Published May 15, 2021 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Pharmacological, Biochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Milk Thistle (Silymarin): A Review

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Biochemistry Unit, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
  • 2. Microbiology Unit, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Description

Silymarin, a flavonolignan from the seeds of 'milk thistle' (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.)), has been widely used from ancient times because of its excellent hepato-protective action. It is a mixture of mainly three flavonolignans, which are, silybin, silidianin, and silychristin, with silybin being the most active. Silymarin has been used medicinally to treat liver disorders, including acute and chronic viral hepatitis, toxin/drug-induced hepatitis, and cirrhosis and alcoholic liver diseases. It has also been reported to be effective in certain cancers. Its mechanism of action includes inhibition of hepatotoxin binding to receptor sites on the hepatocyte membrane; reduction of glutathione oxidation to enhance its level in the liver and intestine; antioxidant activity; and stimulation of ribosomal RNA polymerase and subsequent protein synthesis, leading to enhanced hepatocyte regeneration. It is orally absorbed but has very poor bioavailability due to its poor water solubility. This review focuses on the various pharmacological activities of silymarin.

Files

WNOFNS 37 (2021) 75-91.pdf

Files (651.0 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:645b2389ab9cf7024630dd0435e16020
651.0 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Identifiers

URL
https://www.worldnewsnaturalsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WNOFNS-37-2021-75-91.pdf

Related works

Cites
Journal article: https://www.worldnewsnaturalsciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WNOFNS-37-2021-75-91.pdf (URL)

Software

Repository URL
https://www.worldnewsnaturalsciences.com/
Development Status
Active

References

  • [1] Kren V, Walterova D. (2005). Silybin and Silymarin – New effects and applications. Biomed Papers 149: 29-41
  • [2] Dermarderosin A. (1996). The review of natural products. 1st ed. United States of America: Facts and Comparisons.
  • [3] Gazak R, Walterova D, Kren V. (2007). Silybin and silymarin - New and emerging applications in medicine. Curr Med Chem 14: 315-338
  • [4] Tůmová L, Tůma J, Megušar K, Doleža M (2010). Substituted Pyrazinecarboxamides as Abiotic Elicitors of Flavolignan Production in Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn Cultures in Vitro. Molecules. 15 (1): 331-340. doi:10.3390/molecules15010331
  • [5] Javed S, Kohli K, Ali M. (2011). Reassessing bioavailability of silymarin. Altern Med Rev. 16(3): 239-249
  • [6] Surai PF. (2015). Silymarin as a natural antioxidant: an overview of the current evidence and perspectives. Antioxidants 4(1): 204-247. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox4010204
  • [7] Desplaces A, Choppin J, Vogel G. (1975). The effects of silymarin on experimental phalloidine poisoning. Arzneimittelforschung. 25: 89-96
  • [8] Anthony, K.; Subramanya, G.; Uprichard, S.; Hammouda, F.; Saleh, M. (2013). Antioxidant and anti‐hepatitis C viral activities of commercial milk thistle food supplements. Antioxidants 2: 23-36
  • [9] Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. (2010). Milkthistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 24(10): 1423-1432.https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3207
  • [10] Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E. Silybum marianum (Carduus marianus). Fitoterapia 1995; 66(1): 3-42