The liver performs many important functions in the human body, including the breakdown and removal of toxic substances, which are then excreted in bile or urine. Many nutrients are needed to support healthy liver function, including niacin, selenium, n-acetyl cysteine and choline.

For thousands of years, people have relied on milk thistle to support healthy liver function and treat various disease that affect the organ. Modern day researchers have found that the active component of milk thistle is silymarin. Recent studies indicate that silymarin is beneficial for improving liver health in people with HIV and hepatitis C. The HALT-C trial showed that the supplement reduced fatigue, nausea, liver pain, anorexia, muscle and joint pain in patients with hepatitis C.

But, assuming you are a healthy individual, does milk thistle cleanse the liver?

The idea of ?cleansing? the body's organs of toxins is not a new one. It has its roots in Ancient Egypt. They believed that food enters the intestines and rots; that toxins form as a result, and move from there into the circulatory system. Later the idea was adopted and expanded upon by the Greeks. They came up with a phrase that in English is ?auto-intoxication?.

The theory is that the body cannot fully dispose of its waste products and toxins. They accumulate in the organs and intestines. The theory has been discredited by modern-day physicians, because it cannot be supported by scientific facts.

However, toxic heavy metals are known to build up in the body's organs over time. So, does milk thistle cleanse the liver of toxic heavy metals?

Heavy metals are broken down and removed from the body through the action of chelating agents. Many nutrients are chelating agents, including simple vitamin C. Potent chelating agents include resveratrol and curcumin. Silymarin has not been shown to have chelating activity.

It's mechanism of action for supporting liver health has not been fully explained. It is known to have antioxidant activity and antioxidants are important to good health and longevity. They reduce our risk of cancer and heart disease by neutralizing free radicals.

There are studies indicating that silymarin protects that liver from damage and is beneficial for treating gallbladder problems. It is been study for its affect against prostate cancer. It also has some anti-inflammatory activity.

As a daily health supplement, it is one ingredient to look for, but it must be accompanied by lecithin to insure bioavailability; the body's ability to absorb it. There are some excellent multi-nutritional supplements on the market that include all of the nutrients mentioned in this article, including the chelating agents and those that support healthy liver function.

But, getting back to the original question of; does milk thistle cleanse the liver. The liver cleanses itself, if a person is well nourished, drinks plenty of water and avoids exposure to toxic heavy metals.