A published study found significant reductions (15%) in fasting Glucose levels in individuals taking a daily supplement of Milk Thistle extracts.
Over 50 people with Type-2 Diabetes participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The study lasted four months. Participants were randomly assigned to supplement daily with either a Milk Thistle Extract (200 mg 3 times per day) or a placebo. Participants maintained their conventional oral hypoglycemic treatments.
Fasting glucose levels decreased to 133 mg/dl from 156 mg/dl in the group supplementing with the Milk Thistle Extract. The group supplementing with the placebo saw their fasting glucose levels increase from 167 mg/dl to 188 mg/dl. Average HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) decreased in the group supplementing with Milk Thistle Extract by over 1% at the end of the study period. The placebo group saw increases in the HbA1c levels of over 1%. Significant benefits on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were also seen in the participants supplementing with the Milk Thistle Extract.
Larger studies are needed to further investigate the potential role of Milk Thistle Extract in treating Type-2 Diabetes.
The liver works as the blood’s filtering system breaking down drugs and various toxins in the body. The liver also plays in important role in regulating the composition of the blood as well as producing bile, which aids in removing fats and waste products. Many things influence the liver in negative ways: alcohol, medications, low fiber diets, high fat diets, and free radicals from foods.
Let’s look at some liver protecting herbs in a little more depth:
Milk Thistle:
The key phyto-nutrient found in Milk Thistle is Silymarin, which is a group of plant compounds. Silymarin is helpful in protecting the liver from chemical damage and at the same time improving the liver’s function. Milk Thistle works its magic by preventing free radical damage, stimulating the production of new liver cells to replace damaged one, and preventing the formation of leukotrienes (a chemical produced by transferring oxygen to a polyunsaturated fatty acid). The Silymarin found in Milk Thistle is known to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties. Traditionally this herb has been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons, prevent and treat cancer and promote increased breast milk production.
Dandelion Root:
Dandelion Root comes from a family of flowering plants and is found throughout the world. Dandelion is considered to be one of the finest remedies for the liver. Dandelion Root helps cleanse the liver by enhancing bile flow, it improves liver congestion, and it relieves inflammation of the bile duct. Dandelion Root has been known to be supportive for individuals suffering from hepatitis, gallstones and jaundice. Dandelion Root increases bile production in the liver which causes greater flow to the gallbladder. Additionally Dandelion Root causes contraction and release of stored bile in the gallbladder. In animal studies, Dandelion has been shown to protect liver tissue from toxic substances as well as oxidative stress. More research is needed to determine if it works the same in humans.
Wild Yam:
Also known as colic root, Wild Yam is a twining, tuberous vine and contains the phtyonutrient Diosgenin. Wild Yam preparations have been traditionally used to treat gallbladder and liver problems. Wild Yam in later days has been found to exhibit DHEA properties. Wild Yam is known to reduce biliary colic pain caused by gallstones and to aid the passage of small stone. Wild Yam is a very effective antispasmodic treatment. Wild Yam’s ability to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels is believed to be the reason Wild Yam is so therapeutic for overall Liver health, increasing the efficiency of the Liver and reducing stress to the Liver.
Licorice Root:
Licorice Root, Sweet Root has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. In China has been used in China to treat hepatitis. Licorice Root decreases the storage of triglycerides in the liver and increases glycogen levels. Additionally Licorice Root prevents the development of experimental Cirrhosis of the Liver as well as prevents the occurrence of experimentally induced lesions in the Liver.
Artichoke:
Although Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is often considered a vegetable it is a type of thistle. Artichoke originated in the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. Cynarin, is the phyto-nutrient found in Artichoke and is very effective as a liver protector. Additionally Artichoke can also have a regenerative benefit for the Liver. It can decongest the Liver and increase the production of bile which aids in the removal of harmful toxins from the Liver. In an animal studies, Artichoke Extract resulted in less liver damage, increased antioxidant levels and over better liver function after an induced drug overdose when compared to a placebo. Human studies showed Artichoke extract supplemented daily for 2 months in participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease led to improved Liver function. Reductions in Liver Inflammation and Fat Deposition was seen in another study performed on obese adults with NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease) when taking Artichoke Extract daily for 2 months.
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