Natural compounds are effective against liver disease

Summary This study investigated the effects of the natural compound silybin-phospholipids and vitamin E in 40 patients. The results showed that vitamin E and silybin-phospholipids had protective and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with liver disease. More details can be found in the study. References Katia Falasca, Claudio Ucciferri, Paola Mancino, Ester Vitacolonna, Domenico De Tullio, Eligio Pizzigallo, Pio Conti, Jacopo Vecchiet  …

Liver diseases are associated with low levels of vitamin D

Summary This publication collected scientific studies on blood concentrations of vitamin D in patients with gastrointestinal and liver disorders. The researchers discovered that low blood levels of vitamin D (hypovitaminosis D) are common among patients with gastrointestinal and liver disease. More details can be found in the study. References Helen M Pappa, Elana Bern, Daniel Kamin, Richard J…

Micronutrient supplementations decrease health risks associated with hepatitis

Summary This study analyzed the effects of the standard treatment of hepatitis (pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin) on the blood levels of specific micronutrients (i.e. B vitamins and iron). 152 healthy participants and 109 patients with hepatitis C, an inflammatory disease of the liver, were investigated. The results revealed that hepatitis treatment depleted micronutrient levels…

Micronutrient supplementation prevents liver injury

Summary This study investigated the role of micronutrients, such as selenium, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), on liver injury. The experiments were performed with rats. The results suggested that supplementation with micronutrients can prevent the development of liver injury. Further details can be found in the study. References Tunc Catal, Sehnaz Bolkent…

Tea compounds protect against hepatitis

Summary This study examined the effects of catechins (tea compounds) against hepatitis, the inflammation of the liver. The experiments were performed with ducklings which were given either catechins or no treatment. The results showed that tea catechins had significant protective effects against hepatitis. More details can be found in the study. References J Li, L Zhou, Y…

Carnitine supports liver regeneration

Summary This study evaluated the effects of carnitine on liver regeneration. The experiments were performed with rats that were given either carnitine or no treatment after hepatectomy (resection of the liver by surgical operation). The results showed that carnitine increased the regeneration of the liver. Further details can be found in the study. References O…

Glutamine enhances the antioxidant defenses

Summary This study evaluated the effects of the amino acid glutamine on oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant defenses) during ischemia-reperfusion of the liver. Ischemia-reperfusion is the restoration of blood flow to body tissues that were blood flow-deficient. Ischemia-reperfusion damages organs and tissues (e.g. increasing oxidative stress) and is often…

Betaine protects the liver

Summary This study evaluated the effects of the natural compound betaine on liver diseases. The experiments were performed with rats. The results showed that betaine inhibited oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant defenses), which plays an important role in the development of liver injury. Further details can be found in…