What is the form of silymarin that you recommend?
Recently, a new form of silymarin has emerged that may provide the greatest benefit. The new form binds silybin, the key component of silymarin, to phosphatidylcholine, the key component of our cellular membranes throughout the body. The result is a product known as SILIPHOS ®. Current research indicates that SILIPHOS ® is better absorbed and produces better results than other silymarin or milk thistle extracts.

What is the evidence to support the claim that SILIPHOS is better?
Several human and animal studies have shown SILIPHOS ® is better absorbed. In one study, the excretion of silybin in the bile was evaluated in patients undergoing gallbladder removal because of gallstones. A special drainage tube, the T-tube, was used to get the samples of bile necessary. Patients were given either a single dose of the SILIPHOS ® or silymarin. The amount of silybin recovered in the bile within 48 hours was 11% for the SILIPHOS ® group and 3% for the silymarin group.

In another study designed to assess the absorption of SILIPHOS ®, plasma silybin levels were determined after administration of single oral doses of SILIPHOS ® and a similar amount of silymarin to 9 healthy volunteers. The authors concluded SILIPHOS ® was absorbed roughly 7 times greater than regular milk thistle extracts standardized to contain 70-80% silymarin.

Are there any studies showing better results with SILIPHOS?
Several clinical studies have also shown SILIPHOS ® to produce better results than regular silymarin extracts. In one study of 232 patients with chronic hepatitis (viral, alcohol, or drug induced) treated with SILIPHOS ® at a dosage either 120mg twice daily or 120mg three times daily for up to 120 days, liver function returned to normal faster in the patients taking SILIPHOS ® compared to a group of controls (49 treated with a commercially available milk thistle extract standardized to contain 70% silymarin; 117 untreated or given placebo).

Better results were also seen in a preliminary study in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (3 with hepatitis B, 3 with both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and 2 with hepatitis C) given SILIPHOS for 2 months. After Treatment, serum malondialdehyde levels (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) decreased by 36%, and the quantitative liver function evaluation, as expressed by galactose elimination capacity, increased by 15%. A statistically significant reduction of liver enzymes was also seen: AST decreased 17% and ALT decreased 16%.

In another study designed primarily to evaluate the dose-response relationship of SILIPHOS ®, positive effects were again displayed at a level better than those reported for milk thistle extracts containing 70-80% silymarin. In the study, patients with chronic hepatitis due to either a virus or alcohol were given different doses of SILIPHOS ®: 20 patients received 80mg twice daily, 20 patients received 120 mg twice daily, and 20 patients received 120mg three times daily for two weeks.

At all tested doses, SILIPHOS ® produced a remarkable and statistically significant decrease of mean serum and total bilirubin levels. When used at the dose of 240 or 360mg per day, it also resulted in a remarkable and statistically significant decrease of the ALT and GGTP liver enzymes. These results indicate that even short-term treatment of viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis with relative low doses of phosphatidylcholine bound silymarin can be effective, but for the best results higher doses are indicated.

What is the dosage recommendation for SuperSiliphos?
For general support for the liver and detoxification, 120mg of SILIPHOS ® is recommended. When additional support is needed the dosage recommendation is 360mg three times per day.

The information found on these materials has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

  Siliphos is a registered trademark of Indena S.p.A.