The liver is not only the largest gland in the human body, but also one of the most important organs that is responsible for the functioning of the digestive system and plays a huge role in maintaining normal metabolism. That is why liver he alth should be given special attention.
Functions of the liver, causes of its pathologies
The main functions of the liver include:
- Metabolism. In this organ, proteins are broken down into amino acids. Also, fat metabolism occurs in it and the synthesis of such an important compound as glycogen takes place, into which all excess glucose is processed. It is impossible not to say that it is in the liver that the metabolism of hormones and vitamins is carried out.
- Detoxification. The liver neutralizes various toxins and bacteria, after which their decay products are excreted through the kidneys.
- Synthesis. In the largest gland of the human body, bile is synthesized, which consists of bile acids, cholesterol and pigments. It takes an active part in the digestion of fats and the assimilationvitamins. Bile also helps stimulate intestinal motility.
Many people suffer from various liver diseases. The main reasons for the development of pathological conditions of this organ include malnutrition, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxic substances, taking strong drugs, and a viral attack.
To improve the he alth of the liver as well as restore its normal function, most experts recommend the use of milk thistle extract in capsules. Instructions for the use of this dietary supplement, its features, indications and contraindications for use are presented below.
General information
Quite often, milk thistle extract in capsules is used to support the normal state of the liver. After all, the mentioned body is more susceptible to negative impact than others, and therefore it needs special strengthening.
The active ingredient of milk thistle extract in capsules is milk thistle. This herbaceous plant is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has an upright stem 60-155 cm high, as well as large wrinkled leaves with yellowish spines at the tips and white spots.
Flowering in milk thistle begins in July-August. The flowers of this plant have prickly petals of a rich lilac color. For medicinal purposes, various parts of the plant should be harvested at the end of July.
Properties
Extractmilk thistle capsules is a highly effective drug. Its healing effect is due to the properties of the active ingredient.
Milk thistle was used to treat various diseases as early as the 4th century BC. e. Until the end of the 60s of the last century, almost all parts of the plant were used in alternative medicine. And only in 1968, experts conducted a more detailed study of its composition. In the course of it, it was found that the seeds of milk thistle contain such a unique substance as silymarin. This component is able to fight many liver diseases.
Based on research data, scientists have developed a special technology with which a unique preparation called milk thistle extract was created. In capsules, this remedy is prescribed only for adult patients.
Pharmacology
What is the reason for the high potency of milk thistle seed extract capsules? As mentioned above, silymarin is a unique component found in the mentioned plant. Its main ability lies in the removal of toxic substances resulting from metabolism, coming from outside, as well as in the liver itself.
The protective functions of silymarin are due to its antioxidant properties and the ability to strengthen cell membranes. With an excess of fat peroxidation products, a decrease in the viability of liver cells (that is, hepatocytes) is noted, which causes a decrease in the strength of the lipid layer. Silymarin prevents accumulationlipid hydroperoxides, significantly increasing liver protection. Also, this substance supports metabolic processes in the specified organ and stabilizes the cell membrane of hepatocytes, slowing down the process of entering various toxins into them.
Other Features
The use of milk thistle extract in capsules is indicated for various liver diseases. It should be noted that the high efficiency of such a tool is associated not only with the presence of silymarin in it. The plant in question is also rich in substances such as:
- flavolignans;
- biogenic amines;
- alkaloids;
- resin;
- saponins;
- fatty oils;
- tannins;
- vitamins B and K;
- mucus;
- minerals (including zinc, selenium, calcium, potassium and copper).
According to experts, a total of milk thistle contains more than 200 different nutrients.
Drug action
Due to the presence of a large number of medicinal substances in the medicinal plant, milk thistle extract in capsules (reviews about this remedy are listed below) has the following effect on the patient's body:
- increases protein synthesis;
- normalizes phospholipid metabolism;
- improves all metabolic processes;
- produces an antioxidant effect;
- interrupts the process of destruction of the structure of the liver, improves the functioning of its membranes;
- activates the production of enzymes;
- accelerates the recovery of liver cells afterpoisoning or past infections;
- stops inflammation;
- increases the body's resistance to adverse conditions and toxic substances.
Indications for admission
When should milk thistle extract capsules be used? Instructions for use informs that such a remedy is prescribed as a source of flavolignans to increase the protection of liver cells when:
- chronic hepatitis;
- during recovery from toxic or infectious hepatitis;
- toxic liver damage of various origins, including drugs, alcoholic beverages, s alts of heavy metals, etc.;
- cirrhosis;
- fatty liver.
Contraindications for taking
It is forbidden to take the considered dietary supplement during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Also, this remedy is contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance to its components.
Side effects
Milk thistle extract capsules are very well tolerated by patients. However, in some cases, this remedy still causes such undesirable effects as:
- bitter taste in mouth;
- loss of appetite;
- periodic bouts of nausea;
- irritability for no reason;
- heaviness from the right hypochondrium.
- disturbed stools, etc.
If these symptoms develop, takethe drug should be discontinued.
How to use
How to take milk thistle extract capsules? According to the instructions, it is advisable to use the agent in question in this form with food. The course of therapy with such a drug should last no more than 30 days, however, for medical reasons, it can be increased up to 3 months.
The recommended dosage of milk thistle extract for adult patients is 1 capsule 1 time per day.
It is strictly forbidden to combine the use of this remedy with the use of any alcoholic beverages.
Dietary supplements
According to reviews, milk thistle extract with oats in capsules is an equally effective dietary supplement. This combination of herbs not only helps to protect and restore the liver, but also has a positive effect on the pancreas.
Due to the presence of oats in the preparation, the considered dietary supplement normalizes the process of absorption of carbohydrates, iron and fats in the intestinal tract. In this regard, such a remedy is indicated for use not only in the development of hepatitis, hepatosis and toxic liver damage, but also in psoriasis, cholecystitis, anemia and serious digestive disorders.
It is impossible not to say that milk thistle is often combined with dandelion. This alcohol tincture is actively used for renal and hepatic pathologies, as well as diseases of the genitourinary system.
Another kind of extract is milk thistle with riboflavin. Experts recommend usinga complex for the treatment of the liver and the prevention of all aging of the body. Riboflavin (or the so-called vitamin B2) contributes to the full production of energy and enhanced recovery of all damaged structures of the digestive organ.
Similar products
What can replace milk thistle extract? The analogues of this remedy are: "Karsil", dry extract "Silimar", "Hepafor", "Milk thistle-Parafarm", "Gepabene", "Silegon", spotted milk thistle with dandelion, "Sibektan", spotted milk thistle with riboflavin, milk thistle with vitamins B2, B1 and B6, milk thistle with pectin and others.
It should be borne in mind that before using any of the listed drugs, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is required.
Reviews, cost, storage conditions
What do patients say about milk thistle extract capsules? According to their reviews, such a herbal preparation is very effective, especially if necessary, to support liver function. The main advantages of this tool include its natural composition, as well as availability, ease of use and low cost. The approximate price of such a drug is 100–140 rubles.
In some cases, patients indicate an insufficient therapeutic effect of dietary supplements. At the same time, experts note that the use of such an additive does not cancel the main drug therapy for existing liver diseases.
It is necessary to store the agent in question at a temperature of up to 25 degrees, out of the reach of children.
