Planetary Formulas LIVER DEFENSE for Healthy Liver Support with Liver Defense. LIVER DEFENSE is based on the thoroughly researched Chinese formula Minor Bupleurum, also known as Sho-Saiko-To in Japan. Sho-saiko-to is a proven traditional liver remedy that has been prescribed to more than 1.5 million liver patients in Japan. SST has shown in clinical studies to slow down the progression of the liver injury. Patients report significant improvement of symptoms including increase in overall energy within the first month of treatment. Blood tests and liver biopsy of these patients showed improvement as well.

These findings are similar to the many Japanese research papers that have been already published in the past decades. It is particularly beneficial to all forms of chronic liver damage in helping to prevent further formation of liver fibrosis and scaring. Modern studies show that Sho-Saiko-To supports healthy liver function and enhanced immune response. Astragalus, milk thistle, and schisandra are also included for broad-spectrum liver maintenance and protection.

SST (Sho-Saiko-To), a botanical product based on herbal medicine has been successfully used by over 1.5 million people in Japan for liver care. Currently, Sho-Saiko-To is in clinical studies at leading US hospitals and universities. In a New York cancer center the herbal preparation is studied for the liver health issue that is referred to as “non-responders” to conventional therapy. Meanwhile, a liver center at a San Diego university hospital is testing the capsule SST for strengthening the liver.

Sho-saiko-to is composed of 7 botanical ingredients including bupleurum root, licorice, ginseng, jujube, pinellia tuber, ginger, and scutellaria root. These 7 herbs comprise the Traditional Chinese Medicine's Herbal Formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum formula, in English). This formula is probably the most widely prescribed herbal prescription treating a great many western life-style disorders. There are a great many numerous variations to this formula that tailor the prescription uniquely to the individual (which is a hall mark of TCM).

Liver function can be compromised by a number of things—virus infections, pollution, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, steroids, poor diet, insufficient rest, stress, obesity, smoking, and illness, to name a few. Since the liver is one of the most important organs when it comes to fighting illness, liver problems can have serious consequences.

SST formula has stayed the same for hundreds of years, because it has repeatedly proven successful for protecting the liver. While the ingredients work synergistically, they are also quite potent individually.

The seven active ingredients and their actions include the following:

Radix Bupleuri - chai hu - Chinese Thorowax root is bitter and slightly cold. It harmonizes interior and exterior, courses the Liver, vents Pathogenic qi, and raises the yang. It enters the Liver, Pericardium, Gallbladder and Triple Burner meridians. Reduces adhesion of tumor cells, activates natural defenses against tumor cells.

Pinellia tuber: [19.6%]  Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae - ban xia - Treated Pinellia rhizome is acrid and warm. It regulates and circulates the qi and disperses Phlegm. It is used whenever Dampness accumulates and causes vomiting, excess sputum, or poor digestion. It enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Increases interferon activity.

Scutellaria root: [19.9%] Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis - huang qin - Baikal Skullcap root is cold and bitter, entering the Heart, Lung, and Gallbladder channels. It effectively clears Damp Heat and Fire, resolves phlegm, relaxes the Liver. Scavenges free radicals, relaxes blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and exhibits antitumor activity.

Licorice: [10.3%] Radix Glycyrrhize Uralensis - gan cao - Licorice root Generates interferon activity, protects the gastric system, is sweet and warm. It supplements qi, strengthens the Heart, Spleen, Stomach while harmonizing the prescription. It enters the Spleen and Lung meridians. chemopreventive, and has antiviral activity.

Ginger:  [6.9%] Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis - gan jiang - Dried Ginger rhizome is acrid and warm. It harmonizes and supplements the Middle Burner, and harmonizes the prescription. It enters the Lung, Spleen and Stomach .Inhibits the spread of cancer cells.

Jujube: [8.9%] Frutus Zizyphi Jujubae - hong zao - Red Jujube fruit is sweet, warm and supplements and enters the Spleen and Stomach. It reinforces qi, harmonizes the Constructive qi and Defensive qi, resolves drug toxins and harmonizes the characteristics of harsh herbs. Increases natural killer cell activity and is antiasthmatic.

Ginseng: [10.3%] Radix Ginseng - ren shen - Oriental White Ginseng root is sweet, bitter and warm. It supplements the Ancestral (yuan) qi, strengthens the Spleen/Stomach, helps create new Blood, and quiets the Spirit. It enters the Spleen, Lung and Kidney meridians.