Milk Thistle(Silybum marianum): Historically this herb has been used in Europe as a liver tonic and current phytotherapy indicates its use in a whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. A wealth of laboratory and clinical research on this herb is revealing exciting data about reversal of toxic liver damage as well as protection from potential hepatotoxic agents.⁶⁹ These clinical findings highlight a role for milk thistle in the treatment of toxic/metabolic liver disease (including both alcohol- and drug-induced forms), some forms of hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and fatty degeneration of the liver.⁷⁰ The best results are found in toxic metabolic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle shortens the course of viral hepatitis, minimizes post-hepatitis complications, and protects the liver against problems resulting from liver surgery. It is an excellent remedy for use in the prevention and treatment of many liver disorders. A recent article in a European journal stated that the leading milk thistle extract product "is undoubtedly the best documented pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of liver diseases."