Description
WHAT IS DENAMARIN?Denamarin is a nutritional supplement for dogs or cats containing S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silybin. Denamarin contains SAMe which markedly increases liver glutathione levels, a potent antioxidant
PURPOSE
The combination of S-Adenosylmethionine and silybin in Denamarin provides a multi-faceted approach to liver support. S-Adenosylmethionine has been shown to increase hepatic glutathione levels in cats and dogs.1,15 Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that protects hepatic cells from toxins and death. A study found that low liver glutathione concentrations are common in dogs and cats with decreased epatobiliary function.16 Denamarin is recommended to improve hepatic glutathione levels in patients to help maintain and protect liver function.
Denamarin may also be used in other areas of tissue oxidant injury and RBC fragility caused by certain toxins or drugs which are related to reduced glutathione concentrations. S-Adenosylmethionine has also been shown to protect liver cells from cell death and may be useful in cell regeneration. A study has also shown that SAdenosylmethionine may improve bile flow in cats.
BACKGROUND
S-Adenosylmethionine is an endogenous molecule synthesized by cells throughout the body and is formed fromthe amino acid methionine and ATP. It is an essential part of three major biochemical pathways: transmethylation, transsulfuration and aminopropylation. As part of these pathways, S-Adenosylmethionine is essential to all cells and is particularly important in hepatocytes because of their central role in metabolism. A deficiency of S-Adenosylmethionine, therefore, may initiate or contribute to abnormalities of cellular structure and function in the liver as well as many other body tissues.
Conversely, exogenous administration of SAdenosylmethionine has been shown to result in improvements in hepatocellular function in both in vivo and in vitro studies, without cytotoxicity or significant side effects.1-5 Precursors of S-Adenosylmethionine do not have similar effects. Administration of methionine to animals with decreased liver function may not increase hepatic S-Adenosylmethionine levels and may be toxic.6 The best way to increase S-Adenosylmethionine levels in the body is by direct supplementation with S-Adenosylmethionine. Silybin is the most biologically active component of an extract from milk thistle known as silymarin,7 and its absorption is enhanced by phosphatidylcholine.8-11 Silybin/silymarin has been shown to have beneficial effects on liver function.
