Silybum Marianum Extract Research Articles

Potential Effects of Wild Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) Seed Extract Intervention on Oxidative Stress Induced by Busulfan Drug in Different Organs of Rats

Chemotherapeutic agent, busulfan, induce oxidative stress as a mechanism to kill cancer cells, however, it may also cause oxidative stress in non-target tissues and thereby lead to normal tissue injury. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) has been used for centuries as a herbal drug. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential effects of wild Silybum marianum seed ethanol extract (SMSEE) intervention on oxidative stress induced by busulfan drug in different organs of Rats. For the study 42 rats were prepared and fed with special ration, then they were divided to 7 groups with 6 rats in each group: group 1, Normal control: healthy rats without intervention; group 2.control SMSEE, 400 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 3, positive control group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan, group 4, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 200 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 5, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan+ 400 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 6, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 600 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 7, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 800 mg/kg/day SMSEE. The amount of oxidative stress parameters (ROS and MDA), glutathione fractions (GSH and GSSG), and antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, GSH-Rd, SOD and CAT) in the different tissue extracts (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, pancreas and testes) were measured. The results of this study showed that after busulfan treatment the levels of ROS and MDA were significantly (p≤0.05) increased and GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px, GSH-Rd, SOD and CAT were decreased in all studied organs. Treatment of busulfan administration rats with SMSEE leads to the opposite direction by different rates. In conclusion, the use of busulfan in rats administration induce oxidative stress in different organs and SMSEE had an preventive role through decreasing the ROS and the lipid peroxidation, and improvement the oxidative defense system. These results provide a basis for the use of Silybum marianum extracts as promising tools in the future for many important nutritional and therapeutic applications.

721 Efficacy of silybum marianum extract, manganese PCA and lespedeza capitata extract on hair growth and anchorage in human dermal papilla cells

The hair follicle (HF) undergoes cycles of growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen) phases. Both chronic and reactive hair loss are linked to a dysfunction of the HF cycle leading to a premature hair loss. Therefore, the use of specific active ingredients targeting the HF could improve hair loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3 active ingredients on hair growth and anchorage in dermal papilla cells isolated from human hair follicle (DPC): a new patented extract from Silybum marianum containing less than 2% silymarin (SME) and stimulating hair shaft anchorage by keratin 75 modulation (Patent WO/2021/023820), Manganese PCA (MnPCA) and a Lespedeza capitata extract (LCE) (Patent WO/2020/020791A1).

Silymarin‐mediated Natural Product–Drug Interactions involving Enteric Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs in humans; Oatps in rodents) represent a large family of uptake transporters important to drug disposition. Several factors can disrupt transport activity of OATPs/Oatps, including inhibition by natural products found in the diet and in dietary supplements. Silymarin, an extract of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. seeds, is a widely consumed dietary supplement for hepatobiliary disorders that is reported to inhibit OATPs/Oatps. Although there is potential for high intestinal concentrations of flavonolignans after oral consumption, very little research has explored the risk of an enteric interactions between silymarin and OATP/Oatp substrates. Therefore, we hypothesize that clinically relevant doses of silymarin will inhibit enteric OATP/Oatp activity and pose a risk for decreased systemic drug concentrations. IC­50 data for the individual flavonolignans were collected using cells overexpressing OATPs. OATP2B1, the major OATP expressed in human enterocytes, was inhibited by silymarin (IC50: 3.9 µM). Further analysis of individual flavonolignans, which are the major constituents in silymarin revealed IC50 values below 10 µM (isosilybin A: 2.7 µM, isosilybin B: 9.4 µM, silychristin: 8.2 µM, silydianin: 5.5 µM). FDA guidance provides metrics for predicting the risk of an intestinal in vivo interaction from in vitro data (R value ≥ 11) based on the proportionality between the maximal extracellular inhibitor concentration and the IC50 data. For flavonolignans from silymarin, maximal intestinal concentrations are estimated to be considerably greater than the experimentally derived IC50 data. Consequently, silymarin doses as low as 140 mg produced R values for flavonolignans that exceeded the FDA threshold. These data suggest enteric OATPs/Oatps may be susceptible to silymarin‐mediated inhibition and potentially decrease systemic drug concentrations.

Using Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Extract to Improve the Welfare, Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken.

Simple SummaryThe latest trends in livestock husbandry and breeding are directed towards expanding production, which includes the use of natural products, such as herbs, in animal nutrition. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an aqueous solution of milk thistle administered at chosen concentrations on the welfare, production results, selected physicochemical properties of the breast muscles, the activity of selected enzymes, and the antioxidant potential of the blood serum and breast muscles of broiler chickens. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both concentration levels of the milk thistle extract showed a significant effect on some of the growth performance, antioxidant capacity in the blood serum, and in pectoral muscle and welfare.Modern poultry production looks for feed and water additives that improve the welfare of chickens. The utilization of herbs as additives in feed or drinking water is becoming increasingly well known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), administered in drinking water, on chickens’ welfare, production results, selected physicochemical properties of the breast muscles, the activity of selected enzymes, and the antioxidant potential of blood serum and breast muscles. A total of 102 one-day-old male ROSS 308 chicks were allocated into three treatment groups. The material was an infusion of dried milk thistle seeds in two doses, administered in drinking water for chickens (group: C = 0; E1 = 0.24; E2 = 0.36 g/day/animal) under standard rearing conditions. As a result of adding the milk thistle to the drinking water, there was an improvement in the welfare of the chickens and in the production results, enzymatic capacity of selected enzymes, and antioxidant capacity in the blood serum and in pectoral muscle (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of a milk thistle seed infusion for chickens can be used in poultry production to improve the rearing performance antioxidant capacity and welfare of chickens.

Effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) supplementation on the serum levels of oxidative stress markers in male half marathon athletes

Context Increased aerobic metabolism during exercise is a potential source of oxidative stress and the use of herbal medicines as a dietary supplement rich in antioxidants is an interesting and controversial concept that have been considered during the past decades. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Silybum marianum (SM) on exercise-induced oxidative stress in half marathon athletes. Materials and methods Phytochemical Analysis in aqueous extract of SM leaves and seeds were determined. Forty healthy male athletes were divided into four groups (n = 10): control group(G1), G2 supplemented with 100 mg of SM leaves/kg/day, G3 supplemented with 100 mg of SM seeds/kg/day, and G4 supplemented with 100 mg of SM leaves + seeds/kg/day. The effects of SM on malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)] were assessed. Results Aqueous extract of SM leaves have good DPPH free radical scavenging activity and the highest content of total polyphenols. A significant increase of serum SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and reduction in the levels of MDA in the serum of athletes supplemented with aqueous extract of seeds and leaves of SM was detected. Conclusion SM supplement offered protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Effect of Silybum marianum and Cichorium intybus extracts

Enormous efforts have recognized the importance of analyzing plant extracts for possible medical applications. In this context, Kasni (C. intybus) and Milk thistle (S. marianum), cultivated in Asia, were used to determine diabetes mellitus control. Ethanol extracts of both plants were used after induction of diabetes mellitus in rabbits (with STZ). Blood glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method. After treatment of the injured pancreas for 60 days, Kasni and Milk thistle showed a decrease in the elevated levels of blood sugar. The coalesce effect of both plants is more than the individual plants whereas Milk thistle has demonstrated a better control than Kasni. To conclude, C. intybus and S. marianum play a positive role in controlling diabetes.

Development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the separation of flavonolignans in silymarin complex.

CE method for the baseline separation of structurally similar flavonolignans silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, silydianin, and their precursor taxifolin in silymarin complex has been developed and validated. The optimized background electrolyte was 100mmol/L boric acid (pH 9.0) containing 5mmol/L heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-CD and 10% (v/v) of methanol. The separation was carried out in an 80.5/72cm (50μm id) fused silica capillary at +25kV with UV detection at 200nm. Genistein (10μg/mL) was used as internal standard. The resolution between the diastereomers of silybin and isosilybin was 1.73 and 2.59, respectively. The method was validated for each analyte in a concentration range of 2.5-50μg/mL. The calibration curves were rectilinear with correlation coefficients ≥0.9972. The method was applied to determine flavonolignans in two dietary supplements containing Silybum marianum extract. The accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results of the CE analyses of the dietary supplements with those of the reference United States Pharmacopeial HPLC method. The unpaired t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between the results of both the proposed CE and the reference method (p >0.05, n = 3).

Conversion of the toxic and hazardous Zanthoxylum armatum seed oil into methyl ester using green and recyclable silver oxide nanoparticles

The cleaner and sustainable production of biodiesel from toxic and hazardous non-edible seed oils offer a remarkable opportunity to deal with energy crises and provide a renewable substitute to depleting fossil fuels. In the current study, the potential of the novel, toxic and non-edible seed oil of Zanthoxylum armatum was investigated for eco-friendly production of biodiesel catalysed by green nanoparticles of silver oxide. Silver oxide nanoparticles were synthesised with aqueous leaf extract of Silybum marianum. Heterogeneous green nanocatalysts were preferred due to their recyclable nature and easy recovery. The maximum yield of 95% of methyl ester was obtained at optimum reaction conditions of oil to methanol molar ratio 1:7, catalyst loading 0.5 (wt.%), reaction temperature 90 °C and reaction time 2 h. Characterisation of synthesised nanoparticles of silver oxide was carried out with X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy diffraction X-ray (EDX). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed the formation of methyl esters. 5, 8-octadecenoic acid was found to be the major fatty acid methyl ester in the biodiesel sample. Fuel properties of biodiesel were investigated and found comparable to international standards of ASTM D-6571 and EN-14214. It was concluded from the current investigation that Zanthoxylum armatum is a potential biomass feedstock for the sustainable production of biodiesel using green nanoparticles of silver oxide.

The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers.

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one‐day‐old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42‐day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1–10 days, 11–24 days, and 25–42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple‐range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1–42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.

Observing the Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Nigella Sativa Combined With Silybum Marianum Extracts on the Acute Peritonitis Mouse Model

Background and Aim: In addition to free radicals such as Nitric Oxide (NO), inflammation is one of the most important pathophysiological causes of peritonitis. Over thousands of years, Nigella Sativa (NS) and Silybum Marianum (SM) are two plants known for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of its compound is unclear. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of NS and SM extracts and their combination on inflammatory diseases like thioglycollate peritoneal. Methods &amp; Materials: Alcoholic extracts of SM and NS were obtained by the soxhlet method. Male Balb/C mice were divided into 5 groups and gavage orally for 14 days with SM, NS, the mixture of extracts of these two, DMSO 30% as the control group, and dexamethasone as the positive control group. The safety profile and acute toxicity in mice were assessed. On day 10, acute peritonitis was induced by thioglycollate 3%. Finally, the total anti-oxidant power and NO concentration were measured by FRAP and Griess method, respectively, in the serum of treated mice. Ethical Considerations: All experimental process was performed following the guidelines according to the Animal Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.359). Results: Acute toxicity test showed no significant changes in weight and physical appearance of the mice. However, the extract and their mixture decreased NO level significantly (P=0.000) in serum. Also, the mixture significantly increased total anti-oxidant power (P=0.015). Conclusion: Results showed that the SM and NS extract mixture demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as NO and increasing anti-oxidant power, thus supporting its therapeutic potential in slowing down inflammatory processes in inflammation disorders.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Silybum marianum L. Gaertn. on lipid peroxidation inhibition and microbial count in minced beef

The present research was carried out for two main targets, the first one is phytochemical and biological screening of the aerial parts of Silybum marianum. The second one is the possibility of using Silybum marianum ethanolic extract as natural preservative for extending minced beef shelf-life during refrigeration and frozen storage. The chemical analysis of dry matter revealed that total ash content was 13.04% of D.M, crude fibers, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and total tannins were (24.59%, 9.16%, 0.84% and (0.08%), respectively. The highest values of antioxidant activity were recorded in ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol 70%extacts, respectively for successive and selective solvents with values of 82.45% and 58.85% for successive solvents, 86.84% and 70.50% for selective solvents, respectively. Antimicrobial activity showed that, S. marianum L. Gaertn. had effect on gram positive, gram negative bacteria and yeast but had no effect on different strains of studied fungi. S. marianum had an influence on microorganisms growth in minced beef, the highest effect was 1.0% for 60 days (56 CFU). The most effective concentrations on lipid peroxidation prevention in minced beef were 1.5% for 3 days and 1.5 for 60 days.

Thiamethoxam-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and disturbance of steroidogenic genes in male rats: Palliative role of Saussurea lappa and Silybum marianum.

Thiamethoxam (TMX) belongs to the neonicotinoid insecticide family and may evoke marked endocrine disruption. In this study, the reproductive toxicity of TMX on male rats was assessed along with the ability of Saussurea lappa (costus roots) and/or Silybum marianum extract (SM) to alleviate TMX toxicity. Male rats were allocated to seven groups and orally treated daily for 4 weeks: Control (saline), Costus (200 mg/kg), SM (150 mg/kg), TMX (78.15 mg/kg), TMX-costus, TMX-SM, and TMX-costus-SM (at the aforementioned doses). Compared with control group, TMX administration induced reductions in testicular levels of glutathione and antioxidant activities of SOD and CAT. In addition, TMX-exposed rats showed lower serum testosterone hormonal levels as well as higher malondialdehyde and nitric acid levels were detected in TMX-administered rats. On a molecular basis, mRNA expressions of StAR, CYP17a, 3β-HSD, SR-B1, and P450scc genes were significantly down-regulated in TMX group, whereas the expression of LHR and aromatase genes was up-regulated. Moreover, TMX-induced testicular damage was confirmed by histopathological screening. Importantly, however, the administration of either costus roots or SM significantly alleviated all aforementioned TMX-induced changes, indicating the effective antioxidant activities of these plant products. Interestingly, simultaneous treatment with costus root and SM provided better protection against TMX reproduction toxicity than treatment with either agent alone.

Lung Cancer Management with Silibinin: A Historical and Translational Perspective.

The flavonolignan silibinin, the major bioactive component of the silymarin extract of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds, is gaining traction as a novel anti-cancer therapeutic. Here, we review the historical developments that have laid the groundwork for the evaluation of silibinin as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in human lung cancer, including translational insights into its mechanism of action to control the aggressive behavior of lung carcinoma subtypes prone to metastasis. First, we summarize the evidence from chemically induced primary lung tumors supporting a role for silibinin in lung cancer prevention. Second, we reassess the preclinical and clinical evidence on the effectiveness of silibinin against drug resistance and brain metastasis traits of lung carcinomas. Third, we revisit the transcription factor STAT3 as a central tumor-cell intrinsic and microenvironmental target of silibinin in primary lung tumors and brain metastasis. Finally, by unraveling the selective vulnerability of silibinin-treated tumor cells to drugs using CRISPR-based chemosensitivity screenings (e.g., the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway inhibitor azaserine), we illustrate how the therapeutic use of silibinin against targetable weaknesses might be capitalized in specific lung cancer subtypes (e.g., KRAS/STK11 co-mutant tumors). Forthcoming studies should take up the challenge of developing silibinin and/or next-generation silibinin derivatives as novel lung cancer-preventive and therapeutic biomolecules.

Comparative study of the antioxidant properties of silymarin and milk thistle extracts

Purpose: Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for liver and gall bladder / biliary tract diseases. Silymarin is the purified and standardized extract from milk thistle seeds. The purpose of the present study is to present a comparative analysis of the total phenolic substances content and the antioxidant effect of silymarin and three different types of Silybum marianum extracts (i.e. ethanol extract, water extract and lyophilized extract). Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts was analysed and the antioxidant activity was assessed by determining their free radical scavenging ability by DPPH method. Results: Total phenolic content is the highest in silymarin– 134.12±3.22 mg GAE/g, followed by lyophilized water extract – 51.74±2.10 mg GAE/g. Silymarin has also been found to have the highest antioxidant activity among all extract samples (338.03 VCEAC µmol /g), followed by S.marianum lyophilised extract (123.05 VCEAC µmol/g). Conclusions: A strong correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid content in the extracts and their antioxidant activity has been found.

Water Extract of Artemisia annua L. Exhibits Hepatoprotective Effects Through Improvement of Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver disease with a complex underlying mechanism that has not been completely understood. Thus, effective and safe drugs for this disease are not yet available. Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In this study, we prepared a water extract of A. annua (WEAA) and examined its potential for NAFLD treatment. First, we pretreated HepG2 cells (human hepatocarcinoma cell line) with WEAA and then treated the cells with oleic acid or tert-butylhydroperoxide to examine the effect of WEAA on the lipid accumulation and the cytotoxicity, respectively. WEAA not only inhibited lipid accumulation within HepG2 cells but also protected cells from oxidative stress-mediated damage through the activation of antioxidant enzymes (such as activation of superoxide dismutase and production of glutathione) and its own scavenging activity. Next, to confirm protective effect of the WEAA in in vivo, mice were intragastrically administered with WEAA, extract of Silybum marianum or water once a day, and simultaneously provided with high-fat diet to induce fatty liver and hepatic steatosis. Oral administration of WEAA ameliorated weight gain and hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed mice. Moreover, the plasma levels of triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were reduced in the WEAA-treated group. Our findings indicated that WEAA may be a potential intervention for preventing or treating hepatic lipid accumulation and liver damage.

Silymarin-Loaded, Lactobionic Acid-Conjugated Porous PLGA Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in Liver Cancer Cells.

HepG2 cells (HCC), characterized by epithelial-like morphology, high proliferation rates, and nontumorigenicity, require cost-effective and efficient treatment. Silymarin, a flavonoid extract of Silybum marianum, is effective in the treatment of HCC. Here, we have reported a comparative anticancer study of the well-characterized nanoformulations of lactobionic acid-adorned porous PLGA-encapsulated silymarin (LA-PLGA-Sil) with only porous PLGA-encapsulated silymarin (PLGA-Sil) against HepG2 cells. Treatment of HepG2 cells with LA-PLGA-Sil produced a significant deterioration in cell viability at an essentially low dose as compared with PLGA-Sil, due to the adorned lactobionic acid moiety, which results in better targeting. p53, a tumor suppressor gene, essentially initiates apoptosis in cells procuring wild-type p53 (p53 +/+). In our report, treatment of HepG2 cells (p53 +/+) with LA-PLGA-Sil activated p53, which in turn inhibited the proliferation of cells by instigating cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner and simultaneously stabilized the nuclear translocation of NFκB-p65. To explore the effect of LA-PLGA-Sil on the expression of microRNA, we observed that LA-PLGA-Sil markedly upregulated the miR-29b in human HCC cells. Reactivation of the p53 gene by miR-29b targeted Bcl-2 and triggered the sequential activation of mediators such as proapoptotic Bax protein, release of cytochrome c, and the activation of caspase proteins (caspase-3 and caspase-9). Furthermore, the overexpression of NFκB-p65 in HepG2 cells reversed the repression, and this stabilization effect of LA-PLGA-Sil on the nuclear translocation of p65 led to the significant downregulation of miR-29b and successively decreased the p53 expression in LA-PLGA-Sil-treated cells, thereby providing a survival mechanism to HepG2. In entirety, our study demonstrated the extensive potential of LA-PLGA-Sil to instigate the cell death of HepG2 cells via apoptosis by targeting the miR-29b/p53 axis through the stabilization of NFκB. It also impaired the migratory activity of HepG2 cells and thereby furnished a comprehensive way to HCC therapeutic treatment.

Evaluation of the effect of Silybum marianum extract on menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

The tendency to use herbs to manage menopausal symptoms has increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Silybum marianum (L.) compared with placebo in women with hot flashes. Eighty women were randomly allocated into two equal groups (S. marianum extract [400 mg/d] or placebo capsules). Hot flashes frequency and severity were evaluated in 12 weeks with the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). The data were analyzed in SPSS software using t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square test and repeated measure analysis. Hot flashes frequency and severity decreased from 4.32 ± 0.20/day to 1.31 ± 0.15/day and from 5.25 ± 0.22 to 1.62 ± 0.08, respectively, during the study in test group (p < .001) which were significantly better than effects of placebo in all steps of study (p < .001). Significant decreases in GCS and HFRDIS scores were also detected in S. marianum group compared with placebo after 4, 8 and 12 weeks (p < .001). The results showed that S. marianum can decrease frequency and severity of hot flashes significantly. Considering the safety and high consumption of this herbal medicine worldwide, its use in women with menopausal symptoms can be helpful.

Effect of Beta vulgaris Extract on Liver Enzymes in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased in recent decades. There are some concerns about the efficacy and side effects of drugs used for the treatment of NAFLD. Objectives: Therefore, new treatment methods and modalities are needed. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Beta vulgaris extract in the treatment of NAFLD. Methods: This is a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. This clinical trial was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran. Among 143 NAFLD patients who met the inclusion criteria, 120 patients agreed to participate in the study. Subsequently, they were divided into two equal groups via simple randomization. The Beta vulgaris group received Beta vulgaris extract, alongside standard NAFLD treatment, including vitamin E and Silybum marianum extract (Livergol). The placebo group received standard NAFLD treatment, as well as a placebo instead of Beta vulgaris extract. The levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated and compared between the groups. Variables were measured at the beginning of the study and after three and six months. Results: Overall, 52% of the participants were male. The mean (SD) age of Beta vulgaris and placebo groups was 47.5 (10.5) and 46.4 (8.7) years, respectively. The results of between-group analysis revealed that AST significantly reduced in the Beta vulgaris group, compared to the placebo group (P = 0.04). Conversely, ALT reduction was not significant in the groups. The significant interaction between time and groups indicated that the effect of Beta vulgaris on ALT increased over time (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, the ALP, FBS, LDL, and HDL levels significantly improved in the Beta vulgaris group compared to the placebo group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Integration of Beta vulgaris extract in the standard treatment of NAFLD could significantly improve AST, ALP, FBS, LDL, and HDL. This study also revealed that the effect of Beta vulgaris on ALT increased over time.

A Comparative study on the protective role of Silymarin and Coenzyme-Q10 on the cerebellar cortex of experimentally induced atherosclerosis in adult male albino rats: A Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical study

Background: Atherosclerosis is known as a serious cardiovascular condition that causes human mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a significant progressive condition of inflammation. Atherosclerosis of the cerebellar arteries affects voice, balance and fine motor control. Coenzyme-Q10 vitamin soluble in fat that used for heart failure and angina treatment protocol. It has the potential to influence cellular bioenergetics, and counteract free radical damage. This has proven success in treating many neurodegenerative diseases. Silymarin is a flavonoid extract of the herb Silybum marianum. It has been reported as the gold medicine in liver disorders and evaluated recently as a neuroprotective.Objective: Comparison of potential neuroprotective effects of Co Q10 and Silymarin on adult male albino rats cerebellar cortex suffering from atherosclerosis.Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into equal four classes: Group I (control group) subdivided into three subgroups: Subgroup IA: provided ordinary diet. Subgroup IB (Co enzyme Q10 treated): obtained ordinary diet and co-enzyme Q10 Subgroup IC (Silymarin treated): obtained ordinary diet and Silymarin. Group II (atherosclerotic group), Group III (atherosclerotic Co Q10 treated group) and Group IV (atherosclerotic Silymarin treated group). After three months, lipid profile was assessed in blood samples taken from all classes. Cerebellar cortices were processed for histological, biochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies.Results: Atherosclerotic rats showed loss and disruption of Purkinje cell layer with pyknotic nuclei, dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, prominent perineural spaces and spongiosis of granular and molecular layers. Significant increase in GFAP, Cox-2 immunoreactivity was also found. However, concomitant administration of Co Q10 or Silymarin had ameliorating effect on these changes.Conclusion: Co Q10 or Silymarin supplementation had a neurological protective role in atherosclerosis. Silymarin may be the ideal neuroprotective agent and new approach for reduction of many neurological diseases in high risk population.

In-vitro Antimicrobial Effect of Silybum marianum Extract on Bacterial Isolates from the Semen of Infertile Men in Iran

Background: Genital tract infection is one of the main causes of male infertility. The increasing frequency of drug resistance and side effects of antibiotics have urged researchers to seek alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, such as medicinal herbs, for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the frequency of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the semen of infertile men and investigate the antimicrobial activity of Silybum marianum extract against the isolates. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 96 infertile men who referred to the Pasteur Laboratory in Gorgan, Iran. Semen samples were first analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines and then underwent microbiological tests to identify pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility to S. marianum extract was evaluated using the disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. Moreover, the active components of the extract were identified by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Results: In the semen analysis, 64% of the samples had problems in the parameters of sperm count, motility, and morphology. In addition, the bacterial contamination was observed in 36% of semen samples. The most and the least common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (45%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (11%), respectively. In Gram-positive isolates, S. aureus was mostly resistant to azithromycin (57%). In Gram-negative isolates, Escherichia coli was mostly resistant to gentamicin (37%). The inhibitory activity of S. marianum flower extract was significantly higher than that of S. marianum leaf extract (P &lt; 0.01). Silybin (2.64%) and silychristin (3.07%) were the most abundant constituents of S. marianum flower extract. Conclusions: Bacterial infections play an important role in male infertility and S. marianum extract after purification can be potentially used for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant genital tract infections.