Digestión (deficiente)

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound that regenerates glutathione and vitamins C and E, supporting hepatic phase II detoxification. It protects the liver from free radical damage, helps eliminate heavy metals from blood, and multiple human RCTs have shown modest improvements in liver enzyme levels in NAFLD patients.

Alexandrian senna (Cassia senna/Senna alexandrina) is the primary source of sennosides A and B, which are FDA-recognized OTC stimulant laxative compounds for colon cleansing. Used since ancient Egypt for bowel cleansing, it is the most documented natural stimulant laxative and a core ingredient in whole-body colon cleanse formulations.

Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) contains cynarin and cynaropicrin, which stimulate liver bile production and excretion, supporting hepatic detoxification. A 2023 PMC study demonstrated that artichoke leaf extract reduced ALT, AST, and SOD activity in CCl4-exposed animals, suggesting liver protective and regenerative properties.

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid from plants including Berberis, Goldenseal, and Coptis with documented hepatoprotective and gut microbiome-modulating properties. It supports liver detoxification via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and modulates bile acid metabolism and gut flora balance as part of whole-body cleanse formulations.

Chlorella is a freshwater microalga whose tough cell wall binds heavy metals and supports their excretion via the digestive tract. Studies have shown chlorella increased mercury detoxification in mice, reduced lead absorption in animal models by ~60%, and laboratory data show it bound 90–95% of cadmium in simulated gut fluid.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is a traditional liver tonic and diuretic used across European and Chinese herbalism for liver and gallbladder cleansing. Its bitter sesquiterpene lactones stimulate bile production (choleretic) and bile flow (cholagogue), facilitating hepatic detoxification. Preclinical studies show it increases glutathione and antioxidant enzymes in the liver.

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains sulfur compounds (allicin, alliin, S-allylcysteine, diallyl disulfide) that support hepatic detoxification enzymes and may chelate heavy metals. Research suggests garlic may prevent kidney damage from cadmium and reduce lead-related oxidative damage, while also supporting liver glutathione levels.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins, especially EGCG, support liver detoxification by upregulating antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes (NQO1, glutathione-S-transferase). Human studies show green tea extract may reduce liver enzyme levels (ALT/AST) and improve hepatic steatosis markers, supporting its inclusion in liver-focused whole-body cleanse formulations.

Glutathione is the liver's primary phase II detoxification conjugating molecule, central to neutralizing electrophilic toxins, heavy metals, and reactive oxygen species. Integrative medicine and PubMed-referenced protocols consistently identify glutathione as a key detoxification support compound in whole-body cleanse contexts, particularly for heavy metal removal.

Milk thistle's active extract silymarin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties supporting liver detoxification. A 2023 systematic review of 29 RCTs (n=3,846) found 65.5% of studies reported reduced liver enzyme levels with silymarin. It has been used in Western herbalism for liver and gallbladder cleansing for centuries.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a glutathione precursor that plays a central role in hepatic detoxification, increasing glutathione-S-transferase activity and neutralizing reactive oxygen species. It is widely recognized in integrative medicine as a key liver detoxification support nutrient and is used in clinical settings for acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.

Psyllium husk is a soluble dietary fiber that forms a gel in the intestine, bulking stool, binding toxins and waste for removal, and supporting gut microbiome health. It is the only FDA-approved dietary fiber for heart health claims and is consistently used as a foundational fiber ingredient in whole-body colon cleanse formulations.

Schisandrin is one of the primary active dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis, used in TCM for liver protection and detoxification support. A 2025 PMC systematic review and meta-analysis found Schisandra chinensis significantly reduced liver injury markers and showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in liver damage models.

Senna (Cassia angustifolia/senna) is an FDA-recognized stimulant laxative containing sennosides that stimulate colonic peristalsis, supporting bowel cleansing as part of whole-body detox protocols. It is favored clinically for bowel preparation before colonoscopies and is a dominant ingredient in commercial colon cleanse formulations.

Sennosides are the active anthraquinone glycoside laxative compounds from senna (Alexandrian senna/Cassia senna) responsible for stimulant laxative colon-cleansing action. They are FDA-recognized OTC laxative actives used in whole-body colon cleanse products for bowel evacuation, promoting elimination of intestinal waste.

Silybin is the most pharmacologically active flavonolignan component of silymarin (from milk thistle) with well-documented hepatoprotective and liver detoxification supporting properties. It is the principal active molecule responsible for silymarin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-protective effects on liver cells during detoxification.

Silymarin is the standardized flavonolignan extract from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and is the most extensively studied natural compound for liver protection and detoxification support. A 2023 systematic review of 29 RCTs (n=3,846) found 65.5% of studies reported reduced liver enzyme levels, confirming its hepatoprotective role in whole-body liver cleansing.

Spirulina is a blue-green alga rich in phycocyanin, chlorophyll, and antioxidants with documented hepatoprotective and heavy metal chelating properties. A 2025 PMC review found spirulina reduces oxidative stress, liver enzyme markers, and facilitates binding and excretion of heavy metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Sulforaphane is the most potent known dietary inducer of hepatic and systemic phase II detoxification enzymes, which conjugate and facilitate excretion of environmental carcinogens, pollutants, and toxic metabolites. A landmark 283-subject RCT demonstrated significant urinary excretion of benzene and acrolein mercapturic acids.

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formula (Terminalia chebula, T. bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica) used for millennia as a digestive tonic and whole-body cleanser. A 2021 PMC study showed Triphala extracts protected against CCl4-induced acute liver injury, reducing ALT, AST, and pro-inflammatory cytokines via Nrf-2 pathway activation.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active compound curcumin have demonstrated hepatoprotective properties in preclinical and human studies. Johns Hopkins Medicine acknowledges turmeric extract has been shown to protect against liver injury. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms support liver detoxification pathway function and bile production.

Human clinical studies demonstrate that oral zeolite clinoptilolite reduces body burden of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, nickel, aluminum) via intestinal ion-exchange and adsorption without systemic absorption of zeolite itself. A study of 102 heavy-metal-contaminated men found decreased harmful metal concentrations in hair after 30 days. Clinical trials show statistically significant reductions in blood arsenic and serum mercury/cadmium.

Aloe vera latex (containing aloin) is a traditional stimulant laxative used for bowel cleansing; the gel is used as a digestive soother. Aloe is consistently included in colon cleanse formulations for its bowel-stimulating and gut-soothing properties, with traditional use spanning ancient Egypt through contemporary whole-body cleanse products.

Aloin (barbaloin) is the anthraquinone glycoside constituent of aloe vera latex responsible for its stimulant laxative and bowel-cleansing properties. It has been used since ancient times for intestinal cleansing and is recognized in traditional medicine systems across the world as a cathartic for whole-body bowel cleansing.

Barberry has a documented traditional role as a 'blood purifier' and systemic cleanser in Persian, Ayurvedic, and European medicine, attributed to its liver-stimulating, bile-promoting, and antimicrobial properties. This is a traditional rather than clinically validated concept.

Birch is one of the most well-established depurative (blood-cleansing) herbs in European tradition, used systematically in spring detoxification programmes. Its diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory properties are considered to promote whole-body clearance of metabolic waste. This traditional use is documented across German, British, Eastern European, and indigenous traditions.

Buckthorn has been used across European and Asian traditional systems as a depurative and whole-body cleanser, primarily through its potent purgative action on the intestinal tract. It appears in traditional 'cleansing' herbal blends and was historically used to expel toxins, parasites, and metabolic waste. This is a traditional rather than scientifically validated use.

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is one of the most established 'alterative' herbs in Western herbalism, traditionally used to purify blood and detoxify metabolic waste through the urinary and digestive systems. Modern studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support liver detoxification processes.

Cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) bark contains anthraquinones that stimulate bowel contractions and promote intestinal cleansing. It has been used for centuries as a natural laxative and is a staple ingredient in whole-body colon cleanse formulations, functioning as a bowel evacuant to support elimination pathways.

Chlorophyll has been used as a traditional internal cleanser and detoxifier for decades, based on its documented ability to bind carcinogens and reduce their systemic bioavailability, support liver detoxification enzyme systems, and reduce gut-derived toxin absorption. While the aflatoxin chemoprevention data provide a scientific basis for specific toxin binding, the broader concept of a 'whole body cleanse' via chlorophyll is rooted in traditional use and naturopathic practice rather than controlled clinical evidence.

Cleavers has centuries of use as a spring tonic and whole-body depurative across European traditions, believed to cleanse the blood and lymph of winter stagnation. This is one of its most culturally consistent traditional applications. No clinical studies exist for this general use.

Flaxseed is a rich source of both soluble and insoluble fiber (mucilage and lignan-rich hull) used in whole-body cleanse protocols as a bowel regularity agent and toxin binder. Its mucilaginous fiber supports intestinal transit, binds bile acids and waste products for fecal excretion, and is included as a foundational fiber element in colon cleanse formulations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root is a traditional digestive tonic used in whole-body cleanse formulations for its ability to stimulate gastrointestinal motility, support bowel function, and reduce digestive inflammation. It is recognized in multiple traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, TCM, Western herbalism) as a key herb for supporting the digestive tract during cleansing.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) contains berberine and hydrastine, traditionally used as a digestive tonic, liver stimulant, and whole-body purifier in Native American and Western herbal medicine. It is included in whole-body cleanse formulations for its bitter tonic effects on liver and digestive elimination pathways.

Blood purification and whole-body detoxification are primary classical indications of H. indicus in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine, where it is categorized as a Raktashodhaka (blood purifier) and depurative. Combined diuretic, diaphoretic, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties mechanistically support this traditional role.

Kelp is a brown seaweed rich in alginates, fucoidan, and iodine, traditionally used in whole-body cleanse protocols for its ability to bind heavy metals in the gut and support thyroid-mediated metabolic detoxification. Alginate compounds from kelp have documented heavy metal binding properties, reducing intestinal absorption of lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals.

TC is described in Ayurveda and related systems as 'a destroyer of diseases and an eliminator of toxins and wastes from throughout the body,' serving as a foundational cleansing herb. It is used to support elimination via the colon, liver, kidneys, and lymph.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf is a traditional spring tonic and kidney diuretic used across European herbalism for whole-body cleansing. It supports kidney elimination by promoting urine output and is considered one of the safest kidney tonic diuretics. Nettle is widely included in whole-body cleanse and detox formulations.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and its active phenol carvacrol have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties used in whole-body cleanse contexts, particularly for gut microbiome cleansing and anti-parasitic/anti-fungal applications. Oregano oil is a traditional and contemporary ingredient in GI cleanse protocols targeting harmful gut organisms.

Parsley's combination of diuretic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and carminative properties underpins its traditional use across Ayurvedic and Mediterranean systems as a whole-body detoxifying herb. Ayurvedic practitioners historically recommended parsley for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

P. kurroa is categorized in Ayurveda as a powerful detoxifying and liver-stimulatory herb with laxative, choleretic, and hepatoprotective properties. The traditional concept of systemic cleansing (shodhana) is a core Ayurvedic use documented in classical texts and ethnopharmacological reviews.

In TCM, rhubarb root is a primary 'purging' and 'detoxifying' herb, used to eliminate pathogenic heat, toxins, and stagnation from the body. This concept aligns with the traditional whole-body cleanse use documented across TCM and Western herbalism.

Sarsaparilla occupies a central role in traditional herbal medicine as a systemic 'alterative' or 'blood purifier,' a concept spanning indigenous American, European, and Chinese systems. It was officially listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1820–1910). The endotoxin-binding property of saponins provides a partial mechanistic basis. No clinical trials for 'whole body detox' exist.

Schizandrol A is a primary bioactive lignan from Schisandra chinensis used in TCM for liver protection and detoxification. As the principal hepatoprotective compound in Schisandra, it supports liver enzyme normalization and antioxidant defense, contributing to the whole-body cleansing role of Schisandra in TCM-based cleanse formulations.

Sheep's sorrel has been traditionally used as a whole-body depurative and detoxifying herb, combining its diuretic and mild laxative actions with a perceived blood-cleansing role. It was a component of Essiac tea, widely used for general detoxification. No clinical evidence supports this broad claim.

Silychristin is a flavonolignan component of silymarin (milk thistle extract) with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. As part of the silymarin complex used in traditional and scientific whole-body liver cleanse applications, silychristin contributes to the overall hepatoprotective and detoxification-supporting effects of standardized milk thistle.

Silydianin is a flavonolignan component of the silymarin complex from milk thistle, contributing antioxidant properties alongside silybin and silychristin. As part of standardized silymarin preparations used in whole-body liver cleanse formulations, it participates in the collective hepatoprotective activity of milk thistle.

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) inner bark contains mucilage that soothes and coats the gastrointestinal tract, supporting digestive cleansing by reducing irritation and inflammation during bowel-cleansing protocols. It is a traditional Native American and folk medicine herb included in whole-body colon cleanse formulations for its gut-protective properties.

Stillingia was central to 19th-century American Eclectic medicine as a whole-body alterative and 'blood purifier,' used in compound formulas to support total-body detoxification. It was applied for chronic systemic conditions attributed to constitutional impurity. No clinical evidence exists.

T. cordifolia is described in Ayurveda as purifying the blood, cleansing the microcirculatory system, and removing toxins both endogenously and exogenously. Its detoxifying role for blood, liver, and lymphatic channels (Srotas) is a foundational Ayurvedic concept.

Wheatgrass has been widely promoted as a whole-body detoxifying agent since the 1930s in naturopathic traditions, attributed to its chlorophyll, antioxidant, and enzyme content. This claim is primarily traditional and not validated by human clinical trials.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) root is a traditional Western herbal medicine 'alterative' used for liver support, bile flow stimulation, and gentle bowel cleansing. It contains anthraquinone glycosides providing mild laxative action plus iron-assisting constituents. It is recognized as a liver-moving alterative in cleanse and detox herbal systems.