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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

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Researchers from the University of Florida have discovered a new mechanism of signal transmission between the nerve cells in the brain and the intestinal microbiome. In their study, they also showed how this mechanism can be modulated from a compound, called fenchol, that is abundant in basil and some other plants and can reduce neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease&nbsp; <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.735933/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.1]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In this article we will first look at what causes Alzheimer's disease, what causes it and then we will look in detail at whether basil can help fight the disease.

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?

What is Alzheimer's disease?

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?_0_0

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is associated with memory loss (dementia). Usually it begins with a slight degree of forgetfulness, but over time it can progress to the inability to maintain conversation and cope with daily activities and needs. The disease is more characteristic of the elderly, although it is known that pathological changes in the brain begin long before the appearance of the first symptoms.

What-is-Alzheimer's-disease?_0_1

Science still cannot give a full explanation of the causes of the onset of the disease, but usually patients experience increased deposition of the so-called amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Neuronal_heparan_sulfates_promote_amyloid_pathology_by_modulating_brain_amyloid_clearance_and_aggregation_in_Alzheimer_s_disease_27030596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. This process leads to pathological changes, which include neurotoxicity and the dying of nerve cells, as a result of which dementia appearsas well as a decrease in the ability to communicate.&nbsp;

Is-there-a-link-between-Alzheimer's-and-our-gut-microbiome?

Is there a link between Alzheimer's and our gut microbiome?

Is-there-a-link-between-Alzheimer's-and-our-gut-microbiome?_1_0

Is-there-a-link-between-Alzheimer's-and-our-gut-microbiome?_1_1

There is already data in the literature that show that patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease have a different composition of their intestinal microbiome. What does it mean?

Is-there-a-link-between-Alzheimer's-and-our-gut-microbiome?_1_2

The human microbiome is a complex ecosystem containing over 100 trillion micro-organisms, which is proving crucial to our existence. In addition, many nerve cells that form a direct connection to our brain, called the gut-brain axis, can also be found in our guts. This two-way communication with the central nervous system also takes place through our immune system, the vagus nerve and various metabolites, which are a product of the metabolism of microorganisms living in the intestine. An important group of such substances are short-chain fatty acids. Recent studies suggest that this may be directly related to the development of pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/the_impact_of_the_microbiota_gut_brain_axis_on_alzheimer_s_disease_pathophysiology_33246175" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref.3]</a>. Indeed, the amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)&nbsp;found in Alzheimer's patients is much less than in healthy patients with a well-balanced microflora.

How-does-our-brain-sense-the-presence-of-SCFAs?

How does our brain sense the presence of SCFAs?

How-does-our-brain-sense-the-presence-of-SCFAs?_2_0

This is a very logical question that science has an answer to. The nerve cells of our central nervous system have a sensor (receptor) on its surface that is called&nbsp;free fatty acid receptor . It is also found in many other tissues of the human body and its functions generally include regulation of energy metabolism and the&nbsp;immune system.&nbsp;In addition, researchers at the University of Florida, whose study is the subject of this article, show that the activity of these receptors may play a positive role in protecting brain cells from the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

The-role-of-basil

The role of basil

The-role-of-basil_3_0

The-role-of-basil_3_1

A mong144,000 compounds in search of natural products that can have a stimulating effect on free fatty acid receptors in the brain, the researchers came across a substance called fenchol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The-role-of-basil_3_2

Fenchol is found in abundance in basil leaves and gives them the specific aroma that we all know. It has the ability to bind specifically to fatty acid receptors in the brain and activate them. This in turn reduces the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and their neurotoxicity on cells, as scientists have shown in living cells and in model animals.

The-role-of-basil_3_3

Continuing the study, they managed to get into greater depth of the exact cellular processes that are affected by fennel. They identify two processes that help reduce neurotoxicity.

The-role-of-basil_3_4

One is related to the breakdown of unnecessary proteins in the cell by the so-called proteasome. It seems that fenchol manages to stimulate it and thus break down the amyloid-beta plaques, which are of a protein nature.&nbsp;

The-role-of-basil_3_5

The other mechanism concerns the aging of nerve cells. Fenchol treatment reduces this process and this allows the cells to regenerate faster and not accumulate malfunctioning cells in the tissue, called zombie cells - cells that accumulate in diseased tissues and cause inflammation in them.

The-role-of-basil_3_6

"Fenhall affects two interconnected mechanisms - aging and proteolysis", says Yadav, project leader, "It reduces the formation of semi-dead zombie nerve cells and also increases the breakdown of pathological amyloid-beta plaques so that they clear faster than the brain"<a href="https://www.genengnews.com/news/alzheimers-disease-pathology-curbed-using-aromatic-compound-in-basil/?utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_source=GEN+News+Highlights+of+the+Week&amp;utm_content=01&amp;utm_campaign=GEN+News+Highlights+of+the+Week_20211009&amp;oly_enc_id=3770G6149945C3X" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.4]</a>.

The-role-of-basil_3_7

In the future, researchers will focus on the treatment and prevention options of Alzheimer's with fenchol. Their idea is to compare the effectiveness of taking fenchol directly as a drug or taking basil.

The-role-of-basil_3_8

&nbsp;

The-role-of-basil_3_9

Activation of Microbiota Sensing – Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Signaling Ameliorates Amyloid-β Induced Neurotoxicity by Modulating Proteolysis-Senescence Axis, 2021, Front. Aging Neurosci

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Neuronal_heparan_sulfates_promote_amyloid_pathology_by_modulating_brain_amyloid_clearance_and_aggregation_in_Alzheimer_s_disease_27030596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neuronal heparan sulfates promote amyloid pathology by modulating brain amyloid-β clearance and aggregation in Alzheimer's disease</a>, 2016, Science Translational Medicine

The impact of the microbiota-gut-brain axis on Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, 2020, Pharmacological Research

Alzheimer's Disease Pathology Curbed Using Aromatic Compound in Basil, 2021, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News

In the season of the ramson find out what health properties it possesses, how it has been used in the past and how to prepare delicious pesto from wild garlic.

Wild Garlic - The Healing Properties of Ramson. Bonus: Recipe for Delicious Wild Garlic Pesto

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Tea is the second most common drink after water. Tea, which is prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant is 3 types: green, oolong and black - depending on the degree of oxidation of the leaves. The most oxidized are the leaves of black tea, not so much of the oolong tea and the leafs of green tea are not oxidized at all.

9 unexpected health benefits of green tea and how to prepare it

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Chillies owe their effect to a compound called capsaicin, which can help control inflammation and other harmful processes in the body associated with the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis), for example.

Are chili peppers healthy - find out what science has to say

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Studies have suggested that ginseng reduces physical, chemical and biological stress, while increasing overall vitality and immune function, including physical and mental capacity.

8 reasons why the Chinese call ginseng The King of Herbs

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure.

The liver does not hurt. Which are the herbs that can improve its health in the case of hepatitis, steatosis, and cirrhosis

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Silymarin has been used as a healing agent since ancient times. How its healing properties are manifested in the organism and what they are, you can find out in this article.

Silymarin - a well-known ancient herb - for the benefits in humans and animals

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Hops is well known as it is a major raw material in the production of beer. Interest in this plant is growing not only due to the search and creation of beer with new different flavors, but also for discovering and proving new beneficial properties for our health.

Healing Properties of Hops - The Essential Ingredient of Beer

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In recent years omega-3 fatty acids have gained popularity due to their numerous health benefits. They are an important part of lipid metabolism of animals and play a significant role in human health.

Omega-3 fatty acids: health benefits and sources

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Basil in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

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 Basil in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

Силвия Маринова

Do you think about your next meal all the time? Or about drinking anything other than water? Or what to wear for this long-awaited date, so you can't tell how swollen your belly is... again? &nbsp; Moreover, bloating, heaviness, pain, diarrhea or constipation are an integral part of most of ypu days?

If most of your answers to the above questions are positive, then it is very possible that you suffer from the so-called Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a chronic functional condition characterized by abdominal pain and impaired intestinal habits, but also a lack of structural and biochemical changes that can be <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/worldwide_prevalence_and_burden_of_functional_gastrointestinal_disorders_results_of_rome_foundation_global_study_32294476" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>diagnosed.&nbsp;A study published this year found that more than 40% of respondents from 33 countries reported suffering from some functional disorder of the digestive system <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/worldwide_prevalence_and_burden_of_functional_gastrointestinal_disorders_results_of_rome_foundation_global_study_32294476" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1</a>].

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Symptoms characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome lead to a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients. Usually, alleviating the condition requires a strict diet that includes avoiding a large amount of foods and beverages causing acute reaction and abdominal discomfort.&nbsp;Medications that reduce the discomfort can also be taken, but they do not have a healing effect, which makes them an insufficiently good solution in the long run.

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What-causes-the-pain-in-IBS-patients?

What causes the pain in IBS patients?

What-causes-the-pain-in-IBS-patients?_0_0

Another approach to the condition is to reduce stress and lead a calmer lifestyle.&nbsp;It turns out that our intestines are covered with over 100 million nerve cells that create a direct connection between them and our brain. That is why our emotions directly affect how our stomach feels.

What-causes-the-pain-in-IBS-patients?_0_1

Read more in the <a href="../p/chrievniiat_mikrobiom_i_nashieto_zdravie_62aa84cd_b51a_41ac_a714_087565dd2382" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;The intestinal microbiome and our health.</a>

What-causes-the-pain-in-IBS-patients?_0_2

This connection is also directly related to irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal pain, which is one of its most important symptoms. From a scientific point of view, it is defined as visceral hypersensitivity - a term meaning altered perception of normally occurring physiological processes <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_Role_of_Visceral_Hypersensitivity_in_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_Pharmacological_Targets_and_Novel_Treatments_27431236" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. The reason for this hypersensitivity caused by the intake of certain foods is the main question in the work of Gay Boeckxstaens, a gastroenterologist at the Catholic University of Leuven. The study led by him is published in the journal Nature earlier this year is the the subject of this article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03118-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?

Local immune response - a possible cause of IBS?

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_0

Many patients with IBS feel that they are allergic to certain foods and are doing expensive blood tests to find out which.&nbsp;Often, however, the results are negative. Here comes the new concept proposed by scientists from the Bokstens team - a specific allergic reaction localized in the gut.

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_1

The first prerequisites for this assumption appeared fifteen years ago in a study conducted at the Italian University of Bologna <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Mast_cell_dependent_excitation_of_visceral_nociceptive_sensory_neurons_in_irritable_bowel_syndrome_17241857" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>.&nbsp;Researchers have noticed that the immune system behaves differently in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In particular, in biopsies of their gut, they found a large number of activated specific cells of the immune system called mast cells. The function of these cells is usually associated with the invasion of external pathogens such as bacteria, parasites or viruses and is expressed in the release of substances that counteract them. What is special in this case is that the patients who were examined did not have an active infection, but nevertheless many activated mast cells were found in their intestines. What is even more interesting is that they are located near the nerve cells in the gut and cause them to fire. The biggest unanswered question that these results raise is what causes mast cells to become active?

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_2

This question intrigued Boeckxstaens and his team and they presented a completely new and unexpected idea. Their suggestion is that an intestinal infection could confuse the immune system in such a way that while it is fighting the pathogen, it can perceive some of the substances taken with food at that time as foreign and remember them as such. This could explain why, even when the infection subsides, the pain and cramps continue to occur with food intake and become chronic.

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_3

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_4

To test their hypothesis, the researchers infected mice with pathogenic bacteria, and some of them, while the infection lasted, gave them a protein called avalbumin, which can be found in abundance in egg whites. The other half of the mice did not take ovalbumin. After clearing the infection, the mice were again given the same substance. Interestingly, those who took it during infection exhibited signs of abdominal pain. In contrast, other mice did not develop such symptoms.

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_5

Further in the study, the researchers showed that after infection, ovalbumin triggers an allergy-like reaction, and that it is due to overactivation of mast cells and, accordingly, nerve cells firing - that can be perceived as pain by the body. We should emphasize that this reaction has one significant difference with typical food allergies - it remains localized in the gut and cannot be detected by blood tests looking for its signs in the blood.

Local-immune-response---a-possible-cause-of-IBS?_1_6

This study introduces a new and revolutionary idea of the root causes that lead to IBS. It also raises questions that seek their answers. One is whether such an immune reaction is at the heart of all types of IBS?&nbsp;The subject of the present work of the Boeckxstaens group is trying to answer whether stress alone could cause such an immune reaction.

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/worldwide_prevalence_and_burden_of_functional_gastrointestinal_disorders_results_of_rome_foundation_global_study_32294476" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study</a>, 2021, Gastroenterology

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_Role_of_Visceral_Hypersensitivity_in_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_Pharmacological_Targets_and_Novel_Treatments_27431236" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Role of Visceral Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Pharmacological Targets and Novel Treatments</a>, 2016, Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Local immune response to food antigens drives meal-induced abdominal pain, 2021, Nature

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Mast_cell_dependent_excitation_of_visceral_nociceptive_sensory_neurons_in_irritable_bowel_syndrome_17241857" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mast cell-dependent excitation of visceral-nociceptive sensory neurons in irritable bowel syndrome</a>, 2007, Gastroenterology

Fenchol is an aromatic compound that is found in abundance in basil leaves. In addition to giving it a specific and well-known aroma, it turns out that it can help reduce the pathologies caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Gin hides its origin not as a summer drink, but as a healing agent in the arsenal of traditional medicine.

Healing Properties of Juniper - The Secret of Gin 

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Summer aroma and ice cold taste - probably the mastic on the beach is the most common association of most of us when it comes to anise. But this plant turns out to be something more - a useful herb with many qualities that are used for medicinal purposes.

Anise - The Summer Taste of an Ancient Herb

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In this article you will find recipes from Russian folk medicine for dealing with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, psoriasis and hyperhidrosis.

Easy Recipes From Russian Folk Medicine For The Treatment Of Skin Diseases. Part 3: Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles, Psoriasis, Hyperhidrosis

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In this article you will find information about the most important things you need to know about stroke - types, symptoms, what to do if stroke happens, as well as innovative ways of rehabilitation and recovery even years after a stroke.

New Approaches To Stroke Rehabilitation

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Smoketree is a well-known gift from nature, which is distinguished by its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Smoketree - a natural antiseptic

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A Local Immune Reaction May Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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 A Local Immune Reaction May Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

What-is-silymarin?

What is silymarin?

What-is-silymarin?_0_0

Silymarin is an extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum, lat.), and the biologically active ingredient in it is called silybin or silibinin. Milk thistle is found in the Mediterranean and is part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. The healing properties of the plant are described as early as 40-90 AD by Dioskorid – Greek doctor and botanist. The next recognition was received in 1597 by John Gerrard, who noted its calmative properties [ref. 1]. Over time, the benefits of silymarin have been increasingly proven and nowadays it is considered more of a drug than a dietary supplement.

What-is-silymarin?_0_1

Mechanism-of-action

Mechanism of action

Mechanism-of-action_1_0

It is believed that the way silymarin manifests its healing properties is divided into four:

Mechanism-of-action_1_1

<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antioxidant – In diseases, the levels of free radicals in cells normally rise. These are oxygen-containing highly reactive molecules that can cause chain chemical reactions in the body. Free radicals are constantly formed, but the body has built a balance between their production and the production of antioxidants. When this balance is disturbed for one reason or another, inflammatory processes are stimulated and important cellular structures such as the cell membrane, different proteins and even genes can be damaged. This process, called oxidative stress, can lead to a number of diseases and even death, if not controlled. It is believed that silymarin stimulates the production of glutathione and the action of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which are major players in the detoxifying system of the body. In addition, it has a role in maintaining the structure of the cell membrane, which is important for preserving the integrity of the cell. <img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e7264468-35eb-41fb-8244-165919d8ede5_middle.PNG" border="0" alt=""></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Anti-inflammatory – suppression of the production of the proinflammatory substance leukotriene B4 is another main property of silymarin [ref. 2]. It also suppresses the action of NF-kB and FOXO, protein complexes that can be likened to bad brothers who challenge their little siblings to do bad things leading to the onset of inflammatory processes.
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Immunomodulatory action – it has been documented that at low doses, silymarin intake inhibits the function of T-lymphocyte immune cells, and at high doses, it can stimulate inflammatory processes in the body.
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stimulates the formation of ribosomes - organelles, which are known as "protein factories". <img class="tinyMCEImg" src="https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/6e53be7e-88a3-4484-bf21-143195520421_middle.jpg" border="0" alt=""></li>
</ol>

Benefits-of-taking-silymarin-in-humans:

Benefits of taking silymarin in humans:

Liver-diseases

Liver diseases

Liver-diseases_2_0

Although there are conflicting results in research, silymarin is recommended for liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. In order to have an effective result of its intake, it is considered that it should be taken in earlier stages of the disease while the regenerative abilities of the liver are still good and the antioxidant properties of silymarin would be most useful.

Liver-diseases_2_1

Liver-diseases_2_2

In hepatic fibrosis, the intake of the extract is recommended, because it is believed to hinder the transformation of myofibroblast cells into liver star cells. These cells replace the tissue with scar tissue rich in collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. When the balance between synthesis and degradation of these substances is disturbed, then a state of fibrosis occurs. Milk thistle extract helps to maintain this balance and liver health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [ref. 3].

Liver-diseases_2_3

Diabetes

Diabetes_2_0

Less well-known is the use of silymarin to prevent and treat diabetes. One of the things that oxidative stress directly damages is the normal function of beta cells of the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, which is responsible for exporting glucose from the circulation to cells. When this function is impaired, blood sugar levels rise because there is no insulin to transport it. This could be a cause of diabetes. Due to the antioxidant properties of silymarin, the disease, if caused by that, can be avoided [ref. 4, 5].

Diabetes_2_1

Diabetes_2_2

In type 2 diabetes, the body builds resistance to insulin. Scientific studies have shown that taking silymarin improves insulin resistance by stimulating lipolysis (fat degradation) and suppression of gluconeogenesis (a process in which substances that are not carbohydrates (sugars) are transformed to glucose) [ref. 6].

Cancer

Cancer_2_0

Silymarin extract is proven to be a worthy remedy for various cancers in many scientific studies, with the best results observed with a combined intake of silymarin with chemotherapy [ref. 7, 8].

Cancer_2_1

One of the ways this herb helps is by suppressing the action of potentially toxic CYP-mediated reactions and potentiating the activity of substances called conjugates involved in the detoxifying processes of the body [ref.9]. An example of this action is a study done on rats treated with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, which has cardiotoxic properties. Doxorubicin stimulates the action of a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 involved in CYP-mediated reactions. These enzymes lower the levels of cardioprotective molecules called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or EET's [ref. 10]. Taking silymarin inhibits the action of cytochrome P450, which reduces the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug [ref. 9].

Cancer_2_2

Poisoning

Poisoning_2_0

If you are a mushroom lover, you may have encountered the mushroom of the species Amanita phalloides, also called the "death cap", and in Bulgaria known as a green fly agaric. This mushroom is classified as one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world. The alpha-amanitin toxin it contains can lead to liver and kidney failure, and even death, if no action is taken quickly. Silibinin has been shown to prevent the absorption of the toxin by hepatocytes (liver cells) thereby protecting healthy cells.

Poisoning_2_1

Brain-health

Brain health

Brain-health_2_0

Brain-health_2_1

Over time, oxidative stress in the body increases. That's one reason our bodies get older. Alzheimer's is an adult disease, and one of the reasons considered leading to the onset of the disease is oxidative stress. Silymarin extract has been used to treat this disease since ancient times, although at the time there was probably no scientific evidence of its effect [ref. 11]. Nowadays, however, there are studies that have proven the beneficial properties of silymarin for brain health. It is believed that through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the extract can protect neurons from oxidative stress [ref. 12] and reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain [ref. 13, 14], the presence of which is a typical sign of Alzheimer's.

Brain-health_2_2

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:

Potential beneficial properties of silymarin:

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_0

It is characteristic for menopausal women to develop osteoporosis disease, which is accompanied by progressive bone loss. When menopause occurs, estrogen levels decrease significantly. One of the functions of estrogen is to maintain the balance between bone formation and resorption. When its levels drop, the balance is disturbed and the bones become weaker and more brittle. If before menopause a woman's bones are weak, very often after menopause she develops osteoporosis. Silymarin has the potential to stimulate bone mineralization and delay over time, or even prevent osteoporosis in these women [ref. 15].

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_1

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_2

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is believed that silymarin extract has positive properties in the treatment of acne [ref. 16].

Potential-beneficial-properties-of-silymarin:_3_3

There are few studies on the subject, but silymarin can have an effect on the production of breast milk in women [ref. 17].

Animal-benefits:

Animal benefits:

Animal-benefits:_4_0

In the same way, as in humans, the action of silibinin in sheep in poisoning has been documented. Known trouble for livestock is poisoning with larvae of sawfly. The toxin, lofirothamine, which causes poisoning, has a similar structure to that of the&nbsp;green fly agaric. Therefore, treatment with milk thistle extract has proven just as effective in detoxifying the organs of infected livestock [ref. 18].

Animal-benefits:_4_1

Animal-benefits:_4_2

The addition of silymarin to broiler food reduces the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is common in the food of these animals. The toxin reduces hatching, hatching weight, growth rate, meat and egg production and the quality of meat and eggs. It has been noted that due to the intake of silymarin together with food, there is an improvement in these factors in broilers [ref. 19].

Animal-benefits:_4_3

Animal-benefits:_4_4

The benefit of silymarin was also noted in dogs, when given after taking metronidazole, which usually harms the liver [ref. 20].

Animal-benefits:_4_5

At birth, the liver of cows begins to get fatty, a disease known as hepatic steatosis. In individuals with an advanced condition, this can lead to more serious health problems, as well as worsen milk production. It has been shown that when taking silymarin, the enzyme activity of the liver, as well as milk production improve in cows [ref.21, 22]. In another study, the herb, in combination with other herbs, was used as a substitute for an antibiotic in the diet of pigs. The results are shown by the appearance of the pigs and the meat – the livestock that took the herbs, developed the least fat around the organs and back, gave the most livestock and its meat was more tender and juicy than the meat of the other groups of pigs that did not take the herbs [ref.23].&nbsp; These effects are most likely manifested by the fact that silymarin stimulates lipolysis and suppresses gluconeogenesis, as documented in some studies [ref.6].

Animal-benefits:_4_6

Conclusion

Conclusion_5_0

Nowadays people are starting to trust alternative medicine more and more and research in scientific circles about the healing properties of various herbs and plants is increasing. Silymarin is such a remedy that has many health benefits for both humans and animals. More research is needed to prove its effects and to establish its use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion_5_1

Siegel, A. B., &amp; Stebbing, J. (2013). Milk thistle: early seeds of potential.&nbsp;The Lancet. Oncology,&nbsp;14(10), 929–930.&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70414-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70414-5</a>

Lovelace, E., et al. (2015). Silymarin Suppresses Cellular Inflammation By Inducing Reparative Stress Signaling.&nbsp;Journal of natural products,&nbsp;78(8), 1990–2000.&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00288</a>&nbsp;

R.&nbsp;Gebhardt. (2002). Oxidative Stress, Plant-Derived Antioxidants and Liver Fibrosis. Planta med 68:289-296.&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-26761" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-26761</a>&nbsp;

Organs and systems