The liver is the largest visceral organ in the body, comprising 1-3% of the total body weight [1]. It was thought to have originated as a digestive gland, but has now evolved to become involved in a variety of functions vital for the normal operation of the body [1].

The liver is situated in the abdominal cavity, just below the ribs, on the right hand side of the body. When food is digested by the stomach and small intestines, nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream and pass, via the hepatic-portal vein, through the liver before entering general circulation. So all nutrients digested must first pass through the liver before going to the rest of the body [1].

As such the liver is vital in the control of nutrient homeostasis. The liver is involved in the regulation of sugar and carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, and amino acid degradation [1]. Since all blood will pass through the liver, the liver is involved in the regulation of blood homeostasis. The liver is very important in the filtering of whole blood. It detoxifies any poisons or drugs entering the blood stream and also breaks down bacteria and worn out red blood cells. These it disposes of in the bile, thus also producing bile [1]. The liver also regulates the blood level of sugar and nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. It is also a storage depot for minerals such as iron [1].

As such, a well-maintained liver is vital for the normal functioning of the Body. If the liver is not functioning properly then numerous health problems are due to follow.

This occurs in a common subclinical liver condition known as ‘sluggish liver’ [2]. Sluggish liver reflects a minimal impairment of liver function, but because of the important role of the liver in numerous metabolic processes, even a minor impairment of liver function could have profound effects [2]. As this condition is subclinical, symptoms can be very hard to detect. Symptoms of ‘sluggish liver’ include fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances, allergies, premenstrual syndrome, and constipation [2].

Liver cleansing and detoxification represents a desire to enhance liver function through the removal of toxins (endogenous or otherwise), which are accumulated in the liver through day-to-day living. It also represents the knowledge that the liver is vital for a number of functions within the body. As part of liver cleansing and detoxification, the concept of liver protection (the desire to improve liver function by protecting it from damage) is crucial, whether this damage is caused by oxidative free radicals or by exogenous, synthetically derived toxins [2].

Specific natural compounds and herbs can be utilised to increase the rate of bile flow and fat movement out of the liver, removing toxins and unwanted sludge from the liver. Antioxidants and membrane stabilising compounds are also used to protect the liver from the build up of toxic compounds that could hamper liver function. This results in a liver that is more efficient at its normal functions, improving the general well being of the individual.

The main ingredients of therapeutic benefit utilised are methionine, green tea extract, tumeric, milk thistle, dandelion, taurine, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and L-glycine, L-cysteine, & L-glutamic acid.

Methionine

Methionine is an essential sulphur containing amino acid, which is the first amino acid in all protein chains. It is of high biological value due to its role as a methyl group donor [2]. Methionine, through its active form S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM), is involved in the formation of a number of products within the liver cells. Methionine has been shown to increase membrane fluidity that is believed to aid in improving bile flow [3]. Other studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of methionine as a choleretic agent [4]. The administration of methionine has been shown to prevent or ameliorate the hepatotoxic effects of several drugs and chemicals. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that SAM administration improves the clinical symptoms of patients with chronic liver diseases caused by hepatotoxic compounds [5]. Studies have demonstrated that the administration of methionine is able to ameliorate cirrhotic liver injury. This is believed to be due to cirrhosis being associated with the impaired metabolism of methionine [5].

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular plant that is used to produce the beverage green tea, a beverage very popular in India and Asia. Green tea extract contains a variety of active constituents; one of the most potent is catechin. Catechin is believed to possess a variety of hepatoprotective actions, including antioxidant, free radical scavenging, choleretic membrane stabilising, and immune stimulating actions [2].

Catechin has a marked antioxidant effect in vitro with part of this action due to its ability as a free radical scavenger [6]. It has been shown in some studies to inhibit carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, and bromotrichloromethane hepatotoxicity caused through free radical production [6]. Catechin is also known to have a sparing effect on glutathione metabolism [6].

Catechin is extremely beneficial in targeting tumour promoters, whose mode of action is free radical induction of DNA synthesis [6].

Catechin possesses a potent membrane stabilising ability, through the inhibition of leukotrienes. As such catechin has a positive effect countering lipid accumulation and cholestasis in humans [2].

Tumeric

Tumeric (Curcuma longa) is a herb which has been used for more than a millennia for its medical properties. It is especially beneficial for improving liver function [7].

Extracts of curcumin possess significant antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is comparable to Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and synthetic antioxidants. Studies by Huang et al have demonstrated that the administration of curcumin to mice inhibits tumourgenesis induced by chemical carcinogens. The mechanism of inhibitory effects of dietary curcumin is unknown but tumeric influences the metabolic activation and detoxification of chemical carcinogens [8].

Rumpranad and Sirisi have found that tumeric administration to dogs causes a maximal increase in the quantity of bile flow, and an increase in the total amount of bile salts, cholesterol, and bilirubin present in bile [7].

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for centuries throughout Europe for curing jaundice and biliary derangements. Milk thistle is believed to be one of the most potent liver protecting substances known [2].

Milk thistle is believed to prevent liver damage through three mechanisms:

1. Antioxidant action (it is believed to be more potent than Vitamin E)

2. Inhibition of leukotrienes

3. Stimulation of liver protein synthesis.

Milk thistle has further been shown to elevate basal glutathione levels by 35%[9]. The active constituents of milk thistle are flavanolignans collectively known as silymarin. Silymarin has been shown to be protective against the acute administration of liver toxins and affords protection against chronic heavy metal toxicity. Silymarin has also been shown to suppress the pathological decomposition of liver membrane lipids and is thought to inhibit prostaglandin formation [9].

A number of clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of silymarin in improving the life expectancies and conditions of people with a variety of liver disorders [2].

Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a commonly found herb that has been used therapeutically in the treatment of liver and biliary conditions [10].

Dandelion is useful for liver and gall bladder inflammations and congestion, especially in jaundice. Studies in humans and animals show that dandelion root enhances the flow of bile, improving liver congestions, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones and jaundice [10].

Dandelion was shown to increase bile flow 2 fold through a direct effect upon the liver, causing an increase in bile production and flow to the gall bladder (choleretic effect) and a direct effect on gall bladder constriction (Cholagogue effect) [15].

Dandelion possesses the flavanoids apigen and luteolin, both of which have antiviral activity. These are also believed to be effective in countering chemical carcinogens, therefore preventing carcinogenesis [11].

Taurine

This sulfuric amino acid is synthesised from methionine and cysteine via the trans-sulfuration pathway. It is further metabolised to taurocholate that acts as a bile salt for micelle formation and fatty acid conjugation [12].

Taurine possesses a variety of protective effects in the liver. Numerous studies have demonstrated that taurine is able to decrease lipid peroxidation and block a variety of oxidative free radical effects [12].

Taurine has also been shown to protect against the toxic effects of hydrazine, carbon tetrachloride, and bleomycin in rat liver cells [13]. This is thought to be due to its membrane stabilising capabilities [13].

Taurine is involved in the conjugation of bile acids and xenobiotics, and may be involved in the detoxification of reactive metabolites. Many reactive metabolites and xenobiotics are disposed of via the bile [14].

Taurine has been reported to help prevent cholestasis and increase bile flow in guinea pigs dosed with various hepatotoxic compounds [14].

Others

Other beneficial compounds include vitamin C, vitamin E and the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and L-glycine - the precursors of L-glutathione, all of which have very potent antioxidant effects.

Vitamin C, E, and glutathione act synergistically within the liver to prevent free radical damage, with all the vitamins possessing a sparing effect on glutathione metabolism.

This product is ideal for people who wish to improve liver function, wish to protect the liver, or who have a specific liver condition.

Directions: Take up 5 capsules daily or as professionally prescribed. Take in the morning and ensure that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Best used in conjunction with an intestinal cleansing programme.

Caution : Not for pregnant or lactating women.

[1] Andrews, W.H. (1979). Studies in biology No. 5: Liver. p. 1-11. Southhampton: Camelot Press Ltd.

[2] Pizzorno, J., Murray, M. (1992). A textbook of natural medicine. p. V:carnite-1, V:catech-1, V:curcum-1, V:glycyr-1, VI:Gallst-1, V:silybin-1, IV:HepPro-1. Seattle: Bastyr University Publications.

[3] Chaitow, L. (1989). The healing power of amino acids. p.35; 46-68. Wellingborough: Thorsons Publishing Group.

[4] Bray, G., Tredger, M., Williams, R. (1992). S-Adenosyl Methionine protects against acetaminophen hepatoxicity in two mouse models. Hepatology, 15:297-301.

[5] Rafique, S., Guardascione, M., Osman, E., Burroughs, A., Owen, J. (1992). Reversal of extrahepatic membrane cholesterol deposition in patients with chronic liver disease by S-adenosyl-L-methionine: Clinical science, 83:353-356.

[6] Blum, A., Doelle, W., Kortum, K., Peter, P., Strohmeyer, G., Berthet, P., Goebell, H. (1977). Treatment of acute viral hepatitis with (+)-cyanidanol-3: The Lancet, II:1153-1154.

[7] Ammon, H., Wahl, M. (1990). Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Medica, 57:1-7.

[8] Huang, M., Lou, Y., W., Newmark, H., Reuhl, K., Conney, A. (1994). Inhibitory effects of dietary curcumin on forestomach, duodenal, and colon carcinogenesis in mice. Cancer Research, 54:5841-5847.

[9] Bone, K., Burgess, N., Mclead, D. (1994). How to prescribe herbal medicines - the Mediherb prescriber reference, (2ed) p. 14-15. Queensland: Creed and Lang Publishing.

[10] Cordatos, E. (1992). Taraxacum officinate. In: A textbook of Natural Medicine, Pizzorno, J., Murray, M. (Ed). P. V:Tarax-1, Seattle: Bastyr University Publications.

[11] Adzet, T., Camarasa, J. (1988). Pharmacokinetics of polyphenolic compounds. In Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants: Recent advances in horticulture, botany and pharmacology (Volume 3), Cracker, L., Simon, J. (Ed). P36-40. Phoenix:Oryx Press.

[12] Chesney, R. (1985). Taurine: Its biological role and clinical implications. Advances in Pediatrics, 32:1-42.

[13] Waterfield, L., Turton, J., Scales, M., Timbrell, J. (1993). Effects of various non-hepatotoxic compounds on urinary liver and taurine levels in rats. Archives in Toxicology, 67:538-546.

[14] Waterfield, L., Mesquita, M., Parriham, P., Timbrell, J. (1995). Taurine protects against the cytotoxicity of hydrazine, 1,4-naphthoquinone and carbon tetrachloride in isolated rat hepatocytes. Biochemical Pharmacology, 46(4):589-595.