PROVEN: This Chinese herbal compound is safe for treating liver failure

Research has confirmed that a traditional Chinese herbal medicine is safe to use in the treatment of liver failure at recommended doses. The study, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, verified that the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Jiedu Huayu is safe for treating liver failure at 130 grams per kilogram (g/kg) or less a day.

Jiedu Huayu granules are composed of six herbs, namely: capillary wormwood (Artemisia capillaris), peony root (radix paeoniae rubrathe), the Chinese rhubarb (Rheum officinale), snake-needle grass (Oldenlandia diffusa), turmeric root (radix curcumae), and grass-leaf sweet flag (Acorus gramineus).

Although earlier studies have proven that Jiedu Huayu is effective in treating liver failure, there are not enough studies on the toxicity and safety of this Chinese herbal medicine. Thus, researchers from The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China assessed the toxicity and safety of an oral administration of Jiedu Huayu to mice.

For the study, the researchers orally gave male and female mice different doses of Jiedu Huayu: 80, 100, and 130 g/kg per day for 13 weeks. Throughout the study, they monitored the animals’ clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, organ coefficients, and histological changes.

Treatment of Jiedu Huayu did not cause any side effects on the mice’s liver, kidney, and lung function at any of the given doses, according to the study’s findings.

These proved that treatment with Jiedu Huayu granules at 130 g/kg per day or lower is safe.

Improving liver health naturally

In addition to herbal medicines like Jiedu Huayu, liver health can also be improved with foods and supplements.

• Amla fruit extract: Amla, one of the most important foods in Ayurvedic medicine, is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. According to studies, Amla is effective in preventing the toxic effects of industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical drugs.
• Burdock root: Burdock root is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. This herb promotes bile flow and protects the liver. Studies suggest that it protects against the harmful effects of acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride and protects the liver from excessive alcohol intake.
• Chlorella: Chlorella, a single-celled, freshwater algae, can bind toxins and heavy metal through the chelation process. It is also rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, Vitamins C and K, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber.
• L-glutathione: L-glutathione is often referred to as the “master antioxidant” because it is the most potent antioxidant made by the body. Moreover, the highest levels of l-glutathione are found in the liver. This antioxidant is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Glutathione plays an essential role in detoxifying the body.
• Milk thistle extract: For liver health, milk thistle is probably the best herb. Its most active ingredient called silymarin is a polyphenol that has a potent antioxidant activity, which scavenges harmful free radicals. In addition, milk thistle enhances the activity of glutathione. Studies also suggest that this herb prevents inflammation, stimulates new liver cell production, and inhibits glutathione depletion.

Top 10 foods for a healthy liver:

• Avocados
• Beets
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Artichokes
• Leafy green vegetables
• Lemon
• Turmeric
• Walnuts

It is important to take care of one’s liver because it plays the role of a “garbage collector” in the body. Its job is to break down the toxins in the body and remove it from the body. However, the liver may be overworked or may not be able to keep up with its job because of the excessive levels of chemicals and pollutants present today. Therefore, it is essential to take extra measures to optimize liver function, and you can do this by eating the right foods and taking supplements.

Read more news stories and studies on traditional Chinese medicines like Jiedu Huayu by going to ChineseMedicine.news.

Sources include:

Science.news

BetterNutrition.com