under the supervision of a physician).

Additional uses for silymarin pills include allergies, cirrhosis of the liver, liver damage caused by alcoholism or drug abuse, diabetic neuropathy and more. As such, dosage recommendations will also differ.

It is important to be aware that ingredients may differ between brands, as well as country of origin. It is recommended that individuals considering silymarin supplementation speak to a healthcare professional to help determine a safe and effective dose.

Are Silymarin Tablets safe?

Silymarin is generally well tolerated by humans. However, it should not be taken if you are allergic to milk thistle or any of its plant relatives (i.e., artichoke, daisies, common thistle, etc.). Mild side effects of silymarin may include skin reactions, constipation, diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, loss of appetite and nausea.

In addition, milk thistle may lower blood sugar and diabetics or those suffering from low blood sugar should always consult with a physician prior to use. In addition, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or women diagnosed with a hormone- sensitive cancer or condition should also avoid silymarin supplementation.

Be sure to speak with your doctor about silymarin tablets before you begin supplementation for any reason.

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