Milk Thistle - Liver Protection

[drtbear1967]

If you've ever used a prohormone or oral steroids, someone has undoubtedly told you to take Milk Thistle for liver protection.

While it's true, milk thistle has liver protectant properties, it's lesser known that it can actually down-regulate androgen receptor(AR) genes. It does this by inhibiting the transactivation activity of the AR, as well as affecting translocation of androgens to the nucleus of the cell, where it can turn on genes to help build muscle. Research has also shown to have inhibitory effect on IGF-1 signaling pathways, which may also inhibit your gains. If you're taking a methylated prohormone or oral steroid, a better option would be N-acetylcysteine and prunella vulgaris.

The latter has been shown not only to have liver protection properties, but also can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which may allow it to also have some anti-estrogen properties. Moral of the story, don't always listen to the biggest guy at the gym for supplement advice.

 

[Big Beef]

Interesting info. Read this & looked into it a little. Apparently NAC is a good alternative. I think if I take milk thistle again, it will be during pct or maybe even after that. Glad I seen this, as I am currently taking tbol & was considering running milk thistle with it.

 

[drtbear1967]

Always a good idea to take care of your liver when you are running orals.

 

[pgb]

lamo, don't always listen to the biggest guy at the gym. i did not know this about milk thistle and have taken it since the nineties. knowing this though, i will being changing it up, for the other. so are there other herbals to be concerned about, such as dandalion or yellow burdock.

 

[drtbear1967]

There are a lot that can help with liver function and overall healthy. Way to many to mention here. I will try and do some more research and post a thread tomorrow.

 

[pgb]

appreciate that. i'm always researching, too. then i have to sift through the bull as well. it's been pretty good on here, although, sometimes i see conflicting views. that may be just the differences in our bodies, so one persons outcome is different from another's.

 

[BigZ]

If you've ever used a prohormone or oral steroids, someone has undoubtedly told you to take Milk Thistle for liver protection.

While it's true, milk thistle has liver protectant properties, it's lesser known that it can actually down-regulate androgen receptor(AR) genes. It does this by inhibiting the transactivation activity of the AR, as well as affecting translocation of androgens to the nucleus of the cell, where it can turn on genes to help build muscle. Research has also shown to have inhibitory effect on IGF-1 signaling pathways, which may also inhibit your gains. If you're taking a methylated prohormone or oral steroid, a better option would be N-acetylcysteine and prunella vulgaris.

The latter has been shown not only to have liver protection properties, but also can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which may allow it to also have some anti-estrogen properties. Moral of the story, don't always listen to the biggest guy at the gym for supplement advice.

Can you find the studies you're referring to and post the abstracts here? I've always used milk thistle to bring down my liver enzymes into normal range, but if it's been stopping some muscle growth, I definitely want to use something else as long as it will still bring down the enzymes and allow muscle to grow without inhibition.

 

[drtbear1967]

I have used things that I got nothing from and others would rave about the effects.

 

[drtbear1967]

[h=2]Herbs for Male Reproductive System Support[/h]American Ginseng Rt. (Panax quinquefolius)
This hearty root is considered to be one of the best male sexual tonics. Clinical observation has shown American ginseng to to support healthy libido, erectile dysfunction and enhance male sexual performance.
Compared to Asian ginseng, American ginseng is not overstimulating to the nervous system, but provides gentle, deep, nourishing support to the nervous system. American ginseng has been found to provide excellent immune system support and strengthens the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis. The HPA axis is vital to proper hormonal balance, stress management, and immune system strength.
Benefits of American ginseng:

• Supports sex drive and sexual performance through increased stamina.
• Supportive of healthy stress response, aiding in hormonal balance.
• Supportive for proper immune system function.
• Supports proper digestion for improved absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food, important for overall fertility health.

It has been said that American ginseng helps everything in an herbal blend to work better.
Tribulus fruit (Tribulus terrestris)
TCM and Ayurvedic practitioners have found Tribulus to be very effective in improving sperm count, motility, and morphology when combined with dietary and exercise changes.
The main part of Tribulus, that aids in fertility for men, is a constituent called protodioscin. This constituent improves DHEA levels in the male body. In men with ED, it has been found they have low levels of DHEA. Some studies have shown that protodioscin, extracted from Tribulus, increases natural DHEA levels needed for proper erection. Protodioscin is also the main constituent that is responsible for Tribulus’ aphrodisiac qualities. Increase in sexual desire when using this plant has been reported by both men and women.
A Bulgarian study performed in 1998, showed a 61% increase in conception for couples with antisperm antibodies (immune system attacks sperm cell), who were taking Tribulus. The average time it took couples to conceive after treatment was 5 months.
Tribulus is one of the best male reproductive system supporting herbs.
Benefits of Tribulus:

• Shown to increase in sex hormone production in both men.
• Supports LH and testosterone production in men.
• May help to increase in sperm count, motility, and health.
• Decreases the effects of antisperm antibodies.
• May improve DHEA levels to treat erectile dysfunction.

Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
One of maca’s main actions is to stimulate and nourish the hypothalamus which regulates the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
In a human study of 9 men who were given gelatinized maca for 4 months at 1,500 – 3,000 mg a day experienced an increase in libido, sperm count, motility of sperm, increased DHEA levels, decreased anxiety and stress, lowered blood pressure, balanced iron levels and an increase in adrenal androgens.
Benefits of maca:

• Supports hormonal balance
• Increases energy, stamina, and mental clarity
• Supports the thyroid
• Supports normal sexual function

Saw Palmetto berry (Serenoa repens)
Saw Palmetto is nourishing to the entire endocrine system, which may help improve overall reproductive function in men. Men with high stress, poor immune function, poor lifestyle and dietary habits have shown to respond well to this herb. This plant is classified as an adaptogen, antiandrogenic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, urinary antiseptic, immune amphoteric. Saw Palmetto is also a reproductive amphoteric. What does that mean though? It simply means it normalizes reproductive function.
Saw Palmetto is deeply nourishing to the body when taken for many months consistently. Consistent use of this herb has been shown to bring about the greatest long-term health benefits.
Benefits of Saw Palmetto:

• May help increase low sperm count
• Supports stress and immune system response to treat chronic fatigue
• May improve libido
• Deeply nourishing to the body for long-term support

Yohimbe Bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Yohimbe has been found to increase circulation to the erectile tissues; aiding in physiological and psychogenic (mental) impotence. Impotence; the inability to sustain erection, is the most common sexual disorder among men. Yohimbine is the active component found in yohimbe bark. Yohimbine has been shown to dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure, which enlarges the vessels in the sexual organs and increases reflex excitability in the lower spinal cord. In many cases, yohimbe has shown to make erections firmer. It is thought to help sustain erection by causing compression and preventing blood to flow back out of the penis while sexually aroused.
Benefits of Yohimbe:

• Supports healthy circulation to the male reproductive organs
• Shown to help sustain erection
• May help to make erection firmer

Caution: Yohimbe should not be use in those people with low blood pressure or who are on blood pressure medications. Never exceed the dosage of this herb. Not to be taken at the same time you eat cheese, liver or red wine, all of which contain the amino acid tyramine.
Click here to purchase a liquid herbal blend containing these herbs…
References:
1. http://natural-fertility-info.com/american-ginseng-male-fertility-tonic.html
2. http://natural-fertility-info.com/tribulus-fertility.html
3. http://natural-fertility-info.com/maca
4. http://natural-fertility-info.com/saw-palmetto-fertility.html
5. Tenny, Deanne. Yohimbe, Woodland Publishing, 1997.

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Horny Goat Weed: Horny goat weed's aphrodisiac properties were discovered when a Chinese goat herder observed increased sexual activity in his flock after the goats ingested this herb. It has been suggested that horny goat weed works by increasing nitric oxide levels, which in turn stimulates more blood flow to the penis. Horny goat weed works similarly to the prescription drug Viagra by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme.

Safed Musli: This effective herb for men’s sexual health is known as "Roots of gold" in India. This "Herbal Viagra" works to increase sexual and erectile power, acting as a powerful aphrodisiac. Stigmasterol, one of Safed Musli’s constituents, is very similar to testosterone and acts in the same fashion, increasing libido, sperm count and overall sexual health.
Tongkat Ali: This herb has been used in Malaysia for years to increase libido, increase sexual desire and performance and to remedy erectile dysfunction. Tongkat Ali works by increasing levels of testosterone by 30-50%. Testosterone is responsible for healthy male reproductive organs. A test administered by ZRT Laboratory and published in 2005 monitored the testosterone level of a 72-year old male taking this herb and found his testosterone increased by 224 percent.

Horny Goat Weed: Horny goat weed's aphrodisiac properties were discovered when a Chinese goat herder observed increased sexual activity in his flock after the goats ingested this herb. It has been suggested that horny goat weed works by increasing nitric oxide levels, which in turn stimulates more blood flow to the penis. Horny goat weed works similarly to the prescription drug Viagra by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme. Safed Musli: This effective herb for men’s sexual health is known as "Roots of gold" in India. This "Herbal Viagra" works to increase sexual and erectile power, acting as a powerful aphrodisiac. Stigmasterol, one of Safed Musli’s constituents, is very similar to testosterone and acts in the same fashion, increasing libido, sperm count and overall sexual health.

Tongkat Ali: This herb has been used in Malaysia for years to increase libido, increase sexual desire and performance and to remedy erectile dysfunction. Tongkat Ali works by increasing levels of testosterone by 30-50%. Testosterone is responsible for healthy male reproductive organs. A test administered by ZRT Laboratory and published in 2005 monitored the testosterone level of a 72-year old male taking this herb and found his testosterone increased by 224 percent.