The Guide To Liver Tonic Supplements For A Healthy Liver

Here are the common types of Liver Supplements found in Malaysian pharmacies.

1) Milk Thistle

Perhaps the most popular of them all, milk thistle is a flowering plant which is also known as holy thistle or Mary thistle. Some supplements might use its more scientific term ‘silymarin’ on their packaging. Milk thistle is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This means that it can protect liver cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which are common causes of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis.

2) Dandelion

This ingredient in often paired with milk thistle. Seen by most people as a pesky weed (or perhaps an attractive flower), it has many medicinal benefits. Similar to milk thistle, dandelion is an antioxidant. It also aids in bile production, hence helping to break down fat in the body. Dandelion possesses a diuretic effect which can help flush toxins out of the body.

3) Neem

Neem, or neem leaves specifically, have been in use for ages. Being a popular herb in traditional Indian medicine, it is used for a myriad of medicinal purposes. According to the Ayurveda, the plant in its essence is extremely bitter and this is what contributes to its cleansing properties. It helps the liver in its detoxification process by hydrolyzing fat compounds of toxins and makes it easier to be excreted from our bodies.

4) Phyllanthus

Phyllanthus is a shrub originated from India. In certain parts of India, it is renowned for treating conditions like jaundice and hepatitis. It helps in strengthening the outer layer of liver cells and improves the liver’s ability to deflect toxins. Phyllanthus is also known as the ‘stonebreaker’ as it is useful in treating kidney stones.

5) Phosphotidylcholine (PC)

Without getting too technical with its chemical structure, PC is basically a phospholipid connected to choline. You can see it as a building block of the membrane of your cells. This is present mostly in your brain and liver. Your liver requires choline to carry fat to the rest of the body. This prevents fat from accumulating the liver. PC also helps to repair liver cells and help regenerate damaged ones, thus protecting the liver as a whole.

6) Ademetionine

Ademetionine, or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), is an amino acid methionine. It is usually produced by our own bodies but there are instances where there might be a deficiency as our body produces less of it. Another compound, known as glutathione, is an antioxidant which is responsible in protecting the liver from oxidative stress. Ademetionine assists in this process by increasing the level of glutathione in the liver.

7)Essential phospholipids

The cell membranes in our liver is made up of phospholipids. This ensures the fluidity of the membrane and allows substances to flow in and out of the cells. When this layer is damaged, many functions are also affected and in severe cases, the cell dies. Phospholipids are usually produced by the body but there are some which has to be taken though diet. These are known as essential phospholipids.