The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. It performs a large
number of functions that are essential to the health of all body systems.1
The liver aids in metabolism and digestion, and is a major detoxifying organ,
breaking down and neutralizing harmful toxic substances.1,2 The liver
plays a role in the production of blood-clotting substances and produces much of
the body’s cholesterol, which is required for the synthesis of hormones and the
maintenance of healthy cell membranes.1
The liver also aids in controlling blood sugar levels by releasing stored
glucose when blood sugar levels fall too low.1 This vital organ is
susceptible to many diseases and conditions that can impair liver function, some
of which include cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer. Some causes of liver damage
and disease include alcohol, environmental pollutants, medications, and viral
infections.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) herb is
well-known for its liver-supporting effects. Milk thistle seed contains a
phytochemical known as silymarin, which, when ingested, concentrates in liver
cells. Silymarin acts as a potent antioxidant and has been found to stimulate
the regeneration of liver cells.3 Silymarin increases glutathione production in the liver.
Glutathione is the major endogenous antioxidant produced in the body for
Liverprotection against free radical damage3 and is used for
detoxification in liver cells.4 Milk thistle also contains compounds
that inhibit the entrance and binding of toxins in the liver.4 In
clinical studies, milk thistle has been shown to have liver-protective effects
in cases of cirrhosis associated with viruses and chronic alcohol use.4
Other herbs that have traditionally been used to support liver health
and cleansing include dandelion root, parsley, yellow dock root, blessed
thistle, golden rod, and angelica root.
N-acetyl cysteine
is a precursor to glutathione.3 Glutathione itself cannot cross cell membranes, but
N-acetyl cysteine easily crosses cell membranes where it is converted to
glutathione.3 N-acetyl cysteine protects the liver from toxicity by
restoring glutathione levels in the liver.3,5 One of the major
functions of glutathione is the maintenance of normal detoxification activity in
the liver, which is vital to healthy liver function5
Choline is an essential nutrient that is produced in the liver.3 Increasing
choline intake has been found to improve liver function.3,5 In the
body, choline is used to produce phosphatidylcholine, which is required for the
transport of fats from the liver to the blood and tissues. Without adequate
levels of this nutrient, fat and cholesterol will accumulate in the liver.6
Inositol is another nutrient that aids in the removal of fats from the liver.3
SAMe is a natural substance that is found in most body
tissues and fluids.3,5 It plays a crucial role as a methyl donor in the process
of transmethylation,5 which is required for the synthesis of
proteins, phospholipids, RNA, DNA and other bio-molecules.5 There is
evidence that SAMe supports liver health.3 Levels of SAM-e are
depleted in a diseased liver.5 SAMe’s methylating properties promote
the fluidity of liver cell membranes, and supplementing with SAMe may also
increase glutathione levels in the liver.3,5 Studies indicate that
supplementing with SAMe improves liver-function tests and prevents or reverses
liver toxicity induced by drugs, alcohol and various chemicals.5
1. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Liver. 2006. Available at:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec10/ch133/ch133b.html
2. Biology Online.
Liver. 2005. Available at:
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Liver
3. Jellin JM, Gregory
PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural
Medicines Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty;
2010. [Online Database]
4. Murray L. LaGow
B. ed-in-chief. The PDR for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Thompson PDR;
2004. pg 567.
5. Hendler SS Ph.D., M.D., Rorvik D M.S. PDR for Nutritional
Supplements. 1st ed. New Jersey: Medical Economics Company, Inc.; 2001. pg 11,
91, 410-12.
6. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University.
Micronutrient Information Center. Choline. 2000-2010. Available at:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/choline/
September
2010