Did you know that an herbal extract found in milk thistle has been proven to be effective in killing cancerous skin cells and protecting against cancer? Yes, the ingredient is silibinin, a powerful compound that researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have been studying for over two decades. Their findings have been nothing short of impressive.
According to Rajesh Agarwal, Ph.D., co-program leader of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Cancer Center, when a cell is affected by UV radiation, you either want to repair it or kill it so that it cannot cause cancer. It turns out, silibinin does both.
Two studies from the University of Colorado Cancer Center show that the silibinin extract can kill cancerous skin cells mutated by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and protect against cancer and photoaging.
One thing to note is that when human skin cells, called keratinocytes, are treated with silibinin, nothing happens. The compound is not toxic. However, when these cells are damaged with UVA radiation, silibinin treatment kills the cells off effectively. This process of cell removal is exceptionally helpful in eliminating mutated cells that can cause skin cancer and photoaging.
Their research on silibinin has provided a much more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that allow this compound to work so effectively against cancerous cells. In this article, we will dive deeper into silibinin’s incredible health benefits, how to consume it, and any precautions you should be aware of.
Silibinin and Its Health Benefits
Silibinin is a flavonolignan, a unique type of naturally occurring plant compound that exhibits remarkable biological activities. It is one of the biologically active components extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum).
Milk thistle has been used traditionally for centuries and is known for its hepatoprotective effects. In other words, it’s excellent for liver health. In fact, the extract from milk thistle is widely used to treat liver diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. However, silibinin itself has some more specific benefits, such as:
- Cancer Prevention: The most important and eye-catching benefit of silibinin is its ability to prevent and treat various types of cancer, as proven by numerous scientific studies. Apart from skin cancer, silibinin treatment has been effective in fighting against breast, prostate, lung, colon, and bladder cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells.
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Silibinin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help protect the body from chronic diseases and damage caused by toxic substances, environmental pollutants, and UV radiation.
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Brain Health: Silibinin has neuroprotective effects, meaning it can protect the brain from the negative effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, which are major factors contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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Diabetes Management: Studies have shown that silibinin can regulate glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent insulin resistance, making it a great natural supplement for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.
How to Consume Silibinin
Silibinin can be taken as a supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with your healthcare professional for the appropriate dosage.
Milk thistle tea and standardized milk thistle extract supplements containing silibinin are also available, making it easy to incorporate this powerful compound into your daily routine.
Many milk thistle supplements contain a standardized extract consisting of 70-80% silymarin, the active ingredient complex found in milk thistle. Silibinin makes up about 50-70% of this silymarin complex.
Precautions and Side Effects
While silibinin is generally considered safe, there are some precautions to consider:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using silibinin supplements.
- If you have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, you should avoid using silibinin unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare practitioner.
- Silibinin may have blood-thinning effects, so individuals currently on blood-thinning medications should use caution and consult their healthcare practitioner before using silibinin or milk thistle supplements.
Despite these precautions, silibinin is a powerful compound with impressive cancer-fighting potential and many other health benefits. By incorporating silibinin into your routine, you could take an essential step towards a healthier you.
