The
liver serves hundreds of functions within the
body. The following is a partial list of some
of these functions. Detoxification. A protein
called albumin circulates in the blood and binds
to medications, toxins and other substances and
carries them back to the liver where they can
be metabolized by the liver. The liver also breaks
down some substances produced in the body that
can be harmful such as excess cholesterol and
excess hormones including aldosterone, norepinephrine
and insulin. Hormone balance. The liver breaks
down excess levels of sex hormones estrogens,
progesterone, and testosterone, and binds them
with other substances to assist their excretion
through the kidneys. The liver also breaks down
sex hormone mimickers known as xenoestrogens,
such as dioxin and DDT. Xenoestrogens exert a
powerful and dangerous hormonal effect on the
body, and can be up to 30,000 times stronger than
the estrogens produced by the body. Poisonous
ammonia, produced from protein break down, is
converted into less toxic urea by the liver, so
it can eliminated from the body as urine. Kuppfer
cells in the liver remove bacteria and other dangerous
materials. Cholesterol. The liver synthesizes
cholesterol for the production of hormones and
vitamin D. Though the liver also breaks down excess
cholesterol when working properly. Cholesterol
lowering statin drugs work by blocking cholesterol
synthesis by the liver, though these drugs are
well known for damaging the liver, which could
lead to a subsequent rise in cholesterol. Blood
sugar control. The liver converts sugars, amino
acids and fats into glucose. The liver converts
some of this glucose into glycogen and stores
the glycogen for future use. When glucose levels
drop, the adrenal glands normally release cortisol,
which in turn releases the stored glycogen from
the liver to help raise glucose levels back to
normal. Insulin growth factor, which is involved
in maintaining proper blood sugar levels, is also
produced in the liver. Energy. Stored glycogen
also serves as emergency fuel in times of crisis.
During emergency situations cortisol is also released
to raising glucose levels to give the body, especially
the muscles, extra energy. The liver also converts
some proteins and sugars into fats, which also
serve as a fuel source for the body. Vitamin and
mineral storage. The liver stores copper, and
stores iron in the form of ferretin. The fat soluble
vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the liver
as well as the water soluble folate, and vitamin
B12. Digestion. The liver assists in the breakdown
of foods and many medications so they can be used
by the body. Bile is produced in the liver and
stored in the gallbladder for use in the digestion
of fats. Blood clotting. The liver helps regulate
blood clotting through the production of various
clotting factors. Immunity. The liver also plays
a role in immunity by producing antibodies. Healing.
The liver synthesizes some amino acids, and regulates
their levels in the blood. Amino acids are required
for growth and repair of tissues. Complement proteins
are also produced by the liver, which are involved
in the regulation of the inflammatory process.
Inflammation is a necessary part of healing because
inflammatory prostaglandins help increase blood
flow to injured areas. This helps speed healing
by increasing oxygen and nutrient levels to the
injured area. The liver also produces growth hormones,
especially insulin growth factor (IGF) and epidural
growth factor (EGF). Fluid regulation. A plasma
protein produced by the liver, known as albumin,
helps maintain the pressure between intracellular
and extracellular fluid. Cell recycling. The liver
breaks down old cells and antibodies that need
to be removed from the body and recycles some
of these cellular materials for the production
of new cells, hormones, and other substances required
by the body.
These
are only some of the many functions of the liver.
And with so many functions, disorders of the liver
also come with many potential side effects. Side
effects of liver dysfunction include long term
elevation of liver enzymes, fatigue, itchy skin,
anal itching, loss of appetite, muscle weakness,
easy bruising from decreased clotting factors,
bleeding gums or nose, malabsorption of fats,
and foul smelling diarrhea from these fats being
expelled in the feces, light colored stools, dark
urine, hormone imbalances; which may lead to endometriosis,
fibroids, cysts, breast enlargement, shrunken
testicles, insomnia, thyroid dysfunction, decreased
libido, hair loss etc., spider angiomas, clubbing
of the nails or whitening of the nail beds, increased
cholesterol levels, peritonitis, varicose veins,
decreased detoxification, and alteration in the
metabolization of medications or prevention of
the medications being metabolized.
More
severe liver dysfunction may lead to liver damage,
liver enlargement, spleen enlargement from portal
hypertension, hardening of the liver or cirrhosis,
jaundice, fluid accumulation, vein varices in
the stomach and esophagus, which can rupture leading
to vomiting of blood, loss of blood through the
feces, and possibly shock and death. Excess ammonia
levels, or the consumption of high levels of protein
may lead to a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy,
leading to mental confusion.
The
most common cause of liver dysfunction is hepatitis,
which literally means inflammation of the liver.
Contrary to popular belief hepatitis is not always
caused by hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis may be
from other viruses as well, such as various herpes
viruses. In addition bacteria, fungi, and parasites
may also cause hepatitis. Many pharmaceutical
drugs are known, or believed, to cause chemical
induced hepatitis. These drugs include, but are
not limited to anti-inflammatories, and other
pain relievers, anti-cholesterol drugs, erythromycin,
methotrexate, dilantin, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin,
methyldopa, baycol, serzone, accutane, duract,
lamisil, zithromax, and arava.
Tobacco
contains many chemical additives known to cause
liver damage, and alcohol may cause liver damage
especially when pharmaceutical drugs are taken
in conjunction with alcohol. Compounds found in
some plants, known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids,
may also cause hepatitis if the plants are taken
orally over long periods of time. Common sources
of these alkaloids are comfrey, germander, and
coltsfoot. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when antibodies,
which are supposed to tag foreign antigens for
destruction, instead tag liver cells for destruction.
Other forms of liver damage include cirrhosis,
Wilson's Disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
Historical
uses of the ingredients:
Bupleurum-
Used in Chinese medicine to cleanse the liver
and to treat liver problems, such as hepatitis.
Bupleurum increases levels of the antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating enzyme
superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Turmeric-
Turmeric is equally effective as milk thistle
in protecting the liver from toxins. Though turmeric
has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties than milk thistle. Turmeric has been
shown in studies to block the formation of cancer
through many mechanisms.
Chaparral- Possesses stong antiviral, antibacterial,
and antifungal activity. In addition chaparral
is a powerful antioxidant, working in both the
water and lipid portions of the cell. Chaparral
reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system
by raising vitamin C levels in the adrenal glands.
Sulfur compounds in chaparral help to detoxify
the body and strenghten the antiviral effects
of pau d' arco.
Milk
Thistle seed- Though the entire plant has liver
protecting properties, the seeds have the strongest
effects on the liver. Milk thistle seed contains
silymarin, a compound shown to protect the liver,
and to accelerate the regeneration of liver cells.
As an antioxidant milk thistle can help reduce
oxidative damage to the liver.
Phyllanthus-
Phyllanthus is used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and
South American medicine for its strong antiviral
and antibacterial effects. Phyllanthus is commonly
used to treat hepatitis and other conditions of
the liver, as well as to protect the liver.
Andrographis- Many studies have been done on this
plant. Andrographis has been shown to possess
anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitical,
cancer destroying, liver protective, blood purifying,
and immune enhancing (elevates number and activity
of white blood cells) properties.
Pau
d' arco- Also known as lapacho, ipe roxo, taheebo,
or tabuei. The bark of this South American tree
is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitical,
anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immune enhancing
properties. Many of pau d' arco's properties are
due to 18 antiseptic anthraquinones and napthaquinones,
and 5 anti-inflammatories.
Jiaogulan-
This herb contains high levels of immune modulating
and anti-inflammatory sterols. Jiaogulan also
supports the adrenal glands, which produce the
body's own anti-inflammatory steroids, and helps
regulate the immune system. This makes jiaogulan
beneficial for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Jiaogulan increases levels of SOD, and elevates
white blood cell counts. Studies have shown jiaogulan
to be effective in the treatment of hepatitis,
and to protect the liver from liver damaging chemicals.
Amla-
This berry from India is Nature's richest source
of vitamin C. The vitamin C in amla is 12 times
stronger than synthetically produced vitamin C.
Amla is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.
Amla reduces inflammation by supporting adrenal
function, and by elevating SOD levels considerably.
Amla helps improve liver function by cleansing
the liver.
Chinese
licorice root- Licorice root is a steroidal anti-inflammatory,
antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, and stimulates
the immune system by elevating interferon levels.
Interferon stimulates SOD to form hydrogen peroxide,
which in turn activates white blood cells. This
makes its use even more beneficial when mixed
with SOD elevating herbs. It is an excellent herb
to support adrenal function, which reduces inflammation
and regulates the immune system. Licorice root
is commonly used in other countries to support
the liver and treat liver problems, such as cirrhosis
and hepatitis. The Chinese variety is calming,
as where the American variety is slightly stimulating.
Schisandra
berry- These berries are one of the best herbs
to support adrenal function, which reduce inflammations,
and supports the immune system. Schisandra also
directly reduces inflammation by interfering with
platelet activating factor, an inflammatory promoting
compound. Schisandra raises levels of the antioxidant
glutathione in the liver to assist with liver
detoxification. Schisandra has been shown to protect
and regenerate the liver, and to lower liver enzymes,
a marker for liver damage.
Picrorhiza-
This Ayurvedic herb is used in India to treat
hepatitis and liver cancer. The herb is anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and has liver protective properties
considered to be equally or more effective than
milk thistle.
Poke
root- Poke contains a compound, known as poke
activating factor (PAF), which is structurally
similar to interferon. PAF also functions like
interferon, but unlike pharmaceutical interferons,
PAF is not tissue specific. Therefore PAF works
on multiple tissues, including the liver.
Bladderwrack-
This seaweed is a source of immune stimulating
polysaccharides, which stimulate white blood cells.
Bladderwrack supports various systems in the body
due to it being rich in a wide variety of vitamins
and minerals.
Recommend 1/2 teaspoon, in juice, water, or unsweetened
applesauce 2-3 times daily on an empty stomach
at least 20 minutes before meals.
Note:
The herbal claims being made are based on historical
uses and scientific research from outside the
U.S.A. They have not been reviewed or approved
by the FDA. The information provided is for informational
purposes only and is not intended as a guide for
the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.