« Back

Herbal support for the liver

Liver, the greatest biochemical laboratory of the human body, easily undergoes a herbal treatment.
     Which herbs are the most effective? It is a well-known opinion that herbs are beneficial to the liver. However, an opinion that half of the existing herbs help in liver problems is an exaggeration. Most herbs soothe digestion disorders, but this is not tantamount to a direct curative effect on the liver cells.
     What works then? It has been proved that the Blessed Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) and especially silymarin, the most important active agent of this herb, has the most beneficial effects. The Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is another herb.

Silymarin produces multidirectional results:

1. it protects the liver cells from being penetrated by toxins; it neutralizes the free oxygen radicals 10 to 20 times better than vitamin E which is known for such an effect
2. it stimulates the liver tissue to regenerating by facilitating the synthesis of proteins necessary for this process
3. it soothes an inflammatory condition by hampering the production of prostaglandins; it also hampers the replacement of the liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue which may lead to cirrhosis.

Considering all the beneficial properties, silymarin is completely safe in any case.
     Artichoke has mostly cholorgenic, cholagogic and digestion-aiding effects. It also affects sclerosis by reducing the level of total cholesterol and LDL fractions (i.e. the so-called 'bad cholesterol') in blood serum. Artichoke protects the liver parenchyma, which has been confirmed both by research and patients' feedback. Silymarin as well as artichoke are present in Hepatobon preparation. Other herbs are also used in treating liver lesions, but none of them have such certified effects as the two.
     Additionally, beebread has beneficial effects on the liver as it provides support in toxic liver lesions. It helps restore the microstructure of the liver. The beneficial effects of beebread are also evident in reducing high levels of aspartate transaminase (AspAt), alanine transaminase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and even bilirubin in blood serum. Pharmacological research has confirmed the curative effects of beebread many times.
     Propolis also protects the liver from adverse effects of toxins, alcohol and/or heavy metals. Objective research has confirmed that propolis reduces the levels of aspartate transaminase (AspAt) and alanine transaminase (ALAT).
     Extracts from propolis and beebread are present in Apibon preparation which, together with Hepatobon, is recommended in treating liver problems with herbs.