The liver is a central metabolic organ. It has important functions in sugar, fat and protein metabolism. The liver is also the body's detoxification center.
Unfortunately, the liver is under a lot of strain these days: too much alcohol, fructose, toxins and medication damage the liver and can cause fatty liver.
Fatty liver disease is considered a widespread disease: around a third of adults are affected by it. [1] A fatty liver has dramatic consequences for health. It is a source of inflammation, causes bad cholesterol and blood fat levels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes . Unfortunately, fatty liver disease and other liver damage are not diagnosed and recognized in many cases.
Fortunately, the liver has a very high regenerative capacity. Liver damage can often be reversed by changing your diet. Secondary plant substances can also help here.
Milk thistle – liver protection and bile flow
Milk thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is considered a medicinal plant for the liver and is often used in detoxification treatments and therapeutic fasting.
A component of milk thistle, silibinin, protects the liver from the deadly poison of the death cap mushroom. If the mushroom is accidentally consumed, silibinin is administered intravenously in high doses. [2]
Milk thistle consists of 1 – 3% silymarin, 20 – 30% fat and 30% protein. It also contains mucilage and other secondary plant substances.
Silymarin is a flavonoid complex consisting of silibinin, silychristin and silydianin.
Milk thistle is said to have a positive effect on the liver. It is said to be able to stabilize liver cells and protect the liver from oxidative stress. This is said to counteract the oxidation of fats in the liver. Oxidized fats are very harmful and promote inflammation. Milk thistle is also said to stimulate protein formation and thus encourage liver regeneration.
Milk thistle is also said to be able to stimulate the flow of bile by promoting the production of bile in the liver and the emptying of the gallbladder. Bile is important for the digestion of fats.
Artichokes – fat digestion and protection against fatty liver
Artichokes are very rich in flavonoids and bitter substances such as cynarin. They are said to promote bile flow and thus fat digestion. Artichokes are also considered to be a natural cholesterol-lowering agent.
Artichokes are also said to protect liver cells and promote liver regeneration. They are also used to detoxify the liver.
There is evidence that artichoke extract may counteract fatty liver disease. [3]
In a study on rats, artichoke extract also appeared to protect against liver damage caused by paracetamol. [4]
Alpha-lipoic acid – oxidative protection
Alpha-lipoic acid is an important antioxidant in the body that captures free radicals and counteracts oxidative stress. The body stores alpha-lipoic acid primarily in the liver and brain.
Alpha-lipoic acid is used to generate energy in the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells. It is also said to protect tissue and cells from oxidative stress and promote detoxification. There is evidence that alpha-lipoic acid can also bind and detoxify heavy metals.
Some studies suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may counteract fatty liver and inflammation in the liver. [5]
Dandelion for liver cleansing
Dandelion is often used in liver cleansing. It is also said to stimulate the production of bile in the liver.
Due to its antioxidant effect, dandelion can probably also counteract oxidative stress in the liver.
Choline – maintaining liver function and lipid metabolism
Choline was once considered a vitamin until it was discovered that the body can produce it itself from the amino acid methionine. However, scientists believe that the body's own production is not sufficient and that it is necessary to consume additional choline through food. Choline is found primarily in egg yolks, fish and pork.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends a daily intake of 400 mg of choline for adults. [6]
The body stores choline primarily in the liver and kidneys. There it is present either as free choline or in the choline compound phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a fat-like compound and an important component of cell membranes. The "shells" that surround our cells and hold them together.
The liver consists of many cells and choline appears to be important for the regeneration of liver cells. Choline also has important functions in the liver's fat metabolism. In this way, it can probably counteract fatty liver disease.
The European Food Safety Authority confirms the following effects of choline in its Health Claims Regulation: [7]
- Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism (homocysteine is a cell poison that is suspected of promoting cardiovascular diseases).
- Choline contributes to normal fat metabolism.
- Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
Inositol – vitaminoid that protects the liver
Inositol used to be considered a B vitamin. Today it is considered a vitaminoid, i.e. a vitamin-like substance. This means that the body can produce it in small quantities, but it still makes sense to consume it through food.
Inositol has important functions in fat and hormone metabolism. It is mainly produced in the kidneys and liver. At the same time, it also seems to have a liver-protective function: a deficiency in inositol is suspected of increasing the risk of fatty liver. [8]
Wormwood – remedy for liver diseases
Wormwood has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is rich in phytochemicals such as terpenes, coumarins, flavonoids and essential oils.
Wormwood is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is recommended as a remedy for liver diseases. It is also said to be able to support the liver in detoxification. It is also believed that wormwood can help regulate fat metabolism and thus counteract fatty liver disease.
The plant is also said to have a detoxifying function and is used to treat lead poisoning.
Bamboo shoots for a healthy liver
Bamboo shoots are often used in Asian cuisine. They are valued not only for their taste, but also for their numerous nutrients. Bamboo shoots are very rich in B vitamins , vitamin E, magnesium and calcium . They also contain a lot of fiber, which is said to have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and health.
There is also evidence that bamboo shoots may promote liver health.
In a study on mice, fiber from bamboo shoots appeared to counteract fatty liver disease. [9] In addition, cholesterol profiles improved and triglycerides (blood fat levels) decreased, suggesting that bamboo shoots may have a positive effect on liver fat metabolism.
Liver Complex Daily Capsules by Viktilabs
The Liver Complex Daily capsules combine all of the above-mentioned substances: milk thistle, artichoke extract, alpha-lipoic acid, dandelion, choline, inositol, wormwood and bamboo shoots. The preparation is of the highest quality: it is developed in Germany according to the highest quality standards and is free of unnecessary additives such as binding agents, separating agents, colorants and sweeteners, as well as preservatives.
[1] https://www.deutsche-leberstiftung.de/presse/pressemappe/leberkrankenen/fettleber/
[2] https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/1998/daz-38-1998/uid-3980
[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6073
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329505679_Hepatoprotective_activity_of_Artichoke_Cynara_scolymus_against_Paracetamol_toxicity_in_female_rats
[5] https://file.scirp.org/pdf/OJGas_2014051613330305.pdf
[6] https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/160817
[7] https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2056
