Hawthorn
- Scientific name Silybium marianum (L). Gaertn.
- Family Compositae (Composite Family)
- Common name Holy thistle, Marian thistle, Milk thistle
- Part(s) used Fruit, whole plant.
- Contains Lignans, polyenes, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, volatile oils, mucilage, resin; silymarin, a liver-regenerative active ingredient.
- Special precautions Allergic reactions are possible. Excessive use of milk thistle should be avoided.
The liver is a highly resilient organ that processes all types of toxins,
such as alcohol, recreational or medical drugs, and heavy metal or chemical
exposure for elimination.
The liver is also capable of regenerating itself after any injury or disease.
However, in more progressive liver conditions, where more liver cells die
than they are replaced, the liver will fail to perform its life-sustaining
functions.
Some of the symptoms of deteriorating liver function include:
- jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
- severe itching
- dark urine
- mental confusion and impaired brain function
- vomiting of blood
- tendency to bruise or bleed easily
- gray or clay-coloured stools
- abdominal discomfort or "feeling full"
- fatigue and weakness
- loss of appetite
Milk Thistle's health properties
One of the most beneficial properties found in Milk Thistle is its
active ingredient known as Silymarin, which is a mixture of flavones
that are found to act as effective antioxidants to help protect, and
prevent free radical damage in, the cells of the body, including the
liver.
Silymarin has been shown in published clinical studies to have various
liver-protective effects, including:
- Modifying liver cell membranes to inhibit toxins from penetrating the
liver and causing cell damage.
- Triggering more rapid protein synthesis - a process that helps
stimulate cell regeneration for a healthier liver.
Who should take Milk Thistle?
Milk Thistle can be taken if you have a sallow (pale) complexion,
poor appetite, are a heavy drinker, or are undergoing certain drug
therapies that are taxing to the liver.
Individuals with liver conditions, such as hepatitis (both acute and chronic),
toxic liver disease and cirrhosis (liver inflammation), may also benefit
from intake of Milk Thistle.
If you have a healthy liver, you may also use Milk Thistle regularly to
stimulate cell regeneration. This can help protect your liver against
environmental toxins in food, water and air.
InnoHerb is the first herbal range in Malaysia that's manufactured using
the high-quality Phytogranules® from France. Phytogranules® is a technology
of tiny, enhanced-release herbal pellets, which are filled into capsules.
These innovative herbal pellets increase both the availability and
dissolution of the herb's active ingredients, yet are still gentle on your
stomach. So, every time you take an InnoHerb capsule, you can be assured
that you are getting what your body needs!
