Milk Thistle Extract Inhibits Fat Cell Formation

Milk thistle is a popular herb used for liver support and assisting natural detoxification processes.  It is also known to work by reducing inflammation, including the key inflammatory gene signal NF-kappaB Protein complex that controls DNA transcription and is involved with cellular responses to stress, cytokines, free radicals, UV radiation, oxidized LDL, and infections. .  A new study¹ shows that it inhibits multiple pathways that otherwise change baby fat cells into new adult fat cells.

Recently I reported that tocotrienols showed this unique ability as well.  It is interesting that nutrients taken typically for other reasons may also provide support for weight management.  This study showed that milk thistle extract could decreased the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol response element binding protein 1c, adipocyte-specific lipid binding protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and lipoprotein lipase.  The net result is helping to keeping fat cell size in check.

(Read more about your baby fat cells).