Bupleurum Root/Oregon Grape Root/Milk Thistle

Bupleurum Root is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis, enlarged liver or spleen, chemical liver damage, liver stasis or liver congestion, depression, and irregular menstruation. Bupleurum is cited as an herb that increases protein synthesis in the liver, and reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin production. Oregon Grape Root acts as a tonic on the liver and gall bladder, and can be useful in chronic and scaly skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. Oregon Grape is also known to be helpful for stomach and gall bladder conditions, especially where there is associated nausea and vomiting. Milk Thistle is a unique herb which contains a natural compound called silymarin. Silymarin nourishes the liver like no other nutrient currently known. The liver acts as the body's filter constantly cleansing to protect you from toxins. Over time, these toxins can accumulate in the liver. Milk Thistle's potent antioxidant properties and rejuvenating actions help keep the liver strong and healthy.

Oregon Grape is also known by the names Oregon Grape Root, Mountain Grape, and Holly-Leaved Barberry (because it is a relative of the barberry plant). This plant is native to the west coast of North America, and is cultivated elsewhere for ornamental purposes. The plant grows quickly, and reaches a height of six feet, producing yellowish-green flowers and purple berries. Both the rhizome and the root are used medicinally. The species name Mahonia is named after Bernard McMahon, an American horticulturist. Mahonia is an evergreen and has prickly leaves, but the stems lack thorns. Oregon Grape has been used for hundreds of years to treat infections because of its powerful antibiotic properties. The roots are used in herbology as a nutritional aid to the digestive and circulatory systems. The plant contains the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, which are also found in Goldenseal, for which it is often substituted. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. In one clinical trial, Oregon Grape was found to be mildly effective for reducing skin irritation, inflammation and itching in people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Oregon Grape extracts were shown in one pharmacological study to reduce inflammation, and to stimulate the white blood cells known as macrophages. In this study, isolated alkaloids from Oregon Grape did not have these actions, which suggests that something besides alkaloids are important to the properties of Oregon Grape's ability to reduce inflammation. The common name Oregon Grape includes Mahonia repens, Mahonia nervose, and Mahonia pinnata, which are used interchangeably with Mahonia aquifolium.

Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for thousands of years. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Milk Thistle seeds help stimulate protein synthesis in the liver. They even can help reverse the damage done from eating poisonous mushrooms, which destroy liver cells and usually cause death. When Milk Thistle seeds are used within 48 hours, the survival rate is almost 100%. When fed to animals that had partial hepatectomies, their livers grew back more quickly. Milk Thistle is a good supplement to use to protect the liver when needing to take pharmaceutical drugs. Primary chemical constituents of Milk Thistle include flavolignans (silymarin), tyramine, histamine, gamma linoleic acid, essential oil, mucilage, and bitter principle. The dried fruit of Milk Thistle contains the flavonoid complex known as silymarin - the constituent responsible for the medical benefits of the plant. Milk Thistle can be used to increase the secretion and flow of bile from the liver and gall-bladder. Its traditional use as a liver tonic has been supported by research showing that it contains constituents which protect liver cells from chemical damage. Historically, this herb has been used in Europe as a liver tonic, and current phytotherapy indicates its use in a whole range of liver and gallbladder conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Research done in Germany is revealing exciting data about reversal of toxic liver damage as well as protection from potential hepato-toxic agents. The mechanism of action of silymarin is becoming well understood, providing insights into the metabolic basis of this herbs activity.