Silybum Marianum Extract Research Articles

Silybin Derivatives Produced by γ-Irradiation and Their Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities

Silybin, which belongs to the flavonolignan group, is the major component of the fruit extract of Silybum marianum (common name: milk thistle). Silybin is a medicinal compound with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In this study, silybin derivatives were produced through γ-radiolysis, and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities were evaluated to explore the enhanced activities of silybin derivatives compared to silybin (1). Isosilandrin (2) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin (3) were obtained from a silybin sample irradiated at 300 kGy. The optimal dose showed significant changes in radiolysis product content. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited an IC50 of 274.6 and 109.5 μM, respectively, which are more potent than that of 1 (IC50 > 500 μM). In addition, a molecular docking simulation revealed the binding affinity of these compounds to tyrosinase and their mechanisms of inhibition. Thus, γ-irradiation is an effective method for structural modification of silybin. We also demonstrated that 2,3-dehydrosilybin is a potential tyrosinase inhibitor.

Extract of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn Leaves as a Novel Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in Acidic Solution

In this work, leaves of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn were extracted by a one-step extraction method using ethanol as a solvent, and the Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn extract (SMGE) was firstly employed as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4. The corrosion inhibition performance was studied using weight loss and electrochemical methods, and the anti-corrosion mechanism of SMGE is further analyzed through some surface characterizations and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that SMGE can act as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor and possess superior corrosion inhibition performance for carbon steel in H2SO4 solution, and the optimum corrosion inhibition efficiency reached 93.06% at 800 ppm SMGE combined with 60 ppm KI. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the rising inhibitor concentration. Surface characterizations illustrated that the inhibitor could physico-chemically adsorb on a metal surface, forming a hydrophobic, protective film.

Determination of Flavonolignan Compositional Ratios in Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) Extracts Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Milk thistle is one of the most popular ingredients in the liver protection products market. Silymarin is the main component of milk thistle and contains multiple isomers. There have been few studies focusing on the compositional ratios of silymarin isomers. In this study, we developed an HPLC method for the separation and quantification of silymarin isomers, thereby elucidating their compositional ratios. Through the analysis of more than 40 milk thistle extract products on the market, we found that the ratios, specifically Ratio 1 (the silybin B content to the silybin A content, SBNB/SBNA) and Ratio 2 (the sum of the contents of silybin B and isosilybin B to the sum of the contents of silybin A and isosilybin A, (SBNB + IBNB)/(SBNA + IBNA)), are highly consistent across milk thistle extracts, averaging approximately 1.58 and 1.28, respectively. Furthermore, such ratios were verified in milk thistle seed samples. This study introduces significant findings concerning the stable ratios among silymarin isomers in milk thistle extracts and seeds, thereby offering an innovative approach for quality assurance of milk thistle extracts.

Supplementation of Silymarin Alone or in Combination with Salvianolic Acids B and Puerarin Regulates Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolism to Improve High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD in Mice.

Silymarin, salvianolic acids B, and puerarin were considered healthy food agents with tremendous potential to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms by which they interact with gut microbiota to exert benefits are largely unknown. After 8 weeks of NAFLD modeling, C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups and fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with a medium or high dose of Silybum marianum extract contained silymarin or polyherbal extract contained silymarin, salvianolic acids B, and puerarin for 16 weeks, respectively. The untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were used for molecular mechanisms exploration. The intervention of silymarin and polyherbal extract significantly improved liver steatosis and recovered liver function in the mice, accompanied by an increase in probiotics like Akkermansia and Blautia, and suppressed Clostridium, which related to changes in the bile acids profile in feces and serum. Fecal microbiome transplantation confirmed that this alteration of microbiota and its metabolites were responsible for the improvement in NAFLD. The present study substantiated that alterations of the gut microbiota upon silymarin and polyherbal extract intervention have beneficial effects on HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and suggested the pivotal role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the amelioration of NAFLD.

Genetic activity and cytotoxic effect of Silybum marianum extract in comparison with the impact of antitumor drugs etoposide and methotrexate: a study on Drosophila melanogaster

One of the most important directions in medical practice involves the exploration of protectors and adaptogens to mitigate side effects associated with the use of antitumor and potent medications. The extracts of medicinal plants are actively tested as protectors. In connection with this, the aim of the research was to determine the effectiveness of the protective properties of Silybum marianum extract against the drugs ‘etoposide’ and ‘methotrexate’ at concentrations of 800 μg/kg using the model object Drosophila melanogaster. To analyse the protective properties, the following research methods were applied: determining the lethal concentration, average individual fertility of individuals, mortality of F1 offspring at embryonic stages, SMART (a method for determining the frequency of somatic mutations and recombinations) and assessing the intensity of programmed cell death. The study revealed that a 5% S. marianum extract reduces the genotoxicity of etoposide and exhibits a high cytotoxic effect, both independently and in combination with etoposide and methotrexate.

Supplementation with Silybum marianum Extract, Synbiotics, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals: Impact on Biochemical Markers and Fecal Microbiome in Overweight Dogs.

Overweight and obese dogs can develop metabolic dysfunction, characterized by an inflammatory response and involvement of liver functions. If a modulation of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the gut-liver axis is implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, exploration becomes necessary. Over the past decade, diverse therapeutic approaches have emerged to target pathogenic factors involved in metabolic dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of a supplement with hepatoprotective activity, containing extracts of Silybum marianum, prebiotics, probiotics, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals on hematological markers of liver functions and inflammation, as well as on the intestinal microbiota of 10 overweight adult dogs over a 35-day time span. Animals underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations every 7 days, both before the administration of the supplement (T0) and after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). In comparison to T0, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ALP, glucose, direct bilirubin, and CRP was observed from T3 to T5. The alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only at T1, with high variability observed between dogs. Total short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid were also lower at T1 (p < 0.05) compared to the other times of sampling. The beta diversity of the fecal microbiota failed to show a clear pattern in relation to the sampling times. These results of blood parameters in overweight dogs show a reduction of the inflammation and an improvement of metabolic status during the study period, but the effective contribution of the supplement in this clinical outcome deserves further investigation. Furthermore, the considerable individual variability observed in the microbiome hinders the confident detection of supplement effects.

Utilization of Silybum marianum extract as a high-performance natural antioxidant for polyethylene

In this study, Silybum marianum extract powder was introduced into low density polyethylene (LDPE) as a primary polyphenolic antioxidant via melt blending method. Two synthetic and commercial polyphenol- and phosphite-based antioxidants (Irganox® 1010 and Irgafos® 168) were also used for comparing the antioxidant efficiency and performance of Silybum marianum extract with commercial ones. A systematic formulation study was achieved by varying the amount of Silybum marianum extract in the range of 0.1–1.0 wt% and the primary:secondary antioxidant ratio. Antioxidant efficiency of Silybum marianum extract was quantified with the oxygen induction time (OIT) and oxidation onset temperature values determined by thermal analysis in a differential scanning calorimeter depending on the compositional variations. Some physical properties of specimens such as transparency, color coordinates, contact angle, and degree of crystallinity values were also examined. It was found that 0.2 wt% of Silybum marianum extract and 0.2 wt% of Irgafos® 168 loaded sample showed an OIT value of 22 min. at 210 °C that could be regarded as a very successful commercial potential. Increasing amount of Silybum marianum extract and Irgafos® 168 significantly improved the oxidation stability of polyethylene under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. It was also found that introducing Silybum marianum extract, even the loading content of 1.0 wt%, did not alter the transparency and physical properties of LDPE. It has been concluded that Silybum marianum extract can be successfully used as a natural antioxidant in polyolefins and these samples could be used in packaging film applications.Graphical

Co-treatment of silymarin and cisplatin inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers among women worldwide. Cisplatin (Cis) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used to treat several types of cancer. Silymarin (SLM) is an extract of medicinal plant Silybum marianum (milk thistle) with anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, antioxidant, and anticancer properties used alone or in combination with other drugs. This study aimed to explore the effects of co-treatment with SLM and Cis on A2780 human ovarian cancer cell lines. In this study, A2780 cells were treated with various concentrations of SLM and Cis, separately and in combination. Cell cytotoxicity, scratch, clonogenic, and flow-cytometry assays were accomplished to estimate cell viability, migration, colony formation, and apoptosis, respectively. Real-time PCR was utilized to determine the expression levels of miR-155 and miR-27a. SLM significantly reduced the proliferation of A2780 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Combination treatment with SLM and Cis was more potent than either single treatment in reducing viability, suppressing migration, inhibiting colony formation, and promoting the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed a significant decline in the expression levels of miR-155 and miR-27a in response to all separate and combined treatments, and co-treatment was more effective than individual treatments in altering miRNAs expression. Based on our findings, SLM boosts the anticancer activity of Cis and mitigates its side effects. Thus, the co-treatment of SLM and Cis can be proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for further investigation.

Silybum marianum promotes growth, hepatic antioxidative activity, and splenic immunity but does not influence the intestinal barrier function of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Alternative additives such as phytobiotics have been a research priority to promote chemotherapeutic-free and disease-resistant aquaculture. Hence, various Silybum marianum (SM) extract levels, including 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg−1, were supplemented with a reference diet, and the reference diet containing no SM was considered a control. Each test diet was fed in triplicate to experimental fish for 60 days. The effects were observed on growth, liver, lymphoid organs (kidney and spleen), and intestinal health in relation to a panel of blood biochemical responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Better growth performance in Nile tilapia fed any supplementation levels of SM resulted from improved feed utilization and feed conversion ratio. Microscopic observations found normal kidney, liver, and spleen microstructure across all treatments. Of interest, the antioxidative capacity of the liver was stimulated by SM supplementation, supported by higher expression of CAT, SOD, and GPx genes coupled with higher levels of hepatic GST and T-AOC and lower levels of hepatic MDA concentrations. This was further aligned with lower levels of serum ALP, AST, and ALT relevant to liver function. Meanwhile, splenic immune relevant gene expression (IFN-γ1, LYZ, and hepcidin) increased significantly in all SM-treated fish compared to the control group. Also, hematological responses, including red blood cell indices (RBCs, Hb, HTC, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and white blood cell indices (WBCs, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and heterophils), except monocytes, were improved by SM supplementation. Intestinal microstructures were normal, and their barrier functions were unchanged by dietary supplementation. Hence, SM extract could be used as a promising avenue for enhancing the functionality of aquadiet, leading to improving overall health performance. However, the mode of action of the bioactive ingredients present in SM extract is warranted to be further studied to consider SM as a functional additive for aquafeeds.

Silybum marianum Extract: A green inhibitor for Iron Metal Corrosion and Bacterial Growth in Fresh and Marine Media

Egyptian Silybum marianum ethanolic-hexane crude extract efficiency was investigated as an inhibitor of bacterial growth and iron steel corrosion in fresh water and marine environment media. Iron steel corrosion inhibition rate was quantitatively measured by two methods: one as a concentration of iron released in the medium over time intervals at different inhibitor ratios against the control using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the second was relative weight loss method. Meanwhile, the development of the adsorption layer of the inhibitor on the surface of the iron steel specimen was monitored qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption of the extract constituents was found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Bacterial growth inhibition was examined using a well-diffusion method. After three days, the percentage of corrosion inhibition in fresh and marine media was 95% and 91%, respectively at the ratio of 1.5 mg/mL of the crude extract, and a homogeneous adsorption layer was observed on the surface of the iron specimen. The same dose was enough to inhibit bacterial growth in both media. Natural ecofriendly inhibitor extracted from a wild native Egyptian plant was found to be anticorrosion and at the same time antibacterial in both fresh and marine water media.

Use of Silybum marianum Extract and Bio-Ferment for Biodegradable Cosmetic Formulations to Enhance Antioxidant Potential and Effect of the Type of Vehicle on the Percutaneous Absorption and Skin Retention of Silybin and Taxifolin

In the present study, extract (E) and bio-ferment (B) were obtained from ground and defatted thistle seeds of Silybum marianum. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP techniques, while total polyphenols were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. High antioxidant activity was found in both the E (0.91 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) and B (1.19 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) using DPPH methods, so the obtained cosmetic raw materials were incorporated into hydrogel and organogel substrates to obtain cosmetic formulations with antioxidant activity. However, there is a scarcity of research providing information on the skin penetration of the main active components of S. marianum, which have an antioxidant effect. Therefore, we assessed in vitro the penetration through pig skin of the main components contained in the obtained B and E, such as silybin and taxifolin, which are part of the silymarin complex. We also used pure silymarin (S) for comparison. Among the tested preparations, H-S showed the utmost significant penetration of taxifolin, having a cumulative permeation of 87.739 ± 7.457 μg/cm2. Biodegradation tests of the prepared formulations were also performed, containing cosmetic raw materials and S. Studies of the effect of the cosmetic formulations on aerobic biodegradation showed a good level of degradation for the prepared formulations, some of which (O-B and O-S) were classified as easily degradable (OECD).

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Silybum marianum Seed Extract Rich in Silydianin and Silychristin in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an increasing global health problem, which leads to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Silybum marianum extracts have been reported to possess several biological activities. In this study, an ethyl acetate extract prepared from S. marianum seeds of the Iraqi Kurdistan region was analyzed to identify its chemical constituents. Subsequently, its potential for the prevention and treatment of MetS was studied in a rat model induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFD/F). Silydianin and silychristin were the most abundant flavonolignan constituents (39.4%) identified in the S. marianum extract (SMEE). HFD/F-induced rats treated with SMEE exhibited preventive effects including reduced serum triglyceride levels (TG), decreased glucose levels in an oral glucose tolerance test (p < 0.001), attenuated weight gain, and reduced blood pressure compared to the untreated control group. Therapeutic application of SMEE after inducing MetS led to lowering of TG (p < 0.001) and glucose levels, in addition to reducing weight gain and normalizing blood pressure (p < 0.005). Thus, S. marianum extract rich in silydianin and silychristin may be useful for preventing and attenuating MetS, and further research and clinical trials are warranted.

Green inspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Silybum marianum (milk thistle) extract and evaluation of their potential pesticidal and phytopathogens activities.

The green approaches for the synthesis of nanoparticles are gaining significant importance because of their high productivity, purity, low cost, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. The aim of the current study is the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using seed extracts of Silybum marianum, which acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) optimized synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, reaction time, plant extract, and salt concentration) for controlled size, stability, and maximum yields of ZnO-NPs. Green synthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy and Zetasizer analyses. The Zetasizer confirmed that green synthesized ZnO-NPs were 51.80 nm in size and monodispersed in nature. The UV-visible results revealed a large band gap energy in the visible region at 360.5 nm wavelength. The bioactivities of green synthesized ZnO-NPs, including antifungal, antibacterial, and pesticidal, were also evaluated. Data analysis confirmed that these activities were concentration dependent. Bio-synthesized ZnO-NPs showed higher mortality towards Tribolium castaneum of about 78 ± 0.57% after 72 h observation as compared to Sitophilus oryzae, which only displayed 74 ± 0.57% at the same concentration and time intervals. Plant-mediated ZnO-NPs also showed high potential against pathogenic gram-positive bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis), gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae), and two fungal strains such as Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillums niger with inhibition zones of 18 ± 0.4, 25 ± 0.4, 21 ± 0.57, and 19 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. The results of this study showed that Silybum marianum-based ZnO-NPs are cost-effective and efficient against crop pests.

Possible Mechanism and Pharmacological Activities of a Flavolignan Silibinin

Abstract: Silymarin, a flavonolignan derived from the seeds extract of Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has been frequently used since ancient times. It is made up of flavonolignans such as silychristin, isosilybin A and B, dehydrosilybin, and silybin as well as flavonoids like taxifolin, with silibinin being the most active. Silibinin is a diastereoisomeric combination of two flavonolignans, silybin A and silybin B, with a diastereoisomeric structure. It is found in a variety of phytopreparations that are used to prevent and treat liver disorders. It is considered an important component in a huge range of cosmetic, pharmacological, and medical formulations. Several investigations have revealed that silibinin has anticancer and chemopreventive properties, as well as hypocholesterolaemic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antihypertension, antiparkinson, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective benefits by the help of different mechanisms such as inducing apoptosis, decreasing cell proliferation, inhibiting angiogenesis and viral transition and its entry, and also regulating insulin secretion by decreasing or increasing the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1C) and insig-1 transcription factor, etc. Silibinin data is gathered from many public databanks in order to emphasize its important role in the treatment or prevention of various diseases.

The Reinforcement of Early Growth, Extract, and Oil of Silybum marianum L. by Polymer Organic Cover and Bacteria Inoculation under Water Deficit

Early growth water stress reduces the extract and fresh oil of Silybum marianum L. (S. marianum) shoots. Two experiments were conducted to reduce the effects of early growth drought. Treatments in the first experiment were organic seed cover fillers at three levels (control, vermicompost, and peat moss), hydrogel at seven levels (control, 2, 4, and 6 g hydrogelF1 per kg OSC, and 2, 4, and 6 g hydrogelA200 per kg organic seed cover), and water deficit at three levels (100, 50, and 25% of field capacity), and in the second experiment, seeds were inoculated with bacteria at four levels (control, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, and their combination) and water deficit at four levels (100, 50, and 25% of field capacity). Our results showed that milk thistle seeds are sensitive to water deficit at the emergence stage. Covering milk thistle (S. marianum) seeds with organic seed cover increased water retention around the seeds and improved emergence percentage. Use of organic seed cover with hydrogel increased relative water content (RWC), leaf area, and shoot length, and increased extracts and oils in fresh shoots. Bacterial inoculation also improved initial growth and reduced the effect of water stress on the plant, and increased leaf number, extract, and oil. The combination of bacteria had a positive effect on initial growth and inoculation of seeds, P. fluorescens and P. putida increased relative water content (RWC), shoot height, and specific leaf area, and increased extract and oil under water deficit conditions. A comparison of the results showed that seed inoculation is a simple method without new culture medium, and improves extract and oil under water deficit conditions.

Ameliorative effect of Silybum marianum extract "Milk thistle" against Lithium-induced cardiac toxicity in adult male albino rats.

Ameliorative effect of Silybum marianum extract "Milk thistle" against Lithium-induced cardiac toxicity in adult male albino rats.

Modulation of Insulin Resistance by Silybum marianum Leaves, and its Synergistic Efficacy with Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Trigonella-foenum graecum Against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B

ABSTRACT Prolonged insulin resistance is considered one of the reasons for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Upregulation of Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin signalling, has been well studied as a key regulator in prognosis to insulin resistance. It has been widely studied as a desirable molecular therapeutic target. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of leaf extract of the medicinal plants Silybum marianum on the inhibition of PTP1B activity. It also explored the synergistic effect with extracts of Gymnema sylvestre (leaves), Momordica charantia (seeds), and Trigonella foenum graecum (seeds). The S. marianum leaves showed dose-dependent inhibition of PTP1B ranging from 9.48–47.95% (25–1000 μg mL−1). Assay with individual plant extracts showed comparatively lesser inhibition of PTP1B as compared to metformin as a control (38% inhibition). However, a synergistic effect showed nearly 45% PTP1B inhibition (higher than metformin) after the assay was done with selected four plant extracts in combination. The effect of leaf extracts of S. marianum was studied for glucose uptake efficiency in yeast cell lines which was found to be increased by 23% as compared to the control (without extract). Metformin improves glucose upake by yeast cells by ~15–31%. GC-MS analysis revealed 23 phytochemicals, some of which possessed anti-diabetic properties. A dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity of S. marianum leaves extracts was observed (40–53%). The findings of the study highlighted the presence of various phytochemicals in leaves extracts that are effective against PTP1B inhibition and may help in reinvigorating drug development.

Synthesis characterisation and neuroprotectivity of Silybum marianum extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Aim Silybum marianum extract (SME) possesses neuroprotective potency through its high antioxidant content. We attempted to increase the effectiveness of SME by encapsulating them in chitosan. Neuroprotective potency of SME and SME-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SME-CNPs) were shown in SH-SY5Y cell line against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Methods We produced CNPs and SME-CNPs by ionic gelation method and properly determined their physical characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro release tests were performed for SME-CNPs. The neurotoxicity and neuroprotective efficiency in SH-SY5Y cell line against H2O2 was also investigated. Results The size of SME-CNPs was 168.2 ± 11.12 nm with zeta potential 10.6 ± 1.0 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were successfully achieved at 96.6% and 1.89% respectively. SME and SME-CNPs improved cell viability higher than 80%, and SME-CNPs exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2 damage. Conclusions It was concluded that SME and SME-CNPs highly prevent damage caused by H2O2 and reduce cell damage in vitro by their neuroprotective effects.

586 Interest of Silybum marianum extract, Manganese PCA and Lespedeza capitata extract in a new anti-hair loss serum to stimulate hair growth and prolong anagen phase

The hair follicle (HF) undergoes cycles of growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen) phases. Chronic and reactive hair loss are linked to dysfunctions of the hair growth cycle. The association of active ingredients targeting specifically the HF could help to restore hair cycle and promote hair growth. The efficacy of 3 active ingredients was evaluated on hair growth/anchorage markers in human HF dermal papilla cells (DPC): a new extract from Silybum marianum (SME) stimulating hair shaft anchorage by keratin 75 modulation, Manganese PCA (MnPCA) and a Lespedeza capitata extract (LCE).

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract improves growth, immunity, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant state, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

In aquaculture, phytobiotics can be used as feed supplements with attractive growth-promoting, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and several health benefits for a variety of finfish species. Herein, we evaluated of the impacts of milk thistle extract (MTE; Silybum marianum) on the overall performances of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus juveniles. Fish (7.10 ± 0.00 g) were fed on diets containing graded MTE levels as 0.0 (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Fish were assigned into 4 triplicate groups and were hand-fed on the prepared corresponding diets thrice daily for 60 days with 3% of their wet body weight. Significant increases in the feed intake, final weight, weight gain, weight gain%, and specific growth rate were noticed in MTE-supplemented groups with regard to the control group. However, survival rate %, feed conversion ratio, body composition analysis, and amino acid content (% of protein) were statistically non-significant among all experimental groups. Liver function enzymes, intestinal histomorphometry (intestinal villus height, width, and crypt depth), and digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) were increased in MTE groups compared to controls. Moreover, dose-dependent significant increases in serum lysozyme activities and total immunoglobulin content were remarked in all MTE groups in comparison with the controls. Liver CAT and SOD enzymes were significantly elevated, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly declined in liver homogenates of MTE groups compared with the controls. However, the levels of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid were not significantly changed by dietary MTE. Of interest, the histological sections of the hepatopancreatic and intestinal tissues showed normal histoarchitecture of the hepatic cords and pancreatic acini as well as normal intestinal villi, crypts, and enterocytes with no lesions recorded among all the experimental groups. Collectively, the findings mentioned above suggest that MTE could improve the growth, enhance digestive enzymes and intestinal morphometry, and boost the immunity and hepatic antioxidant capacity of P. hypophthalmus. Thus, we suggest the possible application of MTE extract in aquafeed as a growth promotor, immunostimulant, and antioxidant.