Abstract
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Asteraceae) seeds have been used for over 2000 years as remedy for several diseases especially for liver and are still used widely. The active principle extracted from milk thistle seeds is silymarin, which is a mixture of flavonolignans, silibinin (silybin) being the main component, available commercially as standardized extract. Milk thistle seed extract (silymarin) and its constituents, chiefly silibinin, act as antioxidant and hepatoprotective; effective in treating toxin/xenobiotic poisoning, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fibrosis of liver; and stimulate liver regeneration. Nevertheless, human studies regarding management of liver diseases are not much compelling. Milk thistle seed has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, lipid, and biliary effects. It also has antiviral, antitumor, and other health beneficiary properties. Milk thistle preparations are safe, well-tolerated, and cause no serious adverse effects except mild gastrointestinal and allergic reactions. Milk thistle seed is a very promising natural drug. More clinical research is warranted to support its wide-ranging health-promoting effects.
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