Milk thistle is the most powerful liver protective herbal medicine known. It helps reduce and repair the damage to the liver that alcohol, a high fat diet and many prescription medicines can cause. Milk thistle also has powerful anti-oxidant effects and helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This makes it useful for type II diabetes and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome). Preliminary evidence indicates that milk thistle also helps protect against kidney damage.
PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR MILK THISTLE EXTRACT
PROPRIETARY NAME (and dosage form):
Milk Thistle Extract (capsules)
COMPOSITION:
Each capsule contains the following as active ingredient: Milk Thistle Extract 500mg Inactive ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose) vegetarian capsule shell (gelatin free), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetarian – flow agent), magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide and colloidal silicon dioxide. Contains no colourants, preservatives, lactose, yeast, starch or artificial fillers. Contains plant extracts and natural fillers, with no colourants added – therefore the colour of the capsule contents may vary slightly from batch to batch.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:
There are numerous proposed hepatoprotective mechanisms of milk thistle. The most likely mechanism is probably due to the antioxidant and free radical-antagonising actions from flavonoids present in milk thistle, such as silymarin and silybin. Other suggested effects include increased protein synthesis, decreased tumour promoter activity, stabilized immunologic response, protection against cellular radiation damage, and alteration and increased stability of cellular membranes.
INDICATIONS:
Milk thistle is a herb that has been traditionally used as a liver protectant and helps support liver function. Milk thistle has also historically been used to relieve digestive disturbances and heartburn.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
There are no known contraindications.
WARNINGS:
Do not exceed recommended dosages unless on the advice of a health care provider. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you are on any medication or suffering from any medical condition, it is advisable to seek medical advice before starting any new medicine, supplement or remedy. Safety in children has not been established.
INTERACTIONS:
Cytochrome P450 2C9 substrates: Preliminary evidence indicates that milk thistle extract may inhibit this substrate. However evidence is conflicting. Monitor patients using medicines metabolized by this substrate for increased levels. These medicines include: amitriptyline, diazepam, verapamil, warfarin, zileuton and others.
Glucuronidated medicines: Milk thistle extract may inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT) leading to decreased clearance and increased levels of glucuronidated medicines.
Tamoxifen: Preliminary research in an animal model suggests that the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase plasma levels of tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and alter its conversion to an active metabolite. Use milk thistle cautiously or avoid in patients taking tamoxifen.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING:
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Adults and children over 12 years of age: During periods requiring a high degree of liver protection e.g. during periods of increased alcohol consumption, festive or holiday periods, or whilst taking liver toxic medication (e.g. paracetamol): Take 1 capsule twice daily. As maintenance therapy, during less liver-damaging times, take 1 capsule daily. Take with or shortly after meals. Milk thistle is most effective if used continuously, regularly and before liver toxin exposure. It is not as effective if used occasionally or after liver toxin exposure.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Side Effects: Side effects may include nausea, heartburn, bloating, allergy, skin rash and an occasionally laxative effect.
Special Precautions: Cross-allergenicity: Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs. Antidiabetic medicines: Milk thistle has been shown to decrease sugar levels and this may lead to a need for dose adjustment of diabetic medication.
KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF ITS TREATMENT:
Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. In the case of accidental overdose of the product, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
IDENTIFICATION:
White clear vegetarian capsule shell (size 0) containing light brown/beige contents. Containing 90 capsules
PRESENTATION:
White HDPE container with white HDPE screw cap and seal for protection.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store in a cool dry place below 25 degrees C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Kindly note that we do not give any medical advice. TAKEALOT.com is a retail website, selling supplements and other health-related branded products (none of which are scheduled medication). Any medical advice should be given by your personal health care professional.
What’s in the box
90 Capsules
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: This product may be a complementary medicine and/or not have been evaluated and verified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. Use of this product is therefore not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions and must not substitute the obtaining of medical advice from a registered health professional for any health or health-related conditions.
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