Why is silybin a protective messenger for the liver?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a traditional herb, and its seed extract (the main active ingredient is **silymarin**) is widely used to protect the liver. The following is a scientific analysis of its liver protection mechanism and precautions for use. ‌‌

The liver protection mechanism of milk thistle

1. Antioxidant effect

- Silymarin (especially the main ingredient **silybin**) is a powerful antioxidant, rich in antioxidant ingredients, which can remove free radicals in the body, reduce the damage of oxidative stress to cells, delay cell aging, and prevent a variety of chronic diseases. Milk thistle can regulate the body's immune function and enhance the body's resistance to external pathogens.
- By increasing the level of glutathione (GSH) in liver cells, it enhances the antioxidant defense ability of cells.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect

- Inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways (such as NF-κB) and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α, IL-6), thereby alleviating hepatitis damage. Silymarin has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and liver regeneration capabilities. It can repair damaged liver cells, improve liver function, reduce transaminase levels, and slow down the course of fatty liver disease.

3. Stabilize liver cell membranes

- Reduce the damage of toxins (such as alcohol, drugs, and environmental pollutants) to liver cell membranes by regulating the phospholipid structure of cell membranes, and prevent toxins from entering cells.

4. Promote liver cell regeneration

- Stimulate liver cell DNA and protein synthesis, and accelerate the repair of damaged liver tissue.

Milk thistle has a significant liver-protecting effect. Its active ingredients can protect liver cells, prevent liver fatty degeneration, and have a good auxiliary therapeutic effect on liver diseases such as hepatitis and fatty liver.

5. Detoxification support

- Enhance the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, assist in metabolism and removal of toxic substances.

6. Milk thistle has the effects of regulating blood lipids, promoting bile secretion, and enhancing immunity.

Milk thistle can help regulate blood lipid levels, reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, maintain cardiovascular health, and prevent atherosclerosis. Milk thistle can also promote bile secretion, improve the function of the biliary system, and prevent diseases such as gallstones and cholecystitis.

Applicable population

- Auxiliary treatment of chronic liver disease (such as fatty liver, alcoholic liver, and drug-induced liver injury).

- Liver protection for people who drink alcohol, take medicine, or are exposed to toxins for a long time.

- Hepatitis patients (need to be combined with standardized treatment, and cannot replace drugs).

Precautions for use

1. Dosage and course of treatment

- Use according to product instructions or doctor's advice. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea and nausea).

- Long-term safety data is limited. It is recommended to use intermittently or follow the doctor's advice.

2. Use with caution in special populations

- Pregnant women and breastfeeding women: lack of sufficient safety evidence, avoid use.

- Children: not clearly recommended, use under the guidance of a doctor.

- Patients with severe liver disease (such as cirrhosis, liver cancer): cannot replace regular treatment, must strictly follow the doctor's advice.

3. Drug interactions

- Antidiabetic drugs: may enhance the hypoglycemic effect, blood sugar needs to be monitored.

- Anticoagulants (such as warfarin): may increase the risk of bleeding.

- Immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine): may affect drug metabolism, dose adjustment is required.

4. Allergy risk

- People who are allergic to Asteraceae plants (such as daisy, dandelion) may have cross-allergies, so be cautious.

5. Product quality selection

- Choose standardized extracts (such as silymarin content ≥ 70%) and avoid low-purity products.

- Give priority to brands that have passed authoritative certification (such as USP, GMP).

6. Not a substitute for medical treatment

- Liver disease requires comprehensive treatment (such as antiviral, quitting alcohol, adjusting diet), and milk thistle is only used as an auxiliary means.

Milk thistle protects the liver through multiple pathways such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and stabilization of liver cell membranes. When using it, pay attention to dosage, contraindications and drug interactions. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, especially for those with chronic diseases or who are taking medication. Liver health also requires lifestyle adjustments (such as quitting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and controlling weight).