Plant Extracts for Liver & Digestion

At around 1.5 kg, the liver is the largest internal organ and performs over 500 different functions. Two phases in particular are relevant to detoxification:

• Phase 1 (activation): Pollutants are chemically altered and «activated» by enzymes (cytochrome P450). This briefly produces even more reactive intermediates.
• Phase 2 (conjugation): The activated substances are bound to molecules (e.g. glutathione, glucuronic acid) to make them water-soluble and therefore excretable.

Both phases need to be in balance. If phase 1 is stimulated without supporting phase 2, harmful intermediates can accumulate. This is why a holistic approach matters.

For its work, the liver requires certain nutrients: antioxidants, B vitamins, sulphur compounds and certain plant extracts that support its function.

For centuries, certain medicinal plants have been used to support the liver. The most important ones:

• Milk thistle (silymarin): Probably the best-known liver-protective active ingredient. Silymarin protects the liver cells from damage, promotes cell regeneration and has antioxidant properties. In Germany, milk thistle is approved as a herbal medicinal product.
• Artichoke: Promotes the flow of bile and thereby supports fat digestion and the excretion of toxins via the bile. Artichoke leaf extract is traditionally associated with supporting normal liver function.
• Dandelion: Traditionally known as a «liver herb». It supports bile production and has diuretic properties that aid excretion.
• Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric is being studied in research for antioxidant and inflammation-modulating effects. It traditionally complements herbal liver concepts.

Combining several plant extracts in one formula can produce synergistic effects – the active ingredients reinforce one another.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment of plants and is chemically very similar to human haemoglobin (the red blood pigment). The difference: instead of iron, chlorophyll contains magnesium at its centre.

Chlorophyll is traditionally valued for various properties:

• Plant accompanying substance: Studies are investigating whether chlorophyll can bind certain substances in the gut
• Antioxidant properties: Plant pigments belong to the group of secondary plant compounds
• Fresh breath: Chlorophyll is traditionally used as a natural breath freshener
• Daily routine: Easy to integrate into everyday life

Liquid chlorophyll from alfalfa is easy to add to a glass of water and makes for an uncomplicated daily routine as part of a balanced diet.

A mindful lifestyle does not have to be radical. These everyday-friendly habits complement normal liver and metabolic function over the long term:

• Warm lemon water in the morning: A traditional habit that provides vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Include bitter compounds: Rocket, chicory, dandelion and artichokes contain natural bitter compounds that traditionally belong to digestion.
• Take alcohol breaks: Conscious alcohol-free phases are part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Drink enough: At least 2 litres of water or unsweetened tea – water is the basis of all metabolic processes.
• Movement: Regular physical activity complements a healthy lifestyle.
• Sleep: Restful sleep is important for overnight regeneration. Read more in our article on restful sleep.