Plants that support the liver

30 September 2023

Certain plants, used since the dawn of time, continue to prove their worth, backed up now by scientific studies. Among the plants beneficial for liver health, here are those that are probably the most documented in scientific literature.

Milk thistle: the liver plant

Used since ancient times, this herbaceous plant frequently found around the Mediterranean is the liver plant par excellence. Rich in silymarin and flavonoids, milk thistle helps to protect liver cells and regenerate tissues. It reduces the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and has significant antioxidant properties. It also acts on the gall bladder, facilitating the evacuation of bile. The beneficial action of milk thistle on hepatobiliary health is supported by a number of scientific publications, as well as by official bodies such as the World Health Organisation.

Plants with antioxidant properties: turmeric and artichoke

These two plants used in cooking are powerful antioxidants. Turmeric, a cousin of ginger, was once used as a natural food preservative. Today, it is recognised as having a protective effect against inflammation. Turmeric also limits the effects of liver toxins and stimulates bile production. Artichokes are known as THE green vegetable for the liver: they protect liver tissue and help regenerate it. It also stimulates emptying of the gall bladder.

Desmodium: detoxifying and protective

Native to Africa, Desmodium is particularly well-known for its ability to normalise high levels of transaminases – an enzyme whose levels in the blood can be measured in cases of liver damage, for example. It therefore helps to protect and regenerate the liver. It also helps to detoxify the body.

Fumitory to normalise biliary function

This herbaceous plant, which grows easily and naturally throughout France, has been used since Ancient Greece. It has a smoky odour and is also known as the “jaundice herb”. Fumitory regulates the evacuation of bile, improves biliary comfort and helps to protect liver tissue. It is also known for its antioxidant properties.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.