First study summary:

ARTICHOKE (Cynara floridanum)
AND SARSAPARILLA (Smilax aristolochiaefolia)
COMPLEX also known as LIV-1,
now called Liver Support Formula

DESCRIPTION

LIV-1 was developed by a group of 3 researchers including a biochemist specializing in pharmacology, a doctor whose specialty is liver disease, and a chemist specializing in plant research. It is made up of the extracts of the edible part of a hybrid artichoke and sarsaparilla.

Extensive research has been conducted on the anti-hepatoxic activity of flavonoids from many plants. Interestingly, most of them have been used in folk medicine for many years. In nature we find a group of glucosides in flowers, fruits and vegetables which have the ability to form stable compounds with benzopirene derivatives. These substances are called flavonoids or bioflavonoids. They were first researched by Szent Gyorgy in 1936. He obtained a good therapeutical result in several cases of abnormal capillary fragility and permeability which he treated with Citrin (a mixture of flavonoids from lemon and paprika called Heperidin and Eriodictin which were present in addition to Vitamin C).

Gyorgy named this complex "Vitamin P" because of its favorable effect on the permeability of the membranes of the cells and also because it was obtained from paprika. The name Vitamin P was accepted in Europe and other countries but in America the complex is known as flavonoids.

Artichoke has had traditional uses in the Americas and in Spain for treating digestive and liver conditions as well as diabetes. Sarsaparilla have been used during this last century as a blood purifier and anti-toxin.

Flavonoids have been used for their anti-hepatoxic activity, however, this research found that the combination of concentrated extracts of the buds of a hybrid artichoke (Cynara floridanum) and sarsaparilla (Smilax arostolochiaefolia) show an increased effect on liver diseases.

CONCENTRATION PROCESS

The two plants are carefully selected, cleaned thoroughly, and put in lixiviator for prolonged maceration with a suitable solvent to obtain the water soluble principles. This concentrate is later spray dried obtaining a fine brownish powder. This patented extraction process is responsible for high concentrations of active ingredients without using artificial additives, preservatives, or stabilizers.

COMPOSITION

This complex contains 27% of the most active flavonoids listed below:

Hesperidin
Rutin
Epicatechin

5,7-dihydroxychromone
Eriodictyol
Luteolin
Cynarin
Quercetin

Also catechins (10%):

Caffeic acid
Ferulic acid
P-coumaric acid

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Animal studies have shown this complex to increase tissue irrigation by acting on the venous and capillary circulation. It has been shown to activate energy metabolism within the cell by increasing the consumption of glucose and oxygen as well as the synthesis of ATP. These same studies showed an inhibition of capillary permeability due to increased production of bradykinin and histamine. Flavonoids are organic compounds which also have anti-oxidant activity and are known to improve the protein links within the cellular membranes as well as the cell membranes of organelles within the cells.

The artichoke has historically been found to stimulate bile flow and other digestive substances which can improve digestion. It also can improve liver metabolism and promote detoxification of the body. Sarsaparilla has a therapeutic action as a diuretic (increases urine output), demulcent (smoothes mucous membranes), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), depurant (removes waste products), tonic, stimulant, and anti-scorbutic (treatment for scurvy). Synergistically, these two concentrates give us a product that normalizes liver metabolism, protects liver cells (hepatocytes) against alcohol and chemical toxicity, and promotes the detoxification of the body.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS OBTAINED IN A DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBOSTUDY ON PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

After years of research on patients in private clinics, it was decided to evaluate this complex with a double-blind study in patients having chronic liver disease caused by moderate ingestion of alcohol. Moderate being defined as approximately 1 to 1 ½ liters of tequila or brandy per day for extended periods of time. The patients were diagnosed and chosen in the Clinic par la Attention de Problemas Relacionados con el Alcohol (CAPRA Translation: Clinic for the Attention of Problems related to Alcohol) which is housed at the General Hospital of Mexico and belongs to the Secretaria de Salud (equivalent to the U.S. Health Department).

METHODOLOGY

The study was performed where neither the patients nor the doctors in charge knew to whom the real product or the placebo was administered. Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30. All patients had tests of liver performance, hematic cytology, blood analysis, prothrombine time, urine tests, and a clinical analysis. The same tests were performed at the end of the study. The treatment lasted 15 days and each patient took 3 capsules 3 times per day for a total of 4050 milligrams per day.

DEFINITION AND RESULTS

ASCITES- effusion and accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity. A 28.28% reduction of ascites was observed in the experimental group. There was no change in the placebo group.

ENCEPHALOPATHY- a degenerative disease of the brain.

Hepatic encephalopathy- a condition usually occurring secondarily to advanced disease of the liver. It is marked by disturbances of consciousness which may progress to deep coma (hepatic coma), psychiatric changes of varying degree, flapping tremor and fetor hepaticus. Also referred to as portal-systemic encephalopathy.A 34.55% reduction of encephalopathy was obtained in the experimental group. A 5.5% reduction was noted in the placebo group.

SPLENOMEGALY- enlargement of the spleen.
A 18.18% reduction of spleen enlargement in the experimental group was noted and a 5.5% reduction was seen in the placebo group.

WEAKNESS- lacking physical strength or vigor, asthenia, atony, cardiasthenia, fatigue, and lassitude. The experimental group obtained a 83.45% diminishing of weakness. There was no change in the placebo group.

PERIPHERAL EDEMA- a condition in which the peripheral body tissues contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid.
The experimental group experienced a 11.10% reduction in edema. The placebo group saw a 0.69% reduction.

HEMORRHAGES- bleeding.
This is one of the most important benefits. The experimental group noted a 89.41% reduction in bleeding and the placebo group saw only a 31% reduction.

ANOREXIA- loss of appetite.
Seen in depression, malaise, commencement of fevers and illnesses, also in disorders of the alimentary tract, especially the stomach, and as a result of alcoholic excesses, drug addiction or certain medicines.
Anorexia was diminished 86.07% in the experimental group. There was no change in the placebo group.