DL-METHIONINE is an essential sulphur containing amino acid that assists in the breakdown of fats, thus helping to prevent a buildup of fat in the liver and arteries.1 Methionine was probably one of the first amino acids available in the earth's ancient primordial seas and is a powerful antioxidant shown to help detoxify harmful heavy metals such as lead in the blood.2
Because dl-methionine can reduce oxidative damage done by immune cells activated by antigen-antibody complexes in autoimmune diseases, it is believed to be beneficial in treating autoimmunity ailments such as allergies and asthma.3
Substantial evidence indicates that daily supplementation of dl-methionine may prevent the onset of diseases related to smoking. The National Center for Health Statistics indicates the incidence of lung cancer per smoker is 8 times higher in the U.S. than in Japan.4 One mechanism of lung damage done by cigarette smoke is thought to involve the oxidation of a protein, which normally protects the lung connective tissue. The protein which protects lung tissue is called alpha-1-protease inhibitor. In in-vitro testing, methionine protects this protein.5
It is therefore believed the Japanese diet, which is high in dl-methionine, may provide smokers with benefits not available to the U.S. population because of our methods of food processing.
CHOLINE BITARTRATE is an essential nutrient which has been convincingly linked to benefits in memory, liver function, and brain development.6 Unfortunately, this nutrient is lost in food processing, storage, and cooking which makes supplementation highly advisable.
Humans deficient in choline have decreased plasma choline concentrations and develop liver dysfunction that is similar to that seen in choline-deficient animals.7
Choline has also been proven to reduce fatty infiltration in the liver of alcoholics.8
ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT ( with 2% Caffeylquinic acid) is considered a liver protectorate, choleretic, diuretic, and cholesterol-reducing herb.9 Statistically significant reduction of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and nausea, were reported in various studies.10 Germany's Commission E has authorized its use for the above ailments which reduce liver stress.11
Artichoke leaf inhibits cholesterol synthesis by indirect inhibition of the enzyme HMGCoA-reducatase. This is the mode of action utilized by the "statin" drugs such as Mevacor. however, statin drugs have side effects which artichoke leaf does not.12
It is of interest that the artichoke is one of the oldest cultivated plants. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a valuable digestive aid and reserved it exclusively for consumption by the royal and the rich.13
DANDELION ROOT EXTRACT is a natural diuretic for a wide range of conditions such as poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, dandelion root is a rich source of potassium, a mineral often lost through the use of other natural and synthetic diuretics.14
Dandelion root acts to purify the blood and may prevent or control diabetes mellitus. Dandelion is high in the nutrient inulin which converts to fructose in the presence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Fructose forms glycogen in the liver without requiring insulin.15
Dandelion root may eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion and gas buildup by cutting the heaviness of fatty foods.16
SCHISANDRA BERRY POWDER (Schizandra chinensis), known in China as wu wei zi, is an ancient Chinese medicinal herb for increasing the body's natural ability to fend off chemical, physical, and environmental stresses.17
Schisandra fruit has been reported to prevent liver damage and stimulate liver repair and normal liver function. These properties are thought to be related to the ability of the schisandrins to stimulate hepatocyte cell membranes and elevate liver microsomal enzyme activities.18 Liver regeneration has been stimulated in laboratory animals with Schisandra following partial liver removal.19
MILK THISTLE (Standardized for 80% Silymarin) is one of the most potent liver-protecting substances known. Silymarin is used for oral treatment of toxic liver damage (induced by alcohol, drugs, or environmental toxins) and for supportive therapy in chronic inflammatory liver diseases and in liver cirrhosis.20, 21, 22
It has also been shown that silymarin inhibits leukotriene production which explains its anti-inflammatory effect and that it has an antifibrotic action. Clinical trials confirm the positive effects found in experimental studies.23, 24
The most interesting effect of milk thistle components on the liver is their ability to stimulate protein synthesis.25 This stimulation results in an increase in the production of new liver cells to replace the damaged old ones. Astoundingly enough, silymarin does not have a stimulatory effect on malignant liver tissue!26
BUPLEURUM ROOT (Bupleurum falcatum) is found in a large number of formulas used for treating liver disease. The active ingredients of Bupleurum are steroid-like compounds known as saikosaponins. These compounds have diverse pharmacological activity including lowering cholesterol levels, preventing liver damage, and improving liver functions in chronic hepatitis.27, 28, 29 |
