Treatments for diseases

Antiviral Activities of Silymarin and Derivatives

Silymarin flavonolignans are well-known agents that typically possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective functions. Recent studies have also documented antiviral activities silymarin its derivatives against several viruses, including flaviviruses (hepatitis C virus dengue virus), togaviruses (Chikungunya virus Mayaro virus), influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus. This review will describe some latest preclinical clinical studies detailing antiviral profiles silymarin its derivatives, discuss their relevance for antiviral drug development.

Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is an under-recognized epidemic that continues to increase in prevalence is a major health concern. Silymarin, active compound Silybum marianum (Milk thistle), has historically been used in CLD. A significant barrier to silymarin use is its poor bioavailability. Attempts at improving bioavailability silymarin have led to a better understanding formulation methods, pharmacokinetics, dosing, associated drug interactions. Clinically, silymarin exerts its hepatoprotective effects through antioxidative, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxin, anticancerous mechanisms actions. Despite use silymarin being extensively studied in alcoholic liver disease, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, overall efficacy silymarin remains unclear more research is warranted to better elucidate role silymarin in CLD, specifically regarding its anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we review current biochemical clinical evidence regarding silymarin in CLD.

Silymarin Cancer

Silymarin extracted from milk thistle consisting flavonolignan silybin has shown chemopreventive chemosensitizing activity against various cancers. The present review summarizes current knowledge potential targets silymarin against various cancers. Silymarin may play system xenobiotics, metabolizing enzymes (phase I phase II) to protect normal cells against various toxic molecules or to protect against deleterious effects chemotherapeutic agents normal cells. Furthermore, silymarin its main bioactive compounds inhibit organic anion transporters (OAT) ATP-binding cassettes (ABC) transporters, thus contributing to counteracting potential chemoresistance. Silymarin its derivatives play a double role, namely, limiting progression cancer cells through different phases cycle-thus forcing them to evolve towards a process cell death-and accumulating cancer cells in a phase cell cycle-thus making it possible to target a greater number tumor cells with a specific anticancer agent. Silymarin exerts a chemopreventive effect by inducing intrinsic extrinsic pathways reactivating cell death pathways by modulation ratio proapoptotic/antiapoptotic proteins synergizing with agonists death domains receptors. In summary, we highlight how silymarin may act as a chemopreventive agent a chemosensitizer through multiple pathways.

Side effects

Silymarin can trigger allergic reactions. People who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are at higher risk. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using silymarin. While silymarin has been traditionally used in pregnant and breastfeeding women, its safety is unknown. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using silymarin. silymarin is not recommended for children.

References:

[1] CHING-HSUAN LIU. Antiviral Activities of Silymarin and Derivatives.[J]. Molecules, 2019, 24 8. DOI:10.3390/molecules24081552.

[2] DOMINIQUE DELMAS. Silymarin and Cancer: A Dual Strategy in Both in Chemoprevention and Chemosensitivity.[J]. Molecules, 2020, 25 9. DOI:10.3390/molecules25092009.

[3] SEAN P TIGHE. Chronic Liver Disease and Silymarin: A Biochemical and Clinical Review.[J]. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, 2020, 8 4: 454-458. DOI:10.14218/JCTH.2020.00012.