Silymarin Tablets

Mechanism

Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum. Extract contains high amount of silymarin (between 65–80%) that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s regularly used as a complementary therapy by people who have liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and even liver cancer. Milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age. Studies have also seen that milk thistle may be able to reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals with Alzheimer's disease.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Moderate oral absorption
• Distribution: Concentrated in liver tissue
• Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism via conjugation
• Elimination: Primarily biliary excretion
• Half-life: ≈ 6 hours

Side Effects

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
• Headache
• Allergic reactions (rare)

Contraindication

• Hypersensitivity to milk thistle or related plants
• Pregnancy and lactation (use cautiously)

Interaction

• May alter metabolism of drugs via CYP450 enzymes
• Potential interaction with hepatotoxic drugs
• Use cautiously with anticoagulants

Warning and Precautions

• Monitor liver function during therapy
• Use as adjunct therapy, not replacement for medical treatment
• Consult physician before long-term use