What is Samsyl^™?

Samsyl^™ is a patented, dietary supplement containing a pure, stabilized, and naturally derived S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) with a highly bioavailable (absorbable) silybin-soy phosphatidylcholine complex used for liver health.

The liver plays a key role in metabolism, mainly transforming harmful substances into by-products for elimination from the body. As such, the liver is continuously exposed to many toxic substances, including free radicals. An unhealthy liver can result from a compromise in local antioxidant capabilities (i.e. – decreased liver glutathione levels)¹.

SAMe is a molecule synthesized by cells throughout the body and is particularly important in liver cells (hepatocytes) because of their central role in metabolism^2-3. SAMe has roles in cellular protection, regulating the inflammatory response, promoting cell synthesis, and improving liver function^4-6. As an example, low glutathione levels are common in those with decreased liver function^2-3. SAMe, a glutathione precursor, has been shown to increase hepatic glutathione levels, protecting hepatic tissues ^{2, 7-10}. Supplemental SAMe improves hepatocellular function without cytotoxicity or significant side effects^11-14.

Silybin is an active component of the milk thistle extract from the fruit Silybum marianum and its absorption is enhanced by soy phosphatidylcholine^{1, 15-18}. Silybin, as found in Samsyl^™ in the form of Siliphos^®, has been shown in a pilot study to have beneficial effects on liver function¹⁹. Silybin has many different mechanisms of action. Animal and human in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that it protects against oxidative stress; promotes hepatocyte protein synthesis, a mechanism for liver cell regeneration; inhibits leukotriene production, which can be beneficial as production of leukotrienes is a component of the inflammatory response; stimulates the flow of bile acid and the production of bile salts which aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients; and increases levels of glutathione^20-27. Please refer to reference list below for relevant research and clinical-based citations.

Why use Samsyl^™ versus other supplements?

Samsyl contains highly bioactive forms of SAMe and sylibin and is continually assessed through quality control testing to confirm the amount stated on the packaging is found in each capsule sold. To support liver health it is important that supplemented SAMe be provided in a composition that has the highest effectiveness. Samsyl principally contains a naturally derived SAMe S,S isomer, the predominant form found in our liver cells. The silybin-soy phosphatidylcholine complex found in Samsyl has superior bioavailability compared to standard milk thistle extract, resulting in increased absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

About Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.

At Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. we believe that our products should be backed by science. Our commitment to research is shown by our state-of-the-art research facility that allows us to investigate how our product ingredients work – their mechanisms of action. We also support studies including efficacy (ability of products to produce desired effect), bioavailability (absorption) and safety.

Definitions

Oxidative balance overview:

Oxidative balance is the balance between levels of "oxidants" (you may also have heard these referred to as "free radicals" or "reactive oxygen species"), which are highly charged oxygen compounds that negatively can alter cells, and "antioxidants" – substances that can counteract or inhibit the destructive effects of free radicals. Antioxidants include vitamin C, E, beta carotene, glutathione and many others. Glutathione in particular is a small molecule made up of three amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins^28-31.

Oxidative imbalance results from too many oxidants with not enough antioxidants to work against them. You may have heard of this phenomenon referred to as "oxidative stress". Many things, including aging, medications, conditions in our body that negatively affect health (i.e. – chronic viral infections), pollution, and exposure to the sun can lead to this imbalance. Oxidants are produced normally in the body within our cells. During periods of imbalance, however, oxidant levels in our cells may build up allowing them to negatively react with cell membranes, DNA, and proteins^28-29.

In vitro and in vivo studies:

In vitro refers to research on typically macromolecules (i.e. – DNA, RNA, proteins) that are isolated from cells while in vivo refers to research generally undertaken using a whole, living organism or cultured cells.

Samsyl is is available online at the Nutramax Store, in an easy to swallow capsule.