Cancer Adjuvant Therapy
Silymarin potently suppressed NF-kB, but did not affect TNF-alpha-induced NF-kB, demonstrating a pathway-dependent inhibition by silymarin. It appears the inhibitory effect of silymarin on NF-kB activation is associated with its liver-protecting properties. Suppression of NF-kB, a key regulator in inflammatory and immune reactions, significantly improves the anticarcinogenic status of silymarin (Saliou et al. 1998).
Silymarin/silibinin is remarkable medicine for the liver. Numerous studies show that milk thistle is effective in treating virtually every type of liver disease, including cirrhosis and alcohol or chemical-induced liver damage (Jacobs et al. 2002; Flora et al. 1998). So worthy is the herb in protecting against life-threatening toxins that individuals poisoned by the Amanita mushroom survived when silibinin was utilized (Carducci et al. 1996). A healthy liver is essential to detoxification, a process key to restoring health to cancer patients.
Standardized milk thistle extract usually consists of 35% silibinin, whereas the silymarin concentrate used in Europe contains a minimum of 80% silibinin. The Life Extension Foundation recommends the highly beneficial 80% silibinin extract. A suggested therapeutic dosage of Silibinin Plus is up to 6 capsules daily (1950 mg a day). For protection, use about 1-2 capsules (325-650 mg a day).
