Advances in the Use of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Abstract

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal supplement used to treat liver and biliary disorders. Silymarin, a mixture of flavanoid complexes, is the active component that protects liver and kidney cells from toxic effects of drugs, including chemotherapy. Although milk thistle has not significantly altered the course of chronic liver disease, it has reduced liver enzyme levels and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and T cell-modulating effects. There is strong preclinical evidence for silymarin's hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects, including inhibition of cancer cell growth in human prostate, skin, breast, and cervical cells. Milk thistle is considered safe and well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset, a mild laxative effect, and rare allergic reaction being the only adverse events reported when taken within the recommended dose range. More clinical trials of rigorous methodology, using standardized and well-defined products and dosages, are needed to evaluate the potential of silymarin against liver toxicity, chronic liver disease, and human cancers.

Roles of Plant Extracts and Constituents in Cervical Cancer Therapy

“…Among the studies reviewed here, there are few which have indicated antitumor activity in vivo such as topotecan (Yakushiji et al, 1997), mixture of flavonoids complexes in milk thistle (Post-White et al, 2007) and ellagic acid (Misikangas et al, 2007;Seeram et al, 2007). Raddeanin A, a triterpenoid saponin from Anemone raddeana has also demonstrated good antitumor activity.…”

“…It is the active component of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), consisting of a mixture of flavanoid complexes and have been found to exert anticarcinogenic effects in preclinical trials. It was reported that the anticancer property was indicated by its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells including cervical cancer cells (Post-White et al, 2007).…”

Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy: Oxidative Stress as Pathological Mechanism. Protective Effect of Silibinin

“…It has been shown that silibinin inhibits overproduction of O 2 À. by stimulated neutrophils, xanthine oxidase activity, and prevents hem-mediated oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins. 39,42 Methods…”

First detailed quantification of silymarin components in the leaves ofSilybum marianumcultivated in egypt during different growth stages

“…Sample 5 was prepared by defatting 5 g of the powdered seeds with 250 mL of petroleum ether (boiling point 40-60 °C) by cold maceration while in the case of sample 6, the seeds were defatted with 250 mL of petroleum ether (40-60 °C) using a Soxhlet apparatus. The defatted powders were treated similarly as samples (1)(2)(3)(4). Triplicate 20-µL injections were made for each sample; they were chromatographed under the specified conditions described previously, and the peak areas were measured (Figs 3 and 4).…”

“…1), is the active component isolated from the seeds and fruits of the plant. Silymarin proved to protect liver and kidney cells from toxic effects of drugs including chemotherapy [3]. In vitro experiments with kidney cells damaged by paracetamol, cisplatin, and vincristin demonstrated that administration of silymarin can obstruct the nephrotoxic effects [4].…”