Silibinin: an old drug for hematological disorders

Abstract

IntroductionSilibinin (silybin), a non-toxic natural polyphenolic flavonoid, is the principal and the most biologically active component of silymarin. It is efficient in the treatment of acute and chronic liver disorders caused by toxins, drug, alcohol, hepatitis, and gall bladder disorders. Further, in our previous studies, we explored the anti-cancer efficacy in common cancers, such as lung, prostatic, colon, breast, bladder, as well as, hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, silibinin is still not solely limited to the treatment of these diseases. Recent research endeavors suggest that silibinin may function diversely and serve as a novel therapy for hematological disorders.Areas coveredIt discovered several interesting viewpoints in the widely studied mechanisms of silibinin in the hematological disorders.Expert commentaryIn this report, we review the up-to-date findings of more potency roles of silibinin in β-thalassemia (β-TM), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and multiple myelomas (MM) therapy and attempt to clarify the mechanisms underlying its effects. There are two viewpoints: First, The functional mechanisms of silibinin in AML cells via regulating cell differentiation to exert anti-cancer effect; Second, combination treatment strategy may be a good choice.

Effect of silibinin on the expression of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 in kidney and lung after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model

“…Silibinin, a non-toxic polyphenolic flavonoid, is the main active component extracted from a medicinal plant named Silybum marianum 64 . It was previously reported that silibinin has anti-inflammation, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities 38 - 44 , 46 , 47 , 65 - 67 .…”

<p>Silibinin attenuates high-fat diet-induced renal fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy</p>

“…A medicinal plant Silybum marianum was commonly used as a hepatoprotective medication to treat jaundice and enlarged liver and spleen 17. Silibinin (Silybin) (Figure 1A), a non-toxic polyphenolic flavonoid, is the main biologically active component extracted from S. marianum 18. It was reported that silibinin has anti-inflammation, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effect 19–22.…”

Downregulation of Jumonji-C domain-containing protein 5 inhibits proliferation by silibinin in the oral cancer PDTX model

“…These effects were demonstrated and mediated by its antioxidative, radical-scavenging, others specific receptors interaction, and the modulation of various cell-signaling pathways, including NF-κ B, targeting of STAT3, inhibition of EGFR-MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling, activity upon Rb and E2F proteins, IGF-receptor signaling, etc. [24,[27][28][29]. Various preclinical studies have shown that silibinin can inhibit lung, breast, gastric, prostate, and skin cancer [20,21], but this does not reflect in the pilot trials performed in humans to date.…”