Description
The liver is the primary detoxification site in the body regulating conversion of harmful by products to neutral compounds. A variety of cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and wasabi may have potent liver protective activities which include induction of a detoxifying enzyme, glutathione S-transferase (GST). The conversion of oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to its reduced state (GSH) is the body’s primary pathway for dealing with oxidative stress. This activity can be both liver protective and antiproliferative, likely via influencing levels of reactive oxygen species.†
Broccoli sprout – derived sulforaphane is a phytochemical which has been shown through double – blind, plac ebo controlled human studies to be capable of activating GST .† Sulforaphane is considered to be an inducer of phase II enzyme activity in the liver and has also demonstrated a role in maintaining healthy colon cell function.† Another plant in the Brassicacea family containing phytochemical s with potential for cytoprotection is w asabi . The wasabi rhizome contains various isothiocyanates and in particular a key active compound called 6 – methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6 – HITC) which has been shown to support various biological properties including the induction of nuclear fact or erythroid 2 – related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ) . † Nutrigenomic activation of transcription factor Nrf2, is required to turn on many genes t hat induce cytoprotection such as those playing key roles redox status and detoxification
Silybum marianum , milk thistle, is rich in flavonoids known collectively as silymarin. Silymarin has been shown to support and enhance normal, healthy liver function through three primary actions. By binding to the outer cell membrane, silymarin inhibits unwanted toxins from entering the cell. † Silymarin further protects the liver as an important component of the liver’s antioxidant defense. The liver generates poten tially damaging, toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species (e.g. peroxides) as a result of its normal metabolic and detoxifying functions. Silymarin supports healthy levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, two primary substances with antioxid ant activity in the liver that reduce free radicals known to interfere with normal cell function. †
Cynara scolymus , artichoke, has been used medicinally for centuries. Similar to milk thistle, it is beneficial to the liver as it supports the liver’s excretion of fats . † Extracts of artichoke can stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and support liver cells from oxidative damage. † Cynara’s usefulness in liver health is thought to be due to its content of caffeoylquinic acids, e.g. cynarin, and flavonoids
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers excessive secretion of a variety of mediators including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Luteolin and l uteolin – 7 – O – glucoside, the active compounds with antioxidant activity from dande lion extract may support cellular protection and reduce lipopolysaccharides in animal models. † Barberry and bilberry extracts have high antioxidant activity to support the production of glutathione . Preclinical evidence on bilberry suggests protective effects on liver function by reduc tion in the levels of reactive oxygen species in stressed animals. †
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