Silybum Marianum Research Articles

Seed laser priming enhances defensive responses in milk thistle under Pb toxicity.

Heavy metal stress negatively affects the growth of medicinal plants. While the effects of Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser on seed germination and stress tolerance in plants has garnered significant attention, little is known concerning the impacts of He-Ne laser irradiation on heavy metal tolerance in plants. Therefore, the current study was conducted to appraise the effect of different durations (0, 20, and 40min) of seed priming with He-Ne laser (10mW mm-2) on the antioxidant system of Silybum marianum L. plants under various Pb concentrations (0, 250, and 500ppm). Lead phytotoxicity was evident by significant reductions in fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, total chlorophyll (TChl) content and relative water content (RWC), as well as increases in H2O2 and malondialdehyde contents in roots and leaves. Seed irradiation with He-Ne laser for 20min significantly improved these parameters, enhancing Pb tolerance. Conversely, the prolonged laser priming (40min) resulted in less favorable outcomes, including reduced growth, TChl content, and RWC, while also exacerbating oxidative damage to membranes even under non-stressful conditions. The 20-min laser priming systemically mitigated Pb-induced lipid peroxidation and H2O2 accumulation by boosting the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and increasing proline content in leaves and roots of milk thistle plants. These findings and multivariate analysis suggest that optimal dose of laser initiates a "stress memory" in seeds which is activated upon subsequent exposure to Pb stress, boosting the plant defensive mechanisms and enabling the plant to better cope with oxidative damage. This study underscore the promising potential of He-Ne laser priming as a novel strategy for increasing heavy metal tolerance in medicinal plants like milk thistle, offering an eco-friendly technique for maintaining their productivity under heavy metal stress.

Anaphylaxis Induced by Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Ingestion: A Case Report.

Anaphylaxis Induced by Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Ingestion: A Case Report.

Exploring Silybum marianum L. seeds from Pakistan for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, and phytochemical analysis

In this study, various extracts, including methanol (SMLM), hydro-ethanol (SMLE), n-hexane (SMLH), and aqueous (SMLA) were formulated from the seeds of Silybum marianum L. and subjected to phytochemical assessment, HPLC, FTIR analysis, and different in vitro bioassays. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of all representative groups, except alkaloids, in the samples. The quantitative examination indicated that the SMLE extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid contents and highest entire phenolic concentrations. HPLC analysis of the SMLM extract identified chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, benzoic acid and HB acid which were reported for the first time from S. marianum. In terms of antibacterial activity, the SMLH extract demonstrated a significant zone of inhibition (34 ± 0.5 mm) against Gram-positive bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus. In antioxidant assays, the SMLM extract displayed the highest scavenging potential against DPPH radicals and exhibited a significant IC50 of 4.8 ± 1.2 μg/mL, indicating notable efficacy. Subsequently, the SMLE extract demonstrated an IC50 of 20.17 ± 0.4 μg/mL. In the context of antidiabetic evaluation, the SMLM extract displayed the highest effectiveness, revealing an IC50 value of 5.2 ± 0.07 μg/mL. To conclude, the assessed samples, such as the SMLM and SMLE extracts, exhibit remarkable capabilities in the studied activities, potentially attributed to the existence of bioactive compounds.

Phytosome based cosmeceuticals for enhancing percutaneous absorption and delivery

The therapeutic efficacy of various phytoconstituents is improved by the use of phytosome, innovative drug delivery methods based on phytochemicals, by enhancing their absorption, bioavailability, and therapeutic availability. This exceedingly complex type of herbal formulation contains the active phytoconstituent of the herbal extract and is joined by a phospholipid molecule. They also operate as vesicular systems for a wide range of fascinating and important phytoactives. The phytosome method produces startlingly tiny spheres or cells, which is advantageous in keeping active phytochemical contents from being destroyed by the stomach environment. Phytosome also produce pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects that are more potent than those of conventional herbal extracts. Phytosome demonstrated increased pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic response when compared to conventional botanical extracts. Through the use of phytosome technology, the bioavailability of several of the most widely used herbal extracts, such as milk thistle, Ginkgo biloba, grape seed, green tea, hawthorn, ginseng, etc., has been improved. These drug-phospholipid complexes can be produced as a liquid solution, suspension, emulsion, syrup, lotion, gel, cream, tablet, capsule, powder, or granule. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the application of how the phytosome technology has helped to improve the bioavailability and absorbance of the cosmeceuticals.

Protective potentials of extracted compound SILIBININ from milk thistle on type-2 diabetes mellitus and diesel exhaust particle (DEP) toxicity in experimental rats.

Protective potentials of extracted compound SILIBININ from milk thistle on type-2 diabetes mellitus and diesel exhaust particle (DEP) toxicity in experimental rats.

Evaluation of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) phytochemicals as curative agents of retinoblastoma using in-silico approach

Evaluation of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) phytochemicals as curative agents of retinoblastoma using in-silico approach

Graphene oxide and silymarin combination: A novel approach to improving post-cryopreservation quality of ram sperm.

Graphene oxide and silymarin combination: A novel approach to improving post-cryopreservation quality of ram sperm.

Silymarin plus doxorubicin exerts the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects via Wnt, apoptosis, autophagy and angiogenesis pathways.

Silymarin plus doxorubicin exerts the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects via Wnt, apoptosis, autophagy and angiogenesis pathways.

Liver biomarkers of silymarin milk thistle on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in adult albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Paracetamol is the most common analgesic that is readily available with or without prescription over the counter and its toxicity is due to misuse or overdose associated with liver damage. Silymarin milk thistle is an edible herb believed to have antioxidant, scavenging and regulation of glutathione contents within the cell. Aim of the study was to determine the effects of different doses of silymarin milk thistle on liver biomarkers of paracetamol induced liver toxicity among albino rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult albino rats were randomly grouped into four groups each group consisting of six animals. Paracetamol-only group given high dose paracetamol-750 mg/kbwt and control group received water and food only. The experimental group, were divided into three subgroups with all receiving high dose paracetamol for five days and thereafter given varying doses of silymarin milk thistle. SIL-G1 given 200 mg/kbwt of silymarin milk thistle, SIL-G2 given 400 mg/kbwt of silymarin milk thistle and SIL-G3 was given 600 mg/kbwt of silymarin milk thistle. All the animals were fed with standard rodent foods and water ad libitum. After completion of 24 hours of the last drug administration, they were humanely sacrificed, serum biochemical analysis of liver biomarkers (ALP, ALT and AST) was determined. Results: High dose of paracetamol induced liver toxicity. Upon administration of high dose of silymarin milk thistle, there was restoration of ALP, AST and ALP of all these biomarkers in relation to the control group. Conclusions: These findings showed that high dose (600 mg/kbwt) of silymarin milk thistle was found to have restorative effects and normalized liver biomarkers of ALP, AST and ALT.

Silybin attenuates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via inhibition of STING in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Silybin attenuates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via inhibition of STING in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Unlocking the Neuroprotective Potential of Silymarin: A Promising Ally in Safeguarding the Brain from Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurological Disorders.

Medicinal plants and their phytochemicals have been extensively employed worldwide for centuries to address a diverse range of ailments, boasting a history that spans several decades. These plants are considered the source of numerous medicinal compounds. For instance, silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid extract obtained from the milk thistle plant or Silybum marianum which has been shown to have significant neuroprotective effects and great therapeutic benefits. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs)are a class of neurological diseases that have become more prevalent in recent years, and although treatment is available, there is no complete cure developed yet. Silymarin utilizes a range of molecular mechanisms, including modulation ofMAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, and PI3K/Akt pathways, along with various receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. These mechanisms collectively contribute to its protective effects against NDs such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Despite its safety and efficacy, silymarin faces challenges related to bioavailability and aqueous solubility, hindering its development as a clinical drug. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying silymarin's neuroprotective effects, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for NDs.

Flavonolignans silybin, silychristin and 2,3-dehydrosilybin showed differential cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects on splenocytes from Balb/c mice

Silymarin is an extract obtained from the seeds of milk thistle (Sylibum marianum L., Asteraceae) and contains several structurally related flavonolignans and a small family of flavonoids. Mouse spleen cells represent highly sensitive primary cells suitable for studying the pharmacological potential and biofunctional properties of natural substances. Cultivation of splenocytes for 24 h under standard culture conditions (humidity, 37 °C, 5% CO2, atmospheric oxygen) resulted in decreased viability of splenocytes compared to intact cells. A cytoprotective effect of silybin (SB), silychristin (SCH) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) was observed at concentrations as low as 5 µmol/ml. At 50 µmol/ml, these substances restored and/or stimulated viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and had anti-apoptotic effect in the order SB > DHSB > SCH. The substances demonstrated a concentration-dependent activity in restoring the redox balance based on the changes in the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide. This was in the order DHSB > SCH > SB, which correlated with the suppressed expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The strong stimulation of the superoxide dismutase 1 gene converting ROS to H2O2 points to its dominant role in the maintaining redox homeostasis in splenocytes, which was disrupted by oxidative stress due to non-physiological culture conditions. Our study showed significant differences in the cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of SB, SCH, and DHSB on splenocytes exposed to mild and AAPH-induced oxidative stress.

Development and Characterization of Silibinin-Loaded Nanoemulsions: A Promising Mucoadhesive Platform for Enhanced Mucosal Drug Delivery.

Background: Silibinin (SLB), a flavonoid derived from milk thistle, exhibits promising therapeutic properties but faces significant clinical limitations due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Objectives: This study focuses on the development and characterization of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions designed for mucosal delivery. Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared using the spontaneous emulsification method, guided by pseudoternary phase diagrams to determine selected component ratios. Comprehensive characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, rheological properties, and surface tension. Mucoadhesive properties were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) to quantify interactions with mucin layers. Results: The combination of Capryol 90, Tween 80, and Transcutol in selected proportions yielded nanoemulsions with excellent stability and solubilization capacity, enhancing the solubility of silibinin by 625 times compared to its intrinsic solubility in water. The ternary phase diagram indicated that achieving nanoemulsions with particle sizes between 100 and 300 nm required higher concentrations of surfactants (60%), relative to oil (20%) and water (20%), with formulations predominantly composed of Smix (surfactant and cosurfactant mixture in a 1:1 ratio). Rheological analysis revealed Newtonian behavior, characterized by constant viscosity across varying shear rates and a linear torque response, ensuring ease of application and mechanical stability. QCM-D analysis confirmed strong mucoadhesive interactions, with significant frequency and dissipation shifts, indicative of prolonged retention and enhanced mucosal drug delivery. Furthermore, contact angle measurements showed a marked reduction in surface tension upon interaction with mucin, with the SLB-loaded nanoemulsion demonstrating superior wettability and strong mucoadhesive potential. Conclusions: These findings underscore the suitability of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions as a robust platform for effective mucosal drug delivery, addressing solubility and bioavailability challenges while enabling prolonged retention and controlled therapeutic release.

Potential Using Zeolite, Yeast and Milk Thistle in Reducing Harmful Effect of Mycotoxins in Broiler Diets

Abstract This Experiment was carried out in poultry fields belong to Animal Production Department at College of Agriculture / University of Anbar. The objective of study was to investigate effect of adding Zeolite, Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and their role in mitigating impact of aflatoxin B1 in broiler diets, and determine the optimal additive. A total of 270 chicks (Unsexed), one-day-old were distributed in a complete randomized design, divided to Nine treatments with 3 replicates (10 chicks / replicate). Water and food were ad libitum. Diets were formulated to be equal with energy and protein and meet same requirements for breeding. The additives were zeolite (4 g./kg feed), yeast (5 g./kg feed), milk thistle powder (10 g./kg feed) individually and Synergistics to broiler diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (2 mg/kg feed). Data collected at end of week and calculate live body weight (BW), Feed intake (FI), Feed Conversion Ratio. Results indicated that addition of zeolite, yeast, milk thistle to contaminated feeds with aflatoxin B1 led to significant increase (P≤0.05) in live body weight and body weight gain. Moreover, a significant decrease (P≤0.05) was noticed in feed intake for NC which chicks fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Addition of zeolite, yeast, milk thistle powder has shown a clear impact in reducing effects of aflatoxin B1 in bird’s performance, which is produced by fungal toxins. Aflatoxin B1 is considered the greatest threat to poultry breeders and meat producers, as it can contaminate feeds.

Effects of silymarin on insulin resistance and sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Effects of silymarin on insulin resistance and sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Herbosomes drug delivery system for improving the phytochemical bioavailability

Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been the most significant type of medicine used in all societies. There have been numerous plants reports that plant extracts exhibit a variety of biological properties, including immunomodulator activity, hepatoprotective activity, antilipidemic activity, etc. Herbosomes are freshly developed herbal preparations that are absorbed more readily than traditional Phyto molecules or botanical extracts, producing improved bioavailability and effects. The integration of polyphenolic compounds into phospholipid-based self-assembled delivery systems, also referred to as Herbosomes, can improve the less oral bioavailability of these compounds. Numerous products, including those made from Ginkgo biloba, Silybum marianum, and Camellia sinensis, contain phytosomal drug delivery systems.

Investigating the Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties of Milk Thistle Extract Against the HepG2 Cells

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third among all cancer-related causes of death worldwide. The primary cause of HCC development is oxidative stress. Milk thistle (MT) contains numerous phytochemicals that contain antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The goal of this study was to investigate MT's chemical composition and antioxidant activity, as well as its bioactive compound's in vitro anti-cancer efficacy against HepG2 human liver cancer cells.Methods: We analyzed the bioactive components of MT using GC-MS and HPLC methods. The antioxidant activity was measured by the total phenolic, total flavonoid, DPPH, and radical ABTS scavenging. Furthermore, we evaluated the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity using the human cell line HepG2. The MTT test was used to calculate the IC50 values of MT. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry in the cell lines.Result: Our findings demonstrated that 11 bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential were identified via GC/MS screening. Eighteen bioactive compounds with anti-cancer and antioxidant capabilities were found through HPLC screening. Furthermore, HPLC analysis demonstrated both high quality and number of amino acids. MT stops the growth of HepG2 cells at an IC50 level of 21.727±0.89 μg/ml. Moreover, MT arrested HepG2 cells in the G1 phase and induced apoptosis.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that bioactive MT extract has potential therapeutic effects on cancer cells, highlighting the need for further research to explore its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.Keywords: Milk Thistle; Free Radicals; Oxidative Stress; HCC; Anti-oxidants

ОЦЕНКА ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ SILYBUM MARIANUM (L.) GAERTN В СОСТАВЕ МУЧНЫХ ИЗДЕЛИЙ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННОЙ НАПРАВЛЕННОСТИ

The purpose of the study is to develop and evaluate the quality of butter biscuits with the addition of milk thistle fruit meal. Objectives: to study the biological value of milk thistle and the features of its use in flour confectionery products, to determine the rational dosage of milk thistle meal in the recipe for butter biscuits, to assess the quality by organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators, to determine the nutritional value and specialized focus of the resulting product. Objects - model samples of butter biscuits with the addition of milk thistle meal (5; 7.5; 10; 12.5; 15%). For the preparation of model samples, the following raw materials were used: white sugar (GOST 33222-2015), butter (GOST 32261-2013), melange (GOST 56382-2015), vanillin (GOST 16599-71), wheat flour of the highest grade (GOST 26574-2017).); milk thistle fruit meal (Silybum marianum L.) (GOST 34221-2017). During the test, the following analysis methods were used: the mass fraction of moisture in baked products was determined according to GOST 5900-2014 “Confectionery products. Methods for determining moisture and dry matter”; wettability according to GOST 10114-80 “Flour confectionery products. Wetness determination method”; mass fraction of sugar - according to GOST 5672-68 “Bread and bakery products. Methods for determining the mass fraction of sugar”; mass fraction of fat according to GOST 31902-2012 “Confectionery products. Methods for determining the mass fraction of fat”. The organoleptic quality indicators of the biscuit samples were determined in accordance with the requirements of GOST 24901-2014. The obtained experimental data were processed by statistical methods. The optimal dosage of milk thistle meal in the recipe was established in the amount of 7.5% by weight of flour. The possibility of reducing the proportion of sugar and fat in the recipe by 10% was determined, the expediency of introducing inulin was substantiated, which made it possible to obtain a product with added nutritional value while maintaining the technological characteristics of the semi-finished product and complying with standardized requirements.

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid and Silybum marianum supplementation with a Mediterranean diet on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis.

The treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has focused on the control of comorbidities. Silybum marianum (SM) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) have shown antioxidant and adjuvant effects on the control of metabolic disorders. To evaluate whether the SM-ALA formulation (LUDLEV®), in combination with the Mediterranean diet (MD), could improve MASLD-related liver injury. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients with MASLD. Administration of SM-ALA plus MD (group A) vs placebo plus MD (group B) was compared for 24 weeks. At baseline and weeks 12 and 24, anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters, and liver function were analyzed. Clinical effectiveness was evaluated through transient elastography. Fifty patients aged 54 ± 10 years were included, and the majority (74%) were female. Reduced visceral fat and umbilical circumference were reported in both groups, with significance in group A (P = 0.045 and 0.003, respectively). The decrease in controlled attenuation parameter was gradual and maintained at 12 and 24 weeks in group A (P = 0.026), whereas in group B the decrease was greater at week 12 and remained unchanged at week 24 (∆controlled attenuation parameter: -27 dB/m). Mild adverse effects were reported in 4 patients in group A (16%) and 4 patients in group B (16%), with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.641). SM-ALA (LUDLEV®) combined with the MD can promote the improvement of metabolic parameters, reducing visceral fat and hepatic steatosis in Mexican patients with MASLD.

ОЦЕНКА ОБЪЕКТИВНЫХ МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПРИЗНАКОВ МИТОХОНДРИЙ ГЕПАТОЦИТОВ КРЫС ПРИ СОЧЕТАННОМ МИКОТОКСИКОЗЕ НА ФОНЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ КОМПЛЕКСОВ

The purpose of research is to study the ultrastructure of the liver and morphometric characteristics of mitochondria of white rats with combined mycotoxicosis against the background of the use of prophylactic complexes. The work was performed on 80 rats weighing 150–170 g, divided into 8 groups (n=10). The first group of rats served as biological control. Mycotoxins were given to rats with food (aflatoxin B1 – 2.5 mg/kg; T-2 toxin – 5 mg/kg; zearalenone – 2.0 mg/kg of feed). In addition to the toxic diet, rats of groups 3–5 received prophylactic complexes at a dose of 0.25 % of the diet (prophylactic complexes No. 1, 2, 3: 1 – β-glucans, milk thistle meal, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, levamisole; 2 – bentonite, succinic acid, methyluracil; vitamin A, probiotic preparation Florin; 3 – halloysite, methionine, β-glucans, milk thistle meal). Rats of groups 6–8, in addition to the main diet, received prophylactic complex № 1, 2, and 3, respectively, at a dosage similar to that for groups 3–5. Ultrastructural studies of the liver were performed according to standard electron microscopic techniques. Combined mycotoxicosis (group No. 2) at the level of the ultrastructure of hepatocytes is manifested by an uncharacteristic shape of nuclei, redistribution of chromatin, destructive processes in mitochondria, and clearing of significant areas of the cytoplasm. The electron-light cytoplasm has few inclusions and a fragmented endoplasmic reticulum. The matrix of most mitochondria has an average electron density, cristae are not visualized, some mitochondria are characterized by membrane destruction. In a comparative aspect, the toxic control group compared to the biological group is characterized by a statistically significant (in the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction p<0.0096) decrease in all values of the morphometric characteristics of mitochondria (area, perimeter, sphericity and caliperometric diameter). Approbation of prophylactic complexes in case of combined mycotoxicosis showed a protective and therapeutic effect (presence of glycogen, sufficiently dense cytoplasm, preservation of the integrity of membrane organelles).