Silymarin/Milk Thistle Extract

Silymarin/Milk Thistle capsules contain 150 mg of milk thistle extract, standardized to contain a minimum of 80% of the flavonoid silymarin.
Silymarin/Milk Thistle
Liver protective flavonoids

DESCRIPTION
Silymarin/Milk Thistle capsules, provided by Douglas Laboratories, contain 150 mg of milk thistle extract,
standardized to contain a minimum of 80% of the flavonoid silymarin (120mg).

FUNCTIONS
Milk thistle, a common herb native to the Mediterranean, has been widely used for its nutritional support of liver
function for over 2,000 years. Seeds of the dried milk thistle flower are rich in silymarin, a bioflavonoid complex
of three flavonolignins: silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Silymarin is responsible for milk thistle’s powerful
protective and regenerative activities in the liver.
The liver is the body’s detoxifying organ, disabling toxins such as ethanol, environmental poisons, pesticides,
and certain pharmaceuticals. In addition to its detoxification properties, the liver plays an essential role in
protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, bile secretion, and storage of fat-soluble
vitamins. When damaged or diseased, the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins and perform its numerous other
functions may be severely impaired. Silymarin has been shown to support and enhance normal, healthy liver
function through three primary actions. By binding to the outer cell membrane, silymarin prevents harmful
toxins from entering the cell. Silymarin further protects the liver as an important component of the liver’s
antioxidant defense. The liver generates potentially damaging, toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species
(e.g. peroxides) as a result of its normal metabolic and detoxifying functions. Left unchecked, these radicals
can damage the cell structure and interfere with normal cell functions. Fortunately, silymarin provides support
for free radical damage. Furthermore, silymarin enhances levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, two
primary antioxidants in the liver.
In addition to its protective functions, silymarin stimulates damaged liver cells to regenerate. In the cell
nucleus, silymarin augments the production of ribosomes, stimulating protein synthesis in the damaged cell.
This results in expedited cell regeneration, the replacement and repair of damaged cells.

INDICATIONS
Silymarin/Milk Thistle capsules may be a useful nutritional supplement for individuals who wish to enhance
healthy hepatic function through the natural protective and regenerative properties of this herb.

FORMULA 
Each capsule contains:
Milk Thistle ......................................................................................................... 150 mg
(Silybum marianum)
Standardized to 80% Silymarin
(North America, Europe, moderate climates)

SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 capsule twice daily between meals or as directed by physician.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children