Yes more on the benefits of Milkthistle to the Liver and to bile production
and steatosis which plugs the liver up with fat.

This MAY be Voodoo to some.  The research focus is testimonial and largely
unprocessed by the FDA.

from a commercial otc prep site.  http://www.goutcure.com/gcgoutcare.html

I am not recommending this as a cure, and only as a tonic to help anyway we
can to reduce further damage to the Liver until Rx treatments become more
widely tolerated to each patient out there.

I use Holista brand.  Vitamin B6 helps too, apparently.

anyway:

MILK THISTLE (80% Standardized Silymarin)
Research on milk thistle and it's components appears to be growing. The
current theory regarding mode of activity is that silymarin supports liver
health in two major ways. First, it alters the outer cell membrane of
hepatocytes (liver cells) in such a way as to prevent penetration of harmful
substances into the interior of cells. Second, it stimulates the action of
nucleolar polymerase A (an enzyme involved in chromosome replication)
resulting in an increase in ribosomal protein synthesis, which stimulates
the regenerative ability of the liver and the formation of new hepatocytes.
Silymarin may also stimulate an increase in bile flow from the gall bladder
to the intestine. Silymarin is being investigated as an agent to support
healthy cholesterol levels by exerting an effect on the liver cholesterol
metabolism. Silymarin also possesses antioxident properties. Studies have
indicated that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenisis of toxic
liver disease and other liver problems, and silymarin may reduce oxidative
stress in the liver. Therefore, any liver subjected to chemical or chronic
illness stresses may benefit from the additional nutritional support that
silymarin provides. In an article for Prevention magazine, Varro Tyler,
Ph.D., Sc.D, states that milk thistle may help support the liver in people
taking prescription medication that may adversely affect the liver.

Milk thistle, known in Latin as Silybum marianum, is one of the most
effective herbs for detoxifying and regenerating the liver. The liver is
responsible for breaking down and eliminating most toxic substances. These
include drugs, antibiotics, cortisone, chemotherapy, anti-seizure
medications, anti-inflammatory, preservatives in food, artificial flavoring
and coloring agents, shampoos, environmental chemicals, foods fried in
certain oils, chemicals found in tap water, household cleansers, air
pollution, tobacco smoke and distillates. Hundreds of scientific studies
have demonstrated that milk thistle can protect the liver from potent toxins
such as poisonous mushrooms, heavy metals and alcohol.

The herb has several mechanisms of action. It stimulates protein synthesis,
which contributes to regeneration and replacement of liver cells. It helps
protect the liver against poisoning by blocking the absorption of toxins
into liver cells. It inhibits the formation of inflammatory substances that
contribute to liver degeneration. It helps the liver break down toxins. Milk
thistle is a potent anti-oxidant (more potent than Vitamins C and E). This
means it can counteract free radical damage that can cause degenerative
diseases including cancer. It increases intracellular levels of glutathione,
a substance necessary for detoxicating reactions.

Clinical studies have confirmed milk thistle's benefits. Trials in more than
2,000 patients showed benefits in alcohol and chemical induced fatty liver,
cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, bile duct inflammation and non specific
changes in liver tissue. Elevated liver enzymes (blood tests for liver
function) also improve with milk thistle therapy. Silymarin may also help
prevent or treat gallstones by increasing the solubility of the bile. The
best-known active compound in milk thistle is silybin. It is important to
remember that there are many other naturally occurring ingredients that are
vital for optimum activity.

Recent studies have shown that Milk thistle extract may also be beneficial
for reducing the chance for certain cancers. With almost no known side
effects (Milk thistle is a food!) and well-known hepatoprotective efficacy,
it is said that Milk thistle can't be beat as a liver protector.

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cactus jammies --------------  jammin' man, no problem!