Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle): Review on Its chemistry, morphology, ethno medical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities

Abstract

The oldest remedies identified to mankind are herbal medicines. India is recognized worldwide for its Ayurvedic treatment. India has rich history of using many plants for medicinal purposes. Remedial plants are cooperating extremely dynamic position in customary drugs for the action of a variety of illness. However a key obstacle, which has hindered the promotion in use of alternative medicines in the developed countries, is no evidence of documentation and absence of stringent quality control measures. There is a demand for the evidence of every investigate effort execute on conventional remedies in the appearance of certification. The purpose of current review is to make accessible up-to-date information on, botany, morphology, ecological biodiversity, therapeutic uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities on diverse parts of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (S. marianum). This review was assembled using technical literature from electronic search engine such as Springer link, Bio Med Central, Pub Med, Scopus, Science Direct, Scielo, Medline and Science domain. Supplementary texts were obtained from books, book chapters, dissertations, websites and other scientific publications. S. marianum a member of the Asteraceae family, is a tall herb with large prickly white veined green leaves and a reddish-purple flower that ends in sharp spines. It is native of the Mediterranean region and which has also spread in East Asia, Europe, Australia and America. Confident chemical constituents were exposed cognate as silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, silydianin, apigenin 7-O-β-(2″- O-α-rhamnosyl)galacturonide, kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside-7-O-β-galacturonide, apigenin 7-O-β-glucuronide, apigenin 7-O-β-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-β-galactoside, kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnoside, kaempferol, taxifolin and quercetin. The plant is exclusively used as anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and as an anti-oxidant. Seeds of the plant are also used as an anti-spasmodic, neuroprotective, anti-viral, immunomodulant, cardioprotective, demulcent and anti-haemorrhagic. The plant is also serves as a galactagogue, agent that induces milk secretion and used in the treatment of uterine disorders. The plant is employed in dissimilar conventional schemes of remedy in the cure of different illness.

COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy?

“…Chemical composition. Flavonolignans such as silymarin, silybin, isosilybin and taxifolin (1.5–3.0%) are the main components reported for S. marianum ( Wynn, 1999 ; Porwal et al, 2019 ); flavonoids (quercetin derivatives); phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic and ferulic acids) ( Lucini et al, 2016 ; Valková et al, 2020 ).…”

Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species (NUS) from the Apulia Region Worthy of Being Rescued and Re-Included in Daily Diet

“…Milk thistle extracts, from the heads, leaves, and stems, have shown several biological properties [79], including strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and antitumoral activities [79][80][81]. In an experimental model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the administration of S. marianum extract reduced the severity of steatohepatitis and the levels of alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase and improved the levels of glutathione [82].…”

Phytochemicals and Their Possible Mechanisms in Managing COVID-19 and Diabetes

“…Silymarin, an extract from the seeds of the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), of Mediterranean origin, contains a gamma of flavolignans such as silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin [52]. Silymarin has been credited with having effects on liver disorders, in addition to anticancer, antihepatoprotector, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antiamnesic, anti-inflammatory, and antisclerotic activities, and it modulates T cells [53][54][55]. It has been considered effective for the symptoms of respiratory diseases, fever, and influenza [56].…”