Silymarin

What is silymarin?

Silymarin is a complex extracted from the dried seeds and fruits of the plant Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Silymarin contains a mixture of flavonolignans (silybin, isosilibinin, silichristin, and silidianin) and a flavonoid (taxifolin). Silybin is recognized as the primary bioactive component, constituting 50–70% of the extract, and commercial supplements are often standardized based on its content.

What are silymarin’s main benefits?

Silymarin has a historical application in treating several liver disorders (e.g., alcoholic liver disease, hepatotoxicity, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis). However, findings from clinical (human) studies are often conflicting. Supplementation with silymarin may be beneficial for individuals affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). One meta-analysis found that supplementation with silymarin reduced the levels of two liver enzyme biomarkers, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartame transaminase (AST), high levels of which can be indicative of liver damage. Additionally, positive preliminary results have been observed in individuals with liver cirrhosis and liver disease, showing a decrease in AST levels following supplementation with silymarin. Conversely, in individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, silymarin did not lead to a decrease in ALT levels compared to placebo, and it did not significantly impact HCV RNA levels (the concentration of HCV in the bloodstream). Although there was an improvement in some symptoms (mean physical functioning and bodily pain), these results suggest that silymarin may not be an effective treatment for chronic HCV infection.

What are silymarin’s main drawbacks?

Silymarin is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated supplement. Some reported side effects include dry mouth, mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, irregular stools, dyspepsia, diarrhea), headaches, and allergic reactions. However, the frequency of occurrence of such adverse events remains unclear, and a direct attribution to silymarin has not yet been confirmed. Additionally, in studies on cancer patients, asymptomatic mild liver toxicity has been observed at very high dosages of silymarin (between 10 and 20 grams per day). However, the safety of silymarin during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; more research is needed, and its use is therefore not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Finally, although in vitro studies have suggested potential interactions between silymarin and medications metabolized by some enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 (the latter of which is involved in warfarin’s metabolism, for example), clinical trials have not yet confirmed these findings.

How does silymarin work?

In vitro and animal studies have shown that silymarin’s hepatoprotective effects may be attributed to its antioxidant properties and its ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals, particularly those derived from toxic substances like alcohol. Silymarin acts by binding to free radical species, preventing them from damaging organs and tissues. Silymarin also regulates cell membrane permeability by interfering with lipid peroxidation. Additionally, silymarin may act as an iron chelator (i.e., a substance that binds tightly to iron ions, inactivating them), and it appears to increase the activity of superoxide dismutase, as well as levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, all crucial in reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, silymarin interferes with the inflammatory system. It regulates levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10). Studies have also shown its ability to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), both key components in the inflammatory cascade. Finally, some studies have shown that silymarin may prevent the deposition of collagen fibers by decreasing the synthesis of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced DNA in cells. Moreover, silymarin was associated with a reduction in serum TGF-B (TGF-β) levels, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.

Can silymarin cure or prevent hangover?

Although silymarin has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties, there is currently no evidence from human studies to support its efficacy in curing or preventing hangover, and its interaction with alcohol remains unclear.

Can silymarin affect blood sugar levels?

In vitro and animal studies suggest that silybin may modulate glucose uptake in adipocytes (fat cells), and may inhibit gluconeogenesis (i.e., glucose biosynthesis) and glycogenolysis (i.e., glycogen breakdown) in a dose-dependent manner. In one randomized controlled trial (RCT) in people with type 2 diabetes, 200 mg of silymarin taken three times a day before meals resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, compared to placebo.