The herb has been shown to be conclusively liver protective and regenerative even against one of the most virulent liver toxins known, the death cap mushroom (amanita phalloides). In its early stages of growth, this mushroom resembles the common agaricus and may be mistakenly eaten. The result is usually fatal. Pretreatment of animals with silymarin gives 100% protection against this poison. Milk thistle is also effective against chronic liver cirrhosis, necroses and hepatitis A and B. It is hypolipidemic and lowers fat deposits in the liver of animals.⁽⁹⁾

The liver removes fatty acids from diet or from deposit by degrading and oxidizing them when the body must call on fat as a major energy source. Lipotrophic factors such as those found in Lipotropic must be active to prevent abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. By a process of transmethylation, these lipotrophic agents promote the production of lipoproteins which transfer the fatty acids out of the liver.⁽²⁾

Normal liver fat is 5% to 15%, whereas, a diabetic’s liver is 25% to 35% fat. The percentage of liver fat may also be increased by:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption

• Birth Control Pills

• Estrogen Usage

• High Vitamin B-1 and B-12 Intake

• Cobalt Treatments

Conditions that can result from liver dysfunction include:

• Menstrual irregularities

• Constipation

• Hypertension

• Jaundice

• Blood sugar metabolic imbalance

• Glaucoma

• Arteriosclerosis

Hormone conjugation also occurs in the liver. By keeping the liver healthy, Lipotropic aids in this reaction. Estrogens can be carcinogenic if they are not conjugated. Calcium, protein, mineral and fat metabolism are all regulated by components of conjugated estrogen. An unhealthy, fatty or cirrhotic liver cannot perform these functions efficiently.

In addition to the protective and regenerative Milk Thistle herb,  included in the Lipotropic formula are specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs, each of which is targeted to lipid metabolism and healthy liver function. These nutrients aid the liver and gall bladder in metabolism of lipids and conjugation of hormones such as estradiol.

Choline, considered one of the B vitamins, functions with inositol as a basic constituent of lecithin. It appears to be associated primarily with utilization of fats and cholesterol in the body. It prevents fats from accumulating in the liver and facilitates the movement of fats into the cells. Choline combines with fatty acids and phosphoric acid within the liver to form lecithin. It improves liver and gallbladder function and helps prevent gallstones.⁽³⁾

Inositol, like choline, is a constituent of lecithin  which is needed to move fats from the liver to the cells. High intake of caffeine may create an inositol shortage in the body.⁽³⁾

Vitamin B-6 is involved in the metabolism of fats and fatty acids, especially the essential unsaturated fatty acids.⁽⁴⁾ Birth control pills increase the risk of gallstones which can be caused by oxalic acid toxicity. Vitamin B-6 detoxifies oxalic acid.⁽⁷⁾

Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid are used in the synthesis of methionine and choline. The coenzyme of vitamin B-12 is a carrier of methyl groups and hydrogen and is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Because of its methyl transfer role, vitamin B-12 is active in the synthesis of the amino acid methionine from its precursor, homocysteine. The coenzyme transfers methyl groups from methyl folate, a derivative of folic acid, to homocysteine and methionine is formed. Because methionine is needed in choline synthesis, B-12 plays a secondary role in this lipid pathway. A choline deficiency that causes fatty liver can be prevented by vitamin B-12 and the other methyl donors — betaine, methionine, folic acid.⁽³⁾

PABA, para-aminobenzoic acid, stimulates the intestinal bacteria, enabling them to produce folic acid which in turn aids in the production of pantothenic acid.⁽³⁾

Pantothenic Acid has clinical application in lipogenesis, formation of cholesterol, formation of steroid hormones and detoxification of drugs.⁽²⁾

Magnesium is necessary for coenzyme A reaction. The mineral has been shown to enhance enzymatic activity in the liver.⁽⁴⁾ Vitamin and trace mineral deficiencies lower coenzyme activity.⁽¹⁾ Magnesium has been credited with dissolving gall stones.⁽⁷⁾ Alcohol consumption increases the dietary need for magnesium threefold.⁽⁴⁾

Celandine is primarily used as a liver detoxifying herb for treatment of hepatitis, jaundice, cancer, psoriasis, eczema and skin problems.⁽⁹⁾

Chionanthus is a mild stimulant for the bowels and a tonic that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism. This herb has a beneficial effect on the kidneys and liver, including acute and chronic liver inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver.⁽⁶⁾ It has been used successfully in treating menstrual disorders, hepatic derangements, jaundice, enlarged spleen and jaundice with arrest of menses.⁽⁵⁾

Black Radish appears to help speed up the flow of bile and has a detoxifying effect on the liver and spleen.⁽⁷⁾

Beet Leaves have been found to increase bile flow as well as to aid in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.⁽⁷⁾

Betaine is a source of methyl groups. It is used in the liver for the detoxification of free radicals and other reactive byproducts.⁽⁷⁾

Methionine acts as a methyl donor and anti-oxidant in liver tissues and aids healing and detoxification of these tissues.⁽⁷⁾ It’s primary lipotropic function is to prevent excess fat accumulations in the liver by increasing lecithin production.⁽⁸⁾

WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Blackwoods Materia Medica, Economic Homceo Pharmacy (1959).

2. Williams, Sue Rodwell, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, C.W. Mosby Co. (1969).

3. Nutrition Search, Inc., Nutrition Almanac, McGraw Hill (1975).

4. Heinz International Research Center, Heinz Nutritional Data, Heinz (1972).

5. Colimore, Benjamin and Sarah Stewart, Nutrition and Your Body, Light Wave (1974).

6. Clark, Linda, Handbook of Natural Remedies for Common Ailments, Devin-Adair (1976).

7. Boericke, William, Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Boericke & Runyon (1972).

8. Garrison, Robert H, Jr. and Somer, Elizabeth, The Nutrition Desk Reference, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1985

9. Tierra, Michael, The Way of Herbs, Pocket Books, New York, N.Y., 1990.

LIPOTROPIC
Nutrient and Herb Lipotropic Formula

Product No. 979 Fill Size: 90 capsules

Each Capsule Contains: % Daily Value
Vitamin C 50 mg. 83%
Vitamin B-6 5 mg. 250%
Folic Acid 200 mcg. 50%
Vitamin B-12 200 mcg. 3333%
Pantothenic Acid 125 mg. 600%
Magnesium (as magnesium aspartate) 25 mg. 0.1%
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) 100 mg. *
Choline Bitartrate 150 mg. *
Inositol 75 mg. *
PABA 50 mg. *
dl-Methionine 50 mg. *
Betaine HCl 60 mg. *
Black Radish 50 mg. *
Green Beet Leaf Powder 30 mg. *
Chionanthus 30 mg. *
Celandine (Chelidonium majus) 15 mg. *
Other ingredients: gelatin, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate.

*Daily Value not established.

Suggested Usage: For adults, 1 or 2 capsules, three times daily.