The liver is a large parenchymal organ situated in the right upper part of the abdominal cavity. The liver is built from highly specialized cells called hepatocytes. General liver functions include but are not limited to:
- Production and excretion of bile. Bile is vital for the breakdown and absorption of fats.
- Metabolism of carbohydrates.
- Metabolism of lipids, including production of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Production of a variety of proteins including coagulation factors, which are specialized proteins necessary for normal blood clot formation.
- Detoxification of harmful toxins
- Blood production in the fetus
- Hemoglobin breakdown
- Conversion of ammonia to urea
There is an entire range of liver vitamins and supplements that support and maintain healthy liver functions. Some of these are listed below.
Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (Silymarin) is an antioxidant and bioflavonoid mainly found in the herb milk thistle.
Silibinin, one of the structural components of Silymarin, has been found to have a hepatoprotective (liver protecting) effect. Silymarin seems to have four mechanisms of action:
1) As an antioxidant it aids in the regulation of glutathione in the cells.
2) It also acts as a stabilizer in the cell membrane. It decreases the permeability of the membrane, therefore preventing toxic agents from getting into hepatocytes.
3) It is a supporting element in RNA synthesis, thereby stimulating liver regeneration.
4) Silymarin inhibits the conversion of hepatocytes (normal liver cells) into myofibroblasts (abnormal cells involved in the development of cirrhosis). It is theorized that Silymarin may help slow down or even prevent cirrhosis in its action as a free radical scavenger.
Lipoic acid exists in two forms, or two isomers. The term isomer is a description of two different molecules that have identical atoms and bonds but are distinguished by the distinct arrangement of these atoms. In the case of Lipoic acid the effects of these molecules vary significantly. The “R” form of Lipoic acid is the more physiologically active of the two. It is responsible for the powerful antioxidant properties associated with Lipoic acid. Conversely, the “S” form is not highly active.
The "R" form of Lipoic acid dramatically suppresses inflammation. By itself, the “R” form has been shown to be more active and potent than Lipoic acid comprised of a combination of “R” and “S” forms. R-Dihydro- Lipoic acid is the natural biochemical form of R-Lipoic acid that is readily available to cells. Several studies have shown that supplementation with Lipoic acid suppresses inflammation caused by Hepatitis C and B.
SAMe has multiple modes of action. SAMe is found all through the body, particularly in the liver. To carry out its detoxification role, the liver performs a number of complicated biochemical reactions continuously. SAMe augments the normal methylation occurring in the liver as well as boost the level of the glutathione. When liver function is abnormal, glutathione begins to deplete, leading to further damage of the liver cells by free radicals. SAMe is also involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and L-cysteine, which are necessary for proper liver health.
The complex of different B vitamins contains thiamine (B1); riboflavin (B2); niacin (B3); pantothenic acid (B5); pyridoxine (B6); and cyanocobalamin (B12). These forms of vitamin B differ from each other in chemical structure and their effects on the human body. By regulating enzyme activity they play a role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Members of the B vitamin group act synergistically and are present in high concentration in the liver. They are vital to a number of physiological liver functions.