Many drugs strain the liver, because a large proportion of the drug substances are first transferred through liver cells before they are transported to relevant site.
Cytochrome P450 is responsible for this activation process, and specifically alters the drug molecules and transforms them into their biochemically effective form over several steps. However, if this process is not complete because the liver cells are overloaded, or important cofactors are missing, an excess of reactive oxygen species and drug radicals occurs.
This is called oxidative stress. This oxidative stress plays a central role in the development of toxic liver damage caused by drugs. It is accompanied by an deficiency of glutathione (GSH), the most important molecule in the anti-oxidative defense of the liver cell. The degradation, cellular detoxification, and excretion of the drugs also entail risks for the liver tissue.
A lack of vitamins during prolonged periods of medication increases the risk of liver damage.
Factors that increase the risk of liver damage
Not everyone reacts similarly to each medication. Genetic dispositions, age, and gender determine the activation and detoxification performance to a certain degree.
Other factors can be influenced. One example are drugs that are used for a longer period of time and the body lacks vitamins, e.g. folic acid and B12. In this instance, more oxidative damage to the liver cells can occur. If the cofactors for the detoxification enzymes of phases 1 and 2, e.g. zinc and selenium, are not present in sufficient quantities, toxic intermediates can flood and damage the cells. The same applies to the simultaneous ingestion of incompatible drugs whose interactions strain the liver cells. Other risk factors are obesity, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver, (steatohepatitis/NASH) and alcohol consumption.
40 % increased bile flow with artichoke or dandelion.
Besides supporting fat digestion, bile has the task of absorbing and excreting degradation products and toxic substances from the liver. Drug residues and their degradation products are bound to glutathione in the liver cells during detoxification and are therefore water-soluble before being excreted with bile via the digestive tract and finally the stool.
The stimulation of bile flow by special food components – such as the bitter substances of the artichoke and dandelion, or the curcuminoids of turmeric and berberine from the barberry root – supports the elimination function of bile and relieves hepatic detoxification. Dandelion extract has been shown to increase bile flow by more than 40%.
Milk thistle, lecithin and choline stabilize the membranes of the liver cells and serve to protect the liver.
Silymarin of the milk thistle can be used to strengthen liver cells and protect the liver. It stabilizes the cell membranes and prevents the penetration of toxic compounds. In addition, the formation of ribosomal RNA is stimulated, which helps healthy liver cells to regenerate better. Silymarin is also an important antioxidant.
Lecithin (biochemical name: phosphatidylcholine) also has several functions in the liver cell. On the one hand, its phospholipids stabilize the cell membrane, but on the other hand, lecithin intervenes favorably in the cellular fat metabolism, and thus relieves the liver cells.
Choline is a vitamin-like substance, found in high quantities in chicken egg yolk, beef, and pig liver. But it is also formed in the human body itself, such as through lecithin. Choline is an essential liver nutrient, which plays an essential role in the maintenance of healthy liver cells under stress. An insufficient intake can cause liver damage, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. If the liver cell is already damaged, silymarin, lecithin, and choline can support the repair processes of the liver tissue, as studies in liver poisoning show.
Amino acids, trace elements and vitamins support the liver detox.
Some micronutrients have central functions in the breakdown of drugs in the liver, as the activity of detoxification enzymes depends on their presence. Selenium, zinc and magnesium, but also the vitamins folic acid, B2, B6 and the antioxidants vitamins C and E are required for a smooth detoxification process.
The tripeptide glutathione, which is formed from the three amino acids glutamine, cysteine, and glycine, is particularly important in the detoxification metabolism. Glutathione is a component of several enzymes (e.g. glutathione peroxidase or glutathione S transferase). A deficiency of glutathione can occur after heavy physical exertion, during competitive sports or during high oxidative stress. Here, a reduction in glutathione levels of 50 to 60 % of the initial value was measured. This can severely hinder detoxification processes and overload the liver cells.
Conclusion:
Medicines prescribed by the doctor are usually important and necessary. Nevertheless, they strain the liver tissue and can cause liver damage in extreme cases. Protective measures in the form of plant substances, vitamins, minerals and amino acids support hepatic detoxification and strengthen the ability to regenerate. The liver is our central metabolic organ. Mostly unnoticed, it controls our health – so we should concentrate on keeping it healthy.
