Liver Vitality™

. . . .supports healthy liver function*

Features and Benefits

• With standardized Milk Thistle Seed extract

• Hepatoprotective herbal blend protects liver cells*

• Supports liver detoxification*

• Supports normal liver function*

• Stimulates bile flow for improved digestion*

Facts about the liver

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. One of its most crucial functions is detoxification; the removal of harmful toxins from the blood and their elimination from the body. The liver facilitates this process by altering fat-soluble toxic chemicals so that they become water-soluble compounds that are not stored in fat, but are instead released via urine and feces. The detoxification process uses two sets of complex enzyme systems: in Phase I, toxic fat-soluble molecules are converted to water-soluble, and in Phase II, the molecules are excreted.

In addition to detoxification, the liver produces bile, a fluid secreted into the intestinal tract to help metabolize fats. Bile also serves as a carrier for many of the toxins filtered out by the liver, and binds with feces to facilitate their elimination. Bile acts as an emulsifier; helping fats combine with water so they can be more easily absorbed. Every day, the liver manufactures almost 1 quart of bile.

Toxins are introduced to the body through food, water, or air (including drugs, food additives, industrial chemicals, and pesticides). For example, each year the average American is exposed to an estimated 14 pounds of food preservatives, additives, waxes, colorings, and flavorings, in addition to pesticidal and herbicidal residues. Common prescription and non-prescription drugs, such as the common pain reliever acetaminophen, can, when regularly taken, put a considerable amount of stress on the liver’s detoxification mechanisms.*1 Even organically grown foods can contain naturally occurring toxic constituents that the liver must process. When the liver functions properly, the human body can tolerate a wide variety of toxins. Even in healthy individuals, the toxins that abound in our modern environment can overload or inhibit liver function, possibly resulting in a steady, insidious accumulation of harmful substances.*2

Toxins can also be naturally-occurring, resulting from normal digestion and metabolism. Fortunately, the liver has a remarkable ability to restore and heal itself. Most important to liver health is a healthy diet (as free as possible from additives and pesticides) and minimal exposure to toxic substances (drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, excess alcohol beverages). Supplementation with particular herbs and nutrients can also help protect and support healthy liver function and stimulate internal detoxification.*

Perhaps the best known and best researched herb used to promote liver health is standardized Milk Thistle Seed Extract (Silybum marianum). Milk Thistle heads have been used for thousands of years as both a culinary garnish and a health food.*3 The primary active constituent in Milk Thistle extract is a group of water-soluble flavonoids collectively referred to as silymarin.3,4,5

Silymarin protects against the destruction of liver cells and supports liver health in several ways.* First, silymarin imparts highly potent antioxidant activity.*6 Silymarin protects liver function through its own antioxidant properties, and helps inhibit depletion of important antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.*7,8,9,10 Silymarin helps protect liver cells by stabilizing cell membranes while maintaining antioxidant glutathione levels, thereby preventing damaging factors such as leukotrienes and free-radicals from penetrating and adversely affecting liver function.*3,11,12,13 Regular, long-term alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of diminished liver function. Studies conducted on heavy alcohol drinkers confirm that silymarin and its constituents are powerful antioxidants that specifically protect the liver from alcohol-related free-radical damage.*10,14,15,16 Additionally, silymarin can stimulate the production of new liver cells.*3,11

Glutathione, although a small antioxidant protein composed of three amino acids, is of large import and is essential for adequate liver detoxification of many substances. The body’s level of glutathione is directly linked to the liver’s ability to detoxify, since it allows the transformation of fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble compounds that are easily eliminated in urine.*17 Exposure to toxins typically reduces the concentration of glutathione in the body.*18

Oral consumption of glutathione supplements has been shown to result in poor absorption.*19 Fortunately, glutathione levels can be effectively increased through supplementation of other key nutrients.* In one trial, 500 mg of Vitamin C was shown to increase glutathione levels by nearly 50% after two weeks.*20 Oral supplementation of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) has been shown to enhance levels of glutathione in the liver.*21 One animal trial reported that silymarin, increased glutathione levels in rats by 35%.*22 Other nutrients that support glutathione synthesis are riboflavin, vitamin B-6, selenium, and zinc.*23

This formula contains nutrients and herbs known to possess lipotropic properties.* Lipotropic (Greek: lipo=fat / tropic=turning) agents are a class of substances that play an important role in the body’s ability to catabolize and metabolize (convert or turn) fats. Among the most noteworthy lipotropics are choline, inositol, methionine and betaine ((not to be confused with the digestive aid betaine hydrochloride).* One of the specific aims of supplementation with lipotropics is to support the natural production of SAMe (S-adenosyl L-methionine).*

Two of the most important metabolic pathways in the liver are those that manufacture methionine and SAMe from homocysteine. Betaine, or trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring substance found in many plants and animals. Betaine serves as a methyl donor in human metabolism, maintaining healthy levels of SAMe through supporting its synthesis from homocysteine, thus helping to reduce fatty infiltration of the liver.*24

Choline and Inositol support metabolism of fats by the liver.* Choline is involved in the production of bile and lipoproteins.*25,26,27 Although the body can synthesize choline in the presence of vitamin B12, folic acid, and the amino acid methionine, normal choline production may not always be adequate.*28 Diets deficient in choline may lead to undesirable changes in liver and kidney function.*29 Although inositol has not been proven to be required by humans, inositol deficiency in animals has been shown to result in an unwanted accumulation of fat in the liver.*30

Methionine, an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, has lipotropic properties similar to choline.*31 Methionine is one of the nutrients required for the body’s production of choline and SAMe, and a deficiency in this essential amino acid will adversely affect fat metabolism.*28 Methionine is also used in the detoxification of certain chemicals.*32

In addition to the standardized Milk Thistle Seed extract, Nature’s Life Liver Vitality™ contains a Hepato-Protective* Herbal Blend composed of Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus), Green Cabbage Leaf (Brassica oleracea italica), Lemon Peel (Citrus limon), and Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale).

Recently, standardized Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) has been studied for its effectiveness in supporting healthy liver function.* Artichoke extract is quite similar to milk thistle seed extract in its detoxification-enhancing properties.*33 Artichoke leaf is a choleretic, meaning that it increases the formation and flow of bile from the liver.*34 Though most studies so far have been on animals or in test tubes, artichoke extracts have been shown to enhance detoxification and protect the liver from damage.*31,35,36

Green Cabbage Leaf (Brassica oleracea) contains indoles and sulforaphane, which have been shown to support both phase I & II detoxification mechanisms.*37 Lemon Peel (Citrus limon) contains limonene, which also supports phase I & II detoxification.*38,39 Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) supports liver function by increasing the flow of bile.*40

Other Ingredients

Several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, magnesium, and selenium are required for normal liver detoxification function.*41 Other nutrients in Nature’s Life Liver Vitalityä support specific pathways of liver detoxification.* The B vitamins are involved in both phase I and II detoxification.*2,42 The antioxidant vitamins A,C, and E are included to protect the liver against free-radical damage and promote healthy liver function.*

Safety

People with active liver or gallbladder disease should consult their physician before taking this product. Standardized milk thistle seed extract is generally free from adverse side effects when taken in recommended doses.*3,11 Because it supports the secretion and flow of bile, some people may experience a mild laxative effect when taking milk thistle, though this side effect usually disappears within a few days.*11 Based on current research, milk thistle has no contraindications for pregnant or lactating women.*13

References

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2. Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1999, 437-48.

3. Blumenthal M, et al. eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 169-170.

4. Vogel G, Trost W, Braatz R, et al. Pharmacodynamics, site and mechanism of action of silymarin, the antihepatotoxic principle from Silybum marianum. Arzneim Forsch 1975; 25:82-9.

5. Vogel G. A peculiarity among the flavonoids- silymarin, a compound active on the liver. Proceedings of the International Bioflavonoid Symposium, Munich, 1981.

6. Hikino H, Kiso Y, Wagner H, et al. Antihepatotoxic actions of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum fruits. Planta Med 1984;50:248-50.

7. Altorjay I, Dalmi L, Sari B, et al. The effect of silibinin (Legalon) on the free radical scavenger mechanisms of erythrocytes in vitro. Acta Physiol Hung 1992;80:375-80.

8. Lang I, et al. Effect of the natural bioflavonoid antioxidant silymarin on superoxide dismutase activity and expression in vitro. Biotechnol Ther 1993;4:263-70.

9. Musez G, et al. Effect of the bioflavonoid silymarin on the in vitro activity and expression of superoxide dismutase enzyme. Acta Physiol Hung 1991;78:3-9.

10. Feher J, et al. Effect of silibinin on the activity and expression of superoxide dismutase in lymphocytes from patients with chronic alcohol liver disease. Free Rad Res Comm 1987;3:373-77.

11. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). AIBR Scientific Reviews, Botanical Medical Series, 1987.

12. Shear NH, Malkiewicz IM, Klein D, et al. Acetaminophen-induced toxicity to human epidermoid cell line A431 and hepatoblastoma cell line Hep G2, in vitro, is diminished by silymarin. Skin Pharmacol 1995;8:279-91.

13. Reyes H. The spectrum of liver and gastrointestinal disease seen in cholestasis of pregnancy. Gastroent Clin N Am 1992;21:905-21.

14. Muzes G, Deak G, Lang I, et al. Effect of silymarin (Legalon) therapy on the antioxidant defense mechanism and lipid peroxidation in alcoholic liver disease. Orv Hetil 1990;131:863-6.

15. Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, et al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol 1989;9:105-13.

16. Velussi M, Cernogoi AM, De Monte A, et al. Long-term (12 month) treatment with an antioxidant drug (silymarin) is effective on hyperinsulinemia, exogenous insulin need, and malondialdehyde in cirrhotic diabetic patients. J Hepatol 1997;26:871.

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19. Witschi A, Reddy S, Stofer B, et al. The systematic availability of oral glutathione. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992;43:667-9.

20. Johnston CJ, Meyer CG, Srilakshmi JC. Vitamin C elevates red blood cell glutathione in healthy adults. Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58:103-5.

21. Ruffmann R, Wendel A. GSH rescue by N-acetylcysteine. Klin Wochenschr 1991;69:857-62.

22. Valenzuela A, Aspillaga M, Vial S, et al. Selectivity of silymarin on the increase of glutathione content on different tissues of the rat. Planta Med 1989;55:420-422.

23. Anderson ME. Glutathione: an overview of biosynthesis and modulation. Chem Biol Interact 1998;111-112:1-14 [review].

24. Barak AJ, Beckenhauer HC, Tuma DJ. S-adenosylmethionine generation and prevention of alcoholic fatty liver by betaine. Alcohol 1994;11:1115-1121.

25. Montet JC, Gerolami A. Intrahepatic metabolism and secretion of biliary lipids. Digestion 1978;17:346-64 [review].

26. Yao ZM, Vance DE. Head group specificity in the requirement of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis for very low density lipoprotein secretion from cultured hepatocytes. J Biol Chem 1989;264:11373-80.

27. Yao ZM, Vance DE. The active synthesis of phosphatidylcholine is required for very low density lipoprotein secretion from rat hepatocytes. J Biol Chem 1988;263:2998-3004.

28. Zeisel SH, Blusztajn JK. Choline and human nutrition. Annu Rev Nutr 1994;14:269-96 [review].

29. Zeisel SH. Choline deficiency. J Nutr Biochem 1990;7:332-348.

30. Holub BJ. The nutritional significance, metabolism, and function of myo-inositol and phosphatidylinositol in health and disease. Adv Nutr Res 1982;4:107-141.

31. Ghoshal AK. New insight into the biochemical pathology of the liver in choline deficiency. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 1995;30:263-273.

32. McLean AE, Armstrong GR, Beales D. Effect of D- or L-methionine and cysteine on the growth inhibitory effects of feeding 1% paracetamol to rats. Biochem Pharmacol 1989;38:347-52.

33. Adzet T, Camarasa J, Laguna JC. Hepatoprotective effect of polyphenolic compounds from Cynara scolymus against CCL4 toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. J Natural Products 1987;50:612–7.

34. Kirchoff R, Beckers CH, Kirchoff GM, et al. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Arztliche Forschung 1993;40:1-12.

35. Kraft K. Artichoke leaf extract- recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gastrointestinal tracts. Phytomedicine 1997;4:369-378.

36. Gebhardt R. Hepatoprotection through artichoke extracts. Pharmazeutische Zeitung 1995;140:34-37.

37. Anderson KE, Kappas A. Dietary regulation of cytochrome P450. Annu Rev Nutr 1991;11:141-167.

38. Elegbede JA, Maltzman TH, Elson CE, Gould MN. Effects of anticarcinogenic monoterpenes on phase II hepatic metabolizing enzymes. Carcinogenesis 1993;14:1221-3.

39. Maltzman TH, Christou M, Gould MN, Jefcoate CR. Effects of monoterpenoids on in vivo DMBA-DNA adduct formation and on phase I hepatic metabolizing enzymes. Carcinogenesis 1991;12:2081-7.

40. Vogel G. Natural substances with effects on the liver. In: Wagner H, Wolff, P, eds. New natural Products and Plant Drugs with Pharmacological, Biological, or Therapeutic Activity. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1977.

41. Meydani M. Dietary effects on detoxification processes. In: Hathcock JN, ed. Nutritional Toxicology Vol. 2 San Diego, CA: Academic Press;1987:1-40.

42. Guengerich FP. Influence of nutrients and other dietary materials on cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:651S-658S [review].