The active components in milk thistle extracts are a group of chemical compounds collectively known as silymarin. Silybin is considered one of the most active constituents of silymarin.
Silymarin and silybin are antioxidants. In other words, they protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are toxic by-products of oxygen metabolism in living cells. These free radicals may cause significant damage to living tissues when produced in quantities that exceed the body’s neutralising mechanisms. Stress, medicines, injury, alcohol consumption or infections may result in increased generation of free radicals.
Due to its antioxidant properties, silymarin helps protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. Silymarin also stabilises liver cell membranes and prevents binding and penetration of toxins, such as ethanol, paracetamol, Amanita phalloides from poisonous mushrooms, and others. In addition, silymarin may help the liver generate new cells and proteins to recover from injury. Apart from its benefits as an antioxidant, silymarin also has anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce the damaging effects of inflammation and prevent scar tissue formation.
In summary, silymarin:
- Is a free radical scavenger that protects cell membranes from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress
- Increases total antioxidant capacity by increasing the levels of intracellular antioxidants, namely glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
- Helps the liver to recover from injury
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Protects against scar tissue formation
Ingredients
Each capsule contains Bio-Milk Thistle 360mg [European organic milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) extract 200mg (80% silymarin) PHOSPHOcomplex™ 160mg (phosphatidylcholine 104mg, silybin 56mg)] Other ingredients: Soya lecithin (certified GMO free), vegetable stearate. Contains no known allergens, no sugar or gluten, no artificial flavours or preservatives.
A note of caution
Avoid using Bio-Milk thistle if you are allergic to milk thistle, daisy, marigold, or ragweed. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diabetic patients will require monitoring of blood sugar levels due to its potential blood sugar-lowering effect. Women with hormone-sensitive conditions will require monitoring due to potential estrogenic effects. Speak to your doctor before taking BIo-Milk Thistle if you are taking other medication.
