New Research on Hepatitis C Virus Inhibition by Milk Thistle Extract Announced by Ethical Alternative Products
Wyckoff, NJ (PRWEB) December 31, 2013 -- Previous research studies indicate that milk thistle and its main component silibinin inhibit HCV infection. A team of scientists led by J. Blaising* have conducted a study aimed at elucidating the mechanism of anti-HCV action of silymarin-derived compounds at the molecular level. Using sophisticated imaging techniques on HCV-infected human hepatoma cells and primary hepatocytes, the investigators showed that silibinin potently inhibits HCV infection and hinders HCV entry by slowing down trafficking through clathrin-coated pits and vesicles. Detailed analysis revealed that silibinin altered the formation of the pits and vesicles and caused abnormal uptake of transferrin. Silibinin also inhibited infection by other viruses that enter cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis including influenza virus. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of silibinin against HCV entry and also suggests that silibinin is a potential broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.
“It has been well-established that silibinin strengthens and stabilizes hepatic cell membranes, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins associated with the lipid peroxidation and promotes regeneration of liver cells through the stimulation of protein synthesis and its effect on the production of new hepatocytes” stated Gerald Bruno, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of Ethical Alternative Products. “The above study provides important insights on how silibinin alters the cell wall of hepatocytes to diminish entry of cellular toxins” stated Bruno.
Ethical Alternative Products supplies the ThioGel-L triple antioxidant liver formulation that contains milk thistle, high bioavailability alpha lipoic acid and selenium. ThioGel-L has been a favorite of integrative and holistic practitioners for more than 10 years.
About Ethical Alternative Products
Ethical Alternative Products is a dietary supplement supplier that is focused on the formulation of scientifically sound natural products that can make a meaningful difference in achieving and maintaining health during aging. The mission of our senior scientific management is to develop and produce high-value supplements, employing innovative formulations and highest quality raw materials. Products produced by Ethical Alternative Products include ThioGel liquid gel alpha lipoic acid, ThioGel-L triple antioxidant liver formulation, OmniFlex multi-nutrient joint health product and Tendonex topical pain reliever. antioxidant liver formulation, OmniFlex multi-nutrient joint health product and Tendonex topical pain reliever.
*Silibinin inhibits hepatitis C virus entry into hepatocytes by hindering clathrin-dependent trafficking.
Blaising J, Lévy PL, Gondeau C, Phelip C, Varbanov M, Teissier E, Ruggiero F, Polyak SJ, Oberlies NH, Ivanovic T, Boulant S, Pécheur EI.
Cell Microbiol. 2013 Nov;15(11):1866-82. doi: 10.1111/cmi.12155. Epub 2013 Jun 14.
Monica Adametz, Ethical Alternative Products, 201-251-7771, [email protected]
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