Effect of silybum marianum in treatment and prevention of hepatotoxicity in patients undergoing reinduction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Abstract

Using hepatotoxic drugs in induction phase for ALL patients increases liver enzymes and deal to some difficulties. So, treatment with herbal medicine such as Silymarin in monitoring serum levels of liver enzymes in ALL patients is effective. In a clinical trial study, we selected randomly 30 all patients and divided in two groups. One group treated with Silymarin and another group takes placebo for 56 days. Laboratory tests were done in patients on days 0, 28 and 56. The mean serum ALT and AST levels in two groups were similar in days 0 and 28, but in day 56 a significant decrease was seen in Silymarin group compared to placebo. Results showed that, the use of Silymarin in induction phase of ALL treatment significantly reduces liver enzymes and side effects of chemotherapy and be effective in prevention of hepatotoxicity in ALL patients.