Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a stout plant found in the dry rocky soils of southern Europe and western North America, contains silymarin, a mixture of flavonoids of which silibinin is the major constituent. There is strong evidence that the extract is hepato (liver)-protective and demonstrates anticancer properties. It has been shown to induce cell death triggered by reactive oxygen species. Several recent studies confirm that these properties are enacted through the nutrient’s ability to induce autophagic and apoptotic responses and reduce metastasis (spreading) in cancerous growths.21-24
In animal-model studies, silibinin has also been shown to inhibit NF-kB activation, showing a protective role against systemic inflammation and development of senescence (the gradual deterioration of biological function).25
Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of literature on the effective human dose for silibinin, as most studies have been conducted on cell culture or animal models. However, it is generally known that most polyphenols demonstrate an effective dose response for induction of cell signalling mechanisms in the 10-100 mg/day range. The daily value of 50 mg has therefore been incorporated into the criterion for healthy aging.
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