Milk thistle is able to alter the cell membrane thus making it a powerful blocker of toxins that would try to enter the cells. It has the ability to protect liver cells and is able to block the absorption of toxins into the cells. Milk thistle provides nutritional support for liver function and it is a powerful inhibitor of those factors that are responsible for liver damage. One of its most significant attributes is its unique ability to stimulate production of new liver cells to replace those that are damage by disease. Milk thistle is thus able to have a positive effect on the management of liver disease.
Dandelion is another herbal which is used in cases of impaired liver function.
The main part of the plant that is responsible for the effect that dandelion has on the liver are the bitter compounds found in the leaves and the root. These help to stimulate digestion and effectively increase bile production and bile flow from the liver. This increase in bile production aids in improving fat metabolism in the body. This then makes Dandelion an effective herbal with birds that have impaired liver function. In order to prevent fatty liver disease one needs to remember that your bird does best on a low fat diet with all the vitamin, minerals, and amino acids needed to support life.