Liver,
heal thyself!
How complementary
therapies can help liver disease
By Shawn Messonnier
DVM
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The benefits of milk thistle
 The
most well known herb recommended for treating
liver disease, milk thistle is one of
the few herbs that has no real equivalent
in the world of conventional medicine.
The active ingredients in milk thistle
appear to be four substances known collectively
as silymarin, which has been shown effective
in treating liver disease. Animal studies
suggest that milk thistle extracts can
protect against many other poisonous substances,
from toluene to the drug acetaminophen.
Milk thistle compounds are usually standardized
to 70-80% silymarin.
Silymarin appears to function by displacing
toxins trying to bind to the liver as
well as by causing the liver to regenerate
more quickly. It also acts as an antioxidant
by scavenging free radicals (it is more
potent than vitamin E), increasing glutathione
levels, and by inhibiting the formation
of damaging leukotrienes. Silymarin also
stimulates the production of new liver
cells, replacing the damaged cells. A
new form of silymarin, in which the compound
is bound to phosphatidylcholine, has been
shown to have greater bioavailability
than unbound silymarin.
Causes
of acute liver disease:
Toxins such as acetominophen (TylenolR,)
RimadylR, ValiumR, tetracycline, and
sulfa drugs; hepatic lipidosis (fatty
liver disease, one of the more common
liver diseases in cats;) trauma; heatstroke;
and infections (canine infectious
hepatitis, feline cholangiohepatitis.)
Causes of chronic liver disease:
Genetics, infections (canine infectious
hepatitis, leptospirosis,) toxins
(anticonvulsants, RimadylR,) and idiopathic
hepatitis, whose cause is unknown.
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Due to its supportive
nature, milk thistle is often used anytime
the pet becomes ill or toxic. It can also
be used anytime drugs that may be potentially
toxic to the pet are administered, especially
chemotherapy medicines for treating cancer,
heartworm treatment medications, and long-term
use of other medications (such as antibiotics
and corticosteroids.) The standard dosage
of milk thistle is 200 mg, two to three
times a day. In people, the best results
are seen at higher doses (140-200 mg three
times daily of an extract standardized
to contain 70% silymarin;) the bound form
is dosed at 100- 200 mg twice daily.
On the basis of its extensive use as a
food, milk thistle is believed to be safe
for pregnant or nursing women, and researchers
have enrolled pregnant women in studies.
However, safety in young children, pregnant
or nursing women, and individuals with
severe renal disease has not been formally
established. Similar precautions in pets
are probably warranted.
Other
Supplements
While milk thistle is most commonly used
for treating liver disease, other nutrients
such as choline, carnitine, arginine,
boswellia, burdock, dandelion root, licorice,
nettle, Oregon grape, red clover, turmeric,
yellow dock, and maitake mushrooms may
also be incorporated into the treatment
regimen.
Dr. Messonnier
practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
in Plano, Texas, and is the author of The
Arthritis Solution for Dogs and The Allergy
Solution for Dogs. His latest book is The
Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats for
which he was awarded the Better Health for
Life Award by the Cat Writers’ Association.
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