Abstract
The plant phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and isoflavonoids have an important role in the treatment of many diseases and some of them induce a potent hepatoprotective effect. In the present study, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of ethanolic extract of Silybum marianum (Milk thistle) plant were evaluated by measuring liver function; tissue antioxidant enzymes and histological examination of liver. Antioxidant enzymes as SOD, CAT and GSH were measured in liver homogenate. In vitro determination of the extract activity was compared to DPPH and measured spectrophotometrically. Oral administration of Silybum marianum extract significantly (P < 0.05) decreased liver enzyme activity when given in repeated doses. The small and large doses increased the activity of antioxidant enzyme. The obtained results proved the protective effect of ethanolic extract on liver cells. The protective effect of this extract may be attributed to presence of flavonoids compounds and their antioxidant effects. It could be concluded that ethanol extract of Silybium marianum have a significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity and may be useful for patients who suffer from liver diseases.
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