Liver and Gallbladder Support By Eclectic Institute Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. The plant is known for its milk-white veins on the leaves, which gives it its name. Milk thistle has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is extremely popular as a dietary supplement, making it one of the most well-known plants in the world. It is purported to have liver-protectant effects and has been used to treat liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. It has also been used to treat gallbladder problems and high cholesterol. While there are a number of compounds in milk thistle, one of the active constituents, silymarin, is thought to be responsible for many of its effects, and dietary supplements often report using a standardized amount (generally 70% to 80% silymarin in extracts).

Beetroot is a type of root vegetable belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is commonly consumed as a food and utilized as a dietary supplement. Beetroot supplements are purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, improving exercise performance, and reducing inflammation. Dietary supplements containing beetroot are generally in powdered form, and are sometimes standardized by their nitrate content.

Dandelion is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and is known for its distinctive, bright yellow flowers and puffy, white seed heads. Although considered a weed by many, it is considered valuable for a number of reasons as it can be used as food, in medicine, and to attract pollinators. Dandelion has a long history of use as a medicinal plant. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including liver and gallbladder problems, kidney disorders, skin conditions, and digestive issues. It is also purported to have a diuretic effect and dietary supplements containing dandelion often market it for being able to help reduce water retention.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor. In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections. Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose. Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is characterized by its green leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. Stinging nettle has small, stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, which can cause a painful rash when touched. The leaves and the roots of stinging nettle have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as joint pain, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anemia, and urinary tract infections. It is also used as a diuretic and to help with allergies as it contains the compound quercetin. The leaves and stems of the plant are edible and can be consumed as a vegetable, usually after boiling or steaming to remove the stinging hairs, as the plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Burdock is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the daisy family and is known for its long, tapering roots and large, prickly leaves. Burdock is often used in traditional medicine and is purported to have a number of health benefits. The roots and leaves of the plant are thought to have diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties. It has been used for a variety of conditions, including fever, sore throat, and digestive disorders. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is used to rid the body of toxins.