The human body is regularly taxed by pollutants, pesticides, allergens and other exogenous toxins. Although our detoxification systems are adept at working together to ensure that these compounds are excreted from the body as quickly as possible, they can often become overwhelmed and in need of support. While the removal of toxin exposure is integral to overall success, optimal function of both the liver and kidneys must be supported. Thankfully, various herbal extracts have demonstrated the ability to upregulate the function of these crucial detoxification organs.
Silybum marianum is undeniably the best-known liver protectant herb. Human clinical trials have shown that milk thistle extract can normalize liver enzymes in cases of infectious hepatitis or toxin damage and increase endogenous glutathione production. SIlybum marianum has also been shown to improve fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, HbA1c and body-mass index (BMI) in diabetic individuals and it may help to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract lining.
Lesser-known hepatoprotective herbs include cynara scolymus and picrorhiza kurroam. Cynara scolymus is capable of increasing bile secretions and reducing bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence and nausea in those with dyspepsia and IBS. Research also supports its ability to lower triglycerides, reduce LDL cholesterol and improve liver enzymes in individuals with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Picrorhiza kurroam, on the other hand, possesses anti-viral properties. One randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial in patients with acute viral hepatitis showed that two weeks of supplementation led to significant decreases in bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT values compared to placebo.
When it comes to the promotion of healthy kidney clearance, urticaria dioica, arctostaphylos uva-ursi and arctium lappa are all effective diuretics, but each herb also has unique complementary actions. For example, urticaria dioica can improve urinary tract symptoms in men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and also decrease fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetics. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi exerts astringent, demulcent and antiseptic effects on the membranes of the urinary tract and, therefore, also protects against urinary tract infections. Finally, arctium lappa has been demonstrated to decrease elevated transaminase and restore glutathione levels in the liver of animals.
Collectively, these herbs are standardized to active ingredients, where applicable, and included in Cyto-Matrix’s DT-Matrix to support both healthy liver and kidney detoxification. Beta vulgaris is also added to the formula to upregulate nitric oxide production and improve blood flow within the body, another important step in optimal detoxification pathways. DT-Matrix is indicated to support optimal liver and kidney function or for symptoms of excess toxic burden such as low energy, headaches, malaise, constipation and poor cognition.
