Liver Caps, NOW Foods, 100 Caps
$182.00
$163.80
A prickly plant with a classic reputation.
Looking after your body after a big weekend? Did you know milk thistle has been used in European herbal medicine for over 2,000 years? It may help support healthy liver function.
Liver Caps from NOW Foods comes in a pack of 100 Caps.
Milk thistle is a tall purple-flowered plant with distinctive white-veined leaves, native to the Mediterranean. Its seeds have been used in European herbal medicine for over 2,000 years, mostly as a tonic for the liver and digestion. The seeds contain a group of flavonoid compounds called silymarin, the main active complex. Milk thistle is a popular choice for people who like to look after their liver and digestive wellbeing, particularly after rich meals or a busy social season.
Delivery: Ships from overseas. Usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support liver function
- Traditionally used to help relieve digestive discomfort
- May help support healthy liver function
- Provides antioxidant support
- Traditionally used as a digestive tonic
- Helps support general wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle
What people commonly use it for
- Digestive discomfort after rich meals (Traditional use)
- General liver support (Traditional use, with some clinical studies)
- Feeling sluggish after indulgence (Traditional use)
- Antioxidant support (Some clinical studies suggest benefits)
- Skin comfort (Early research only)
Suggested to use alongside
- Dandelion: Traditional herb used for liver wellbeing
- NAC: Provides cysteine for antioxidant support
- Turmeric: Popular golden spice supplement
The science behind it
The active complex silymarin makes up about 1.5 to 3 per cent of the seed. It is a mix of flavonolignans, with silybin (silibinin) the most abundant and active. Silymarin is studied for antioxidant activity and for its ability to help protect liver cells from oxidative stress in laboratory models.
It also appears to influence cell signalling pathways involved in inflammation, such as NF-kappa B, and may help support the liver's natural glutathione production. Glutathione is the body's main internal antioxidant, and the liver uses it for normal processing of substances.
Silymarin is poorly absorbed in its plain form because it is not very water soluble. Absorption varies between products:
- Standardised seed extract: usually contains 70 to 80 per cent silymarin, giving consistent amounts.
- Phytosome or lecithin-bound silybin: binds silybin to phospholipids to improve absorption.
- Whole seed or tea: traditional, but contains less silymarin.
Reviews, such as a Cochrane review (2007) on liver conditions, have found mixed results, and the evidence is not strong enough to make therapeutic claims. Milk thistle is best seen as a traditional herbal tonic. It is not a nutrient, so there is no deficiency.
Product details & ingredients
- Pack size: 100 Caps
- Form: Capsules
- Argentine Beef Liver: NOW® Beef Liver Powder is free of additives and hormones.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: NOW Foods Liver Caps 100 Caps
Common questions
What is milk thistle used for?
It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support liver function and digestion.
What is silymarin?
Silymarin is the group of flavonoid compounds in milk thistle seeds, and the main active complex. Look for products standardised to silymarin.
When is the best time to take milk thistle?
It is often taken with meals, once or twice daily. Taking it with food can help absorption and reduce stomach upset.
How long does milk thistle take to work?
Herbal tonics are typically taken consistently for several weeks. Studies often run for 8 to 12 weeks.
Can I take milk thistle with alcohol?
Milk thistle does not cancel out the effects of alcohol. Drinking sensibly matters more for your liver than any supplement.
Is milk thistle safe for long-term use?
It is generally well tolerated in studies lasting several months. Check with your health professional if you plan to use it long term.
Safety
Avoid if you are allergic to the daisy family (including ragweed, chamomile or marigold). May cause mild digestive effects, such as loose stools. Seek advice before use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you have hormone-sensitive conditions, or if you take medicines processed by the liver.
About NOW Foods
NOW Foods is a family-owned American company making affordable, quality-tested supplements since 1968.
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