Hepatoprotective and antiviral functions of silymarin components in hepatitis C virus infection

Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Agents in the Prevention of Chemoradiation-Induced Mucositis: A Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Mucositis is a pathological condition characterised by inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the alimentary canal, particularly in the mouth (oral mucositis) and the gastrointestinal tract. It is a common side effect of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and it is sometimes responsible for treatment interruptions. Preventing mucositis throughout the alimentary tract is therefore crucial. However, current interventions mainly target either oral or gastrointestinal side effects. This review aimed to investigate the use of systemically administered anti-inflammatory agents to prevent mucositis in cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened to identify eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The published literature on anti-inflammatory agents provides mixed evidence regarding the degree of efficacy in preventing/reducing the severity of mucositis in most anticancer treatments; however, sample size continued to be a significant limitation, alongside others discussed. Our review yielded a list of several anti-inflammatory agents that exhibit potential mucositis-preventive effects in cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment, which can be used to inform clinical practice.

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.

Metabolic profiling of milk thistle different organs using UPLC-TQD-MS/MS coupled to multivariate analysis in relation to their selective antiviral potential

INTRODUCTION

Silybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is one of the most imperative medicinal plants due to its remarkable pharmacological activities. Lately, the antiviral activities of S. marianum extract have been studied and it showed effectiveness against many viruses.

OBJECTIVE

Although most previous studies were concerned mainly with silymarin content of the fruit, the present study provides comprehensive comparative evaluation of S. marianum different organs' chemical profiles using UPLC-MS/MS coupled to chemometrics to unravel potentially selective antiviral compounds against human coronavirus (HCoV-229E).

METHODOLOGY

UPLC-ESI-TQD-MS/MS analysis was utilized to establish metabolic fingerprints for S. marianum organs namely fruits, roots, stems and seeds. Multivariate analysis, using OPLS-DA and HCA-heat map was applied to explore the main discriminatory phytoconstituents between organs. Selective virucidal activity of organs extracts against coronavirus (HCoV-229E) was evaluated for the first time using cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. Correlation coefficient analysis was implemented for detection of potential constituents having virucidal activity.

RESULTS

UPLC-MS/MS analysis resulted in 87 identified metabolites belonging to different classes. OPLS-DA revealed in-between class discrimination between milk thistle organs proving their significantly different metabolic profiles. The results of CPE assay showed that all tested organ samples exhibited dose dependent inhibitory activity in nanomolar range. Correlation analysis disclosed that caffeic acid-O-hexoside, gadoleic and linolenic acids were the most potentially selective antiviral phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION

This study valorizes the importance of different S. marianum organs as wealthy sources of selective and effective antiviral candidates. This approach can be extended to unravel potentially active constituents from complex plant matrices.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Silybin A

We report the first total synthesis of silybin A (1). Key synthetic steps include the construction of the 1,4-benzodioxane neolignan skeleton, a modified Julia-Kocienski olefination reaction between m-nitrophenyltetrazole sulfone (m-NPT sulfone) 10 and aldehyde 21, the formation of the flavanol lignan skeleton 28 via a quinomethide intermediate under acidic conditions, and stepwise oxidation of the benzylic position of flavanol 29.

Effects of Silybum marianum L. Seed Extracts on Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Bacteria

Wound infections became a great challenge, especially after the emergence of bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Medicinal plants can be the source of alternative antibacterial agents effective against multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different Silybum marianum seed extracts in fighting MDR bacteria that infect wounds. First, thirty purified bacterial cultures obtained from superficial, infected wounds were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests. The selected MDR isolates were then used to test the antimicrobial effects of different S. marianum seed extracts. The most potent extract was evaluated for its impact on the ultrastructure of the cells of sensitive bacterial isolates using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The bioactive ingredients of this extract were analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Then, in-silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties were predicted for the main components. The results indicated that four out of 30 bacterial isolates were considered MDR bacteria. Primary morphological features of colonies, secondary (automatic) identification using the Biomerieux Vitek 2 System, and 16S rRNA sequencing of the four isolates confirmed that they represent Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. Among different extracts of S. marianum seeds, ethanol extract showed the strongest inhibitory effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 9.375 and 1.172 mg/mL. However, at concentrations four times higher, this extract was unable to kill bacterial cells, indicating that it had a bacteriostatic effect on the tested MDR strains. TEM revealed denaturation and distorted cell ultrastructure in S. aureus and S. maltophilia after exposure to ethanol extract. In addition, GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract identified nine compounds known to have important biological activities, and ADMET analysis showed good drug-likeness for two of these compounds. Consequently, S. marianum seeds could be a good source of alternative bacteriostatic agents effective against MDR bacterial strains that cause wound infections.

Medicinal plant molecules against hepatitis C virus: Current status and future prospect

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a global malady, causes acute and chronic hepatitis leading to permanent liver damage, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Modern anti-HCV therapies are efficient, but mostly inaccessible for residents of underdeveloped regions. To innovate more effective treatments at affordable cost, medicinal plant-based products need to be explored. The aim of this article is to review plant constituents in the light of putative anti-HCV mechanisms of action, and discuss existing problems, challenges, and future directions for their potential application in therapeutic settings. One hundred sixty literatures were collected by using appropriate search strings via scientific search engines: Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Bibliography was prepared using Mendeley desktop software. We found a substantial number of plants that were reported to inhibit different stages of HCV life cycle. Traditional medicinal plants such as Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. and Thonn., Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk., and Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile exhibited strong anti-HCV activities. Again, several phytochemicals such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honokilol, punicalagin, and quercetin have shown broad-spectrum anti-HCV effect. We have presented promising phytochemicals like silymarin, curcumin, glycyrrhizin, and camptothecin for nanoparticle-based hepatocyte-targeted drug delivery. Nevertheless, only a few animal studies have been performed to validate the anti-HCV effect of these plant products. Again, insufficient clinical evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of herbal medications remain a problem. Selected plants products could be developed as novel therapeutics for HCV patients only after scrupulous evaluation of their safety and efficacy in a clinical set-up.

Amelioration of silymarin against cadmium-induced toxicity in pregnant rats and their fetuses

BACKGROUND

Silymarin is an antioxidant without side effects even at relatively high physiological dosage. Therefore, it is safely used as a herbal medicine for treating different diseases.

AIM OF WORK

The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in pregnant rats and their fetuses and the ameliorative effects of silymarin (SL) against this toxicity.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A total of 24 pregnant rats allocated into four equal groups. Control, silymarin (200 mg/kg), Cd (5 mg/kg), and a combination of Cd and silymarin concurrent from 6 to 20th gestational day. Number of corpora lutea, dams', gravid uteri, placental weights, and likewise fetal body weights and lengths were analyzed as physical parameters. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and maternal and fetal liver tissues for malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activity were studied. The histology of hepatic and renal tissues for both mothers and fetuses was examined. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance test and Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare group means.

RESULTS

The findings evidenced that Cd causes teratogenic abnormalities and histopathological variation in hepatic and renal tissues of both mothers and fetuses. Cd triggers oxidative stress and disrupts liver and kidney function. In Cd + silymarin treated rats exhibited improvement in the pregnancy outcomes, reduced histopathological changes, oxidative stress as well as liver and kidney enzymes.

CONCLUSION

We deduced that using of silymarin during gestation is effective and ameliorate the toxic maternal complications caused by cadmium.

Dendropanoxide Alleviates Thioacetamide-induced Hepatic Fibrosis via Inhibition of ROS Production and Inflammation in BALB/C Mice

Hepatic fibrosis results from overproduction and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in hepatocytes. Although the beneficial effects of dendropanoxide (DPx) isolated from Dendropanax morbifera have been studied, its role as an anti-fibrotic agent remains elucidated. We investigated the protective effect of DPx in BALB/_C mice that received thioacetamide (TAA) intraperitoneally for 6 weeks. Later DPx (20 mg/kg/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily for 6 weeks, followed by biochemical and histological analyses of each group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the livers showed TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, which was significantly reduced in the DPx group. DPx treatment significantly decreased TAA-induced hyperlipidemia as evidenced by the decreased AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GTP and serum TG concentrations and reduced the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. ELISA revealed reduced levels of total glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and Inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α). Immunostaining showed reduced in collagen-1, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 expression and western blotting showed reduced levels of the apoptotic proteins, TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, and Smad4. RT-qPCR and Western blotting revealed modifications in SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT4. Thus, DPx exerted a protective effect against TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis in the male BALB/_C mouse model by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via TGF-β1/Smads signaling.

The Effect of Bioactive Aliment Compounds and Micronutrients on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

In the current review, we focused on identifying aliment compounds and micronutrients, as well as addressed promising bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD advance and ultimately affect this disease progress. In this regard, we targeted: 1. Potential bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD, specifically dark chocolate, cocoa butter, and peanut butter which may be involved in decreasing cholesterol concentrations. 2. The role of sweeteners used in coffee and other frequent beverages; in this sense, stevia has proven to be adequate for improving carbohydrate metabolism, liver steatosis, and liver fibrosis. 3. Additional compounds were shown to exert a beneficial action on NAFLD, namely glutathione, soy lecithin, silymarin, Aquamin, and cannabinoids which were shown to lower the serum concentration of triglycerides. 4. The effects of micronutrients, especially vitamins, on NAFLD. Even if most studies demonstrate the beneficial role of vitamins in this pathology, there are exceptions. 5. We provide information regarding the modulation of the activity of some enzymes related to NAFLD and their effect on this disease. We conclude that NAFLD can be prevented or improved by different factors through their involvement in the signaling, genetic, and biochemical pathways that underlie NAFLD. Therefore, exposing this vast knowledge to the public is particularly important.

Milk Thistle Oil Extracted by Enzyme-Mediated Assisted Solvent Extraction Compared with n-Hexane and Cold-Pressed Extraction

Silymarin and milk thistle oil have unique biological benefits; however, applying silymarin to milk thistle oil remains a challenge. In this research, the content of silymarin in milk thistle oil conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction was investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction were as follows: the enzyme-added content was 3.06 mg/mL, the enzymatic hydrolysis temperature was 55.09 °C, and the enzymatic hydrolysis time was 66.28 min. Oil extracted by the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent was further compared with those extracted with n-hexane and cold pressing. Results indicated that the oil extraction using the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent had a lower acid value (2.20 ± 0.01 mg/g) and the highest α-tocopherol content (0.62 ± 0.00 mg/g), total phenols (7.67 ± 0.01 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.06 ± 0.13 mg/g). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of milk thistle oils was further investigated. The results showed that the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent-extracted oil had the strongest antioxidant capacity with lower lipid oxide content. Therefore, enzyme-mediated solvent extraction is an excellent method for extracting milk thistle oil.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of morin in experimental hepatic encephalopathy

This study aimed to investigate the possible usefulness of morin flavonoid in comparison to silymarin as a hepatic/neuronal-supportive agent with similar effects and higher bioavailability in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Morin effects on rat liver and brain were evaluated post-induction of HE by thioacetamide (TAA; 200 mg/kg/day for 3 successive days). Then, the serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) together with ammonia concentration were estimated to assess the liver function. Also, the degree of brain effects was evaluated via the assessment of brain contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-1β) together with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In addition, the apoptotic and inflammatory changes in brain and liver tissues were also assessed via immunohistochemical examination. Our findings revealed a promising effect of morin against HE complications; as it corrected the liver functions, attenuated the brain/liver tissue injuries, and reduced the apoptotic and inflammatory insults of HE on both organs. These effects are comparable to those of silymarin. Morin could be introduced as a promising hepato- and neuro-therapeutic adjuvant in HE-associated neuronal complications especially in cases like silymarin intolerance.

Comparative efficacy of silibinin and nano-silibinin on lead poisoning in Male Wistar rats

Lead (Pb) is an environmental neurotoxin that can lead to toxicity. It has shown that tissues can be exposed to oxidative stress in lead poisoning. Since silymarin is a natural agent with antioxidant effects, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and chelation effects of silibinin and nano-silibinin on the oxidative stress status in lead-poisoned rats. Sixty male Wistar rats randomly divided into ten groups (n = 6). Control and Pb groups treated with or without silibinin and nano-silibinin for six days. Following measuring of weight and blood lead levels, biochemical antioxidant parameters evaluated. Finally, a histopathological examination of the liver performed. In this experiment, silibinin and more efficiently nano-silibinin prevented weight loss and blood lead level elevation induced by lead. Also, they increased the attenuated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT), total thiol molecules (TTM), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Lead-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) normalized to the standard level in silibinin and especially nano-silibinin groups. These data suggested that silibinin and especially nano-silibinin can decrease blood lead levels and prevent weight loss and oxidative stress in the lead-poisoned rat's model.

Silymarin is an ally against insulin resistance: A review

Silymarin is obtained from the Milk thistle plant Silybum marianum and has been used over the centuries to treat principally liver disease, although it has also been studied for its beneficial effects in cardioprotection, neuroprotection, immune modulation, and cancer among others. Importantly, silymarin's active component silybin is a flavonolignan that exhibits different activities such as; scavenger, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and recently revealed, insulin-sensitizing properties which have been explored in clinical trials in patients with insulin resistance. In this review, we summarize the most relevant research of silymarin's effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, focusing the attention on insulin resistance, which is well known to play a crucial role in metabolic disease progression.

Role of Silymarin in Cancer Treatment: Facts, Hypotheses, and Questions

The flavonoid silymarin extracted from the seeds of Sylibum marianum is a mixture of 6 flavolignan isomers. The 3 more important isomers are silybin (or silibinin), silydianin, and silychristin. Silybin is functionally the most active of these compounds. This group of flavonoids has been extensively studied and they have been used as hepato-protective substances for the mushroom Amanita phalloides intoxication and mainly chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver. Hepatitis C progression is not, or slightly, modified by silymarin. Recently, it has also been proposed for SARS COVID-19 infection therapy. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of these substances in cancer are subjects of ongoing research. Paradoxically, many of its identified actions such as antioxidant, promoter of ribosomal synthesis, and mitochondrial membrane stabilization, may seem protumoral at first sight, however, silymarin compounds have clear anticancer effects. Some of them are: decreasing migration through multiple targeting, decreasing hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression, inducing apoptosis in some malignant cells, and inhibiting promitotic signaling among others. Interestingly, the antitumoral activity of silymarin compounds is limited to malignant cells while the nonmalignant cells seem not to be affected. Furthermore, there is a long history of silymarin use in human diseases without toxicity after prolonged administration. The ample distribution and easy accessibility to milk thistle-the source of silymarin compounds, its over the counter availability, the fact that it is a weed, some controversial issues regarding bioavailability, and being a nutraceutical rather than a drug, has somehow led medical professionals to view its anticancer effects with skepticism. This is a fundamental reason why it never achieved bedside status in cancer treatment. However, in spite of all the antitumoral effects, silymarin actually has dual effects and in some cases such as pancreatic cancer it can promote stemness. This review deals with recent investigations to elucidate the molecular actions of this flavonoid in cancer, and to consider the possibility of repurposing it. Particular attention is dedicated to silymarin's dual role in cancer and to some controversies of its real effectiveness.

Therapeutic Effects of an Inhibitor of Thioredoxin Reductase on Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smads Pathway

Liver fibrosis is an important stage in the progression of liver injury into cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to produce α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagens in liver fibrosis. Butaselen (BS), which was previously synthesized by our group, is an organic selenium compound that exerts antioxidant and tumor cell apoptosis–promoting effects by inhibiting the thioredoxin (Trx)/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of BS on liver fibrosis and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of its action. Liver fibrosis models were established using male BALB/c mice through intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄. BS was administered orally once daily at a dose of 36, 90, or 180 mg/kg. Silymarin (Si), which is a drug used for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, was administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg per day as a control. The action mechanisms of BS against liver fibrosis progression were examined in HSCs. The study revealed that the activity and expression levels of TrxR were elevated in the mouse liver and serum after CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Oral administration of BS relieved the pathological state of mice with liver fibrosis, showing significant therapeutic effects against liver fibrosis. Moreover, BS not only induced HSC apoptosis but also inhibited the production of α-SMA and collagens by HSCs by downregulating the TGF-β1 expression and blocking the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The results of the study indicated that BS inhibited liver fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.

Chirality Matters: Biological Activity of Optically Pure Silybin and Its Congeners

This review focuses on the specific biological effects of optically pure silymarin flavo-nolignans, mainly silybins A and B, isosilybins A and B, silychristins A and B, and their 2,3-dehydro derivatives. The chirality of these flavonolignans is also discussed in terms of their analysis, preparative separation and chemical reactions. We demonstrated the specific activities of the respective diastereomers of flavonolignans and also the enantiomers of their 2,3-dehydro derivatives in the 3D anisotropic systems typically represented by biological systems. In vivo, silymarin flavonolignans do not act as redox antioxidants, but they play a role as specific ligands of biological targets, according to the "lock-and-key" concept. Estrogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects have been demonstrated in optically pure flavonolignans. Potential application of pure flavonolignans has also been shown in cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes and modulation of multidrug resistance activity by these compounds are discussed in detail. The future of "silymarin applications" lies in the use of optically pure components that can be applied directly or used as valuable lead structures, and in the exploration of their true molecular effects.

Evaluation of variability of silymarin complex in Silybi mariani fructus harvested during two production years

Milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.], a member of Asteraceae family, is one of the most cultivated medicinal plants widespread throughout the world. The pharmacological drug is a ripe fruit without pappus – Silybi mariani fructus – containing flavonolignans and generating silymarin complex. In folk medicine, it is used for the treatment of liver disorders, kidney problems, rheumatism as well as gastronomic disturbances, cardiac and neurotic disorders, and fever. The components of silymarin complex are useful in cancer prevention and treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of silymarin complex contained in the fruit of the harvest of two consecutive years and how much they differ from one another. Representative samples of fruit were collected in 2015 and 2016 and distributed by a company Agrofos (Slovakia). Regarding the analytical method, we used a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the method was approved by the European Pharmacopoeia 10. The statistical significance was on the level P < 0.05. The total content of silymarin complex was 15.28 ± 0.06 g.kg−1 (in 2015) and 16.65 ± 0.09 g.kg−1 (in 2016). In both studied years, the highest representation of silybin B was observed (7.04 ± 0.07 g.kg−1 versus 5.92 ± 0.08 g.kg−1). The differences between the individual fractions of the silymarin complex were statistically significant. There was also a significant difference of 9% in the total silymarin content between 2015 and 2016. In conclusion, we can state that both samples of Silybi mariani fructus meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.

The potential hepatoprotective effect of metformin in hepatitis C virus-infected adolescent patients with beta thalassemia major: Randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Iron overload-induced oxidative stress and transfusion-acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are the main reasons of liver damage in beta thalassemia major (β-TM).

OBJECTIVES

Based on metformin's hepatic benefits in nondiabetic populations, the study aims to investigate the safety and the potential hepatoprotective effect of metformin in HCV-infected β-TM adolescent patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomised, parallel, controlled, open-label study in which 60 HCV-infected β-TM adolescent patients aged 11 to 18 years and receiving no antiviral therapy were selected and randomly assigned to treatment or control group in 1:1 allocation. Both groups were receiving β-TM standard-of-care regimen, whereas metformin (500 mg, twice daily) was added to the treatment group's regimen only. Patients were prospectively followed up for 6 months with assessment of liver biochemical profile, oxidative stress markers, liver fibrosis, clinical symptom improvement and metformin's adverse effects.

RESULTS

Aspartate aminotransferase serum level decreased significantly over time in the treatment group only (P = .013). However, improvement was not clinically significant and did not attain normality. Change in total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde serum levels indicated significantly improved oxidative stress status in the treatment group versus significant deterioration in the control group (P < .001). Fibrosis grade improvement was observed in 14 patients in the treatment group versus one improved case in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The use of metformin in HCV-infected β-TM adolescent patients as an adjuvant antioxidant hepatoprotective agent is promising and can improve liver damage.

Changes in Glutathione Content in Liver Diseases: An Update

Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide particularly concentrated in the liver, is the most important thiol reducing agent involved in the modulation of redox processes. It has also been demonstrated that GSH cannot be considered only as a mere free radical scavenger but that it takes part in the network governing the choice between survival, necrosis and apoptosis as well as in altering the function of signal transduction and transcription factor molecules. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview on the molecular biology of the GSH system; therefore, GSH synthesis, metabolism and regulation will be reviewed. The multiple GSH functions will be described, as well as the importance of GSH compartmentalization into distinct subcellular pools and inter-organ transfer. Furthermore, we will highlight the close relationship existing between GSH content and the pathogenesis of liver disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), chronic cholestatic injury, ischemia/reperfusion damage, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, the potential therapeutic benefits of GSH and GSH-related medications, will be described for each liver disorder taken into account.

The food plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.: Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and clinical evidence

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. or Milk thistle is a medicinal plant native to Northern Africa, Southern Europe, Southern Russia and Anatolia. It also grows in South Australia, North and South America. In traditional knowledge, people have used S. marianum for liver disorders such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and gallbladder diseases. The main active compound of the plant seeds is silymarin, which is the most commonly used herbal supplement in the United States for liver problems. Nowadays, S. marianum products are available as capsules, powders, and extracts.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of our study is to draw a more comprehensive overview of the traditional heritage, pharmacological benefits and chemical fingerprint of S. marianum extracts and metabolites; as well as their metabolism and bioavailability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature search has been conducted using relavant keywords and papers with rationale methodology and robust data were selected and discussed. Studies involving S. marianum or its main active ingredients with regards to hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, cardiovascular protection, anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as the clinical trials performed on the plant, were discussed here.

RESULTS

S. marianum was subjected to thousands of ethnopharmacological, experimental and clinical investigations. Although, the plant is available for use as a dietary supplement, the FDA did not yet approve its use for cancer therapy. Nowadays, clinical investigations are in progress where a global evidence of its real efficiency is needed.

CONCLUSION

S. marianum is a worldwide used herb with unlimited number of investigations focusing on its benefits and properties, however, little is known about its clinical efficiency. Moreover, few studies have discussed its metabolism, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, so that all future studies on S. marianum should focus on such areas.

Improving glucose and lipids metabolism: drug development based on bile acid related targets

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatment options for severe obesity and its comorbidities. However, it is a major surgery that poses several side effects and risks which impede its clinical use. Therefore, it is urgent to develop alternative safer pharmacological approaches to mimic bariatric surgery. Recent studies suggest that bile acids are key players in mediating the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery. Bile acids can function as signaling molecules by targeting bile acid nuclear receptors and membrane receptors, like FXR and TGR5 respectively. In addition, the composition of bile acids is regulated by either the hepatic sterol enzymes such as CYP8B1 or the gut microbiome. These bile acid related targets all play important roles in regulating metabolism. Drug development based on these targets could provide new hope for patients without the risks of surgery and at a lower cost. In this review, we summarize the most updated progress on bile acid related targets and development of small molecules as drug candidates based on these targets.

Impact of Silymarin in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease affecting a significant proportion of the general population. Recently, randomized clinical trials have been conducted examining the efficacy of silymarin in individuals with NAFLD, with conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of silymarin in the treatment of NAFLD by examining changes in liver biochemistry, body mass index, and liver histology.

METHODS

We searched major electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as gray-literature sources, up to June 2020 for randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of treatment with silymarin in individuals with NAFLD compared to placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in the mean values of transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase). Secondary outcomes included changes in body mass index and liver histology. Quality analysis was performed with the risk-of-bias tool 2.0. We synthesized results using weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes, along with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis, eight randomized clinical trials were included. A cutoff level of 0.05 was considered to provide statistically significant results. Silymarin treatment led to a statistically significant greater reduction in the levels of transaminases compared to placebo, irrespective of weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Silymarin seems to be effective in reducing transaminase levels in individuals with NAFLD. Despite the statistical benefits, we call attention to potential flaws related to the quality of the included studies. Further well-designed studies should be carried out to examine whether this reduction in transaminase levels corresponds to histologic improvement.

Anti-cancer properties of specific Chinese herbal medicines for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

AIMS

This essay explores the anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines to clarify how effective Chinese herbal medicine is used for handling hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Literature form publica domain were studied and an analysis of anti-cancer activity of specific Chinese herbal medicines is presented in this review.

RESULTS

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most dangerous malignant tumors in the world. The operative diagnosis of liver cancer remains a significant challenge. Although surgery tissue resection is encouraging, a high risk of recurrence and metastasis, illustrating disease-related mortality is desperately required to enhance postoperative preventive and therapeutic clinical procedures. The almost only effective clinical intervention seems to be developing advanced targeted therapies such as sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, but there is little research in this field. Because their preventative/therapeutic properties strengthen Chinese herbal medicinal compounds, they are deemed relevant to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Chinese herbal medicine derivates provide multifaceted, orientated and orchestrated therapy, making it an ideal candidate for inhibiting hepatocellular tumor production and metastasis.

Assessment of antioxidant traits and protective action of Egyptian acacia pods extracts against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats

This study investigates the protective effect of Egyptian acacia pod extracts against overdose of paracetamol-induced liver damage. Egyptian acacia green and brown pods were extracted by mixture of ethanol 80%: HCl (6 M) (99:1 v/v). In extracts of green and brown pods, total phenolic content in hydrolyzed ethyl acetate fraction (HEF) at pH 4, was 649.89 and 712.14 mg GAE/g while antioxidant activity was 95.55% and 97.35%, both being the highest than any fraction. HEF (pH 4) in brown pods was analyzed by HPLC, there were 22 phenolic compounds rich in ethyl vanillin about 227 mg/g and 11 flavonoids rich in catechin 48.70 mg/g. A biological experiment was conducted using HEF (pH4) in brown pods against overdose of paracetamol in albino rats induced to hepatotoxicity. Thirty rats were divided into five groups; a control group, a paracetamol group, and the other three received paracetamol plus silymarin or two doses of HEF. Animals were received paracetamol and treated with either silymarin or HEF showed reduced levels of liver (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) markers compared with the control group as well as reduction of oxidative stress and increment antioxidant enzyme activity in liver tissue when compared with the paracetamol group. It could be concluded that both HEF and silymarin are considerably high hepatoprotector against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats due to their strong antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Both HEF and silymarin improved liver functions and exerted strong antioxidant activities. This antioxidant activity would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by parcetamol. Thus, it may be concluded that the liver plasma membranes were protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver by phenolic compound in HEF treatment. The study demonstrated the HEF hepatoprotective activity and recommends using Egyptian acacia pods for treatment of liver disorders.

Impact of natural products on the cholesterol transporter ABCA1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In different countries and areas of the world, traditional medicine has been and is still used for the treatment of various disorders, including chest pain or liver complaints, of which we now know that they can be linked with altered lipid and cholesterol homeostasis. As ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an essential role in cholesterol metabolism, its modulation may be one of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the experienced benefit of traditional recipes. Intense research activity has been dedicated to the identification of natural products from traditional medicine that regulate ABCA1 expression.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review surveys natural products, originating from ethnopharmacologically used plants, fungi or marine sources, which influence ABCA1 expression, providing a reference for future study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on regulation of ABCA1 expression by natural compounds from traditional medicine was extracted from ancient and modern books, materia medica, and electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ResearchGate).

RESULTS

More than 60 natural compounds from traditional medicine, especially traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are reported to regulate ABCA1 expression in different in vitro and in vivo models (such as cholesterol efflux and atherosclerotic animal models). These active compounds belong to the classes of polyketides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, amino acids and others. Several compounds appear very promising in vivo, which need to be further investigated in animal models of diseases related to ABCA1 or in clinical studies.

CONCLUSION

Natural products from traditional medicine constitute a large promising pool for compounds that regulate ABCA1 expression, and thus may prevent/treat diseases related to cholesterol metabolism, like atherosclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. In many cases, the molecular mechanisms of these natural products remain to be investigated.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-based micelles for solubilization and tumor-targeted delivery of silibinin

Introduction: Silibinin is a naturally occurring compound with known positive impacts on prevention and treatment of many types of human illnesses in general and cancer in particular. Silibinin is poorly water soluble which results in its insufficient bioavailability and lack of therapeutic efficacy in cancer. Here, we proposed to examine the potential of micelles composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the hydrophilic block and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(α-benzylcarboxylate-ε-caprolactone) (PBCL), or poly(lactide)-(PBCL) (PLA-PBCL) as hydrophobic blocks for enhancing the water solubility of silibinin and its targeted delivery to tumor.

Methods: Co-solvent evaporation method was used to incorporate silibinin into PEG-PCL based micelles. Drug release profiles were assessed using dialysis bag method. MTT assay also was used to analyze functional activity of drug delivery in B16 melanoma cells.

Results: Silibinin encapsulated micelles were shown to be less than 60 nm in size. Among different structures under study, the one with PEG-PBCL could incorporate silibinin with the highest encapsulation efficiency being 95.5%, on average. PEG-PBCL micelles could solubilize 1 mg silibinin in 1 mL water while the soluble amount of silibinin was found to be 0.092 mg/mL in the absence of polymeric micelles. PEG-PBCL micelles provided the sustained release of silibinin indicated with less than 30% release of silibinin within 24 hours. Silibinin encapsulated in PEG-PBCL micelles resulted in growth inhibitory effect in B16 cancer cells which was significantly higher than what observed with free drug.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that PEG-PBCL micellar nanocarriers can be a useful vehicle for solubilization and targeted delivery of silibinin.

Silymarin protects against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in mice

Silymarin, an extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) containing a standardized mixture of flavonolignans that ameliorates some types of liver disease and, more recently, kidney damage, could be used for the ROS-scavenging effect of these antioxidants. Furthermore, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic impairment of renal function in patients subjected to angiographic procedures for which there is not yet a successful preventative treatment. Recent evidence has shown that this event is related to tubular/vascular injury activated mainly by oxidative stress. However, whether this bioavailable and pharmacologically safe extract protects against CIN is not clear. We proposed to evaluate the possible protective role of the antioxidant silymarin in an experimental model of CIN. Adult male Swiss mice were separated into 6 groups and pretreated orally with silymarin (50, 200 and 300 mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (200 mg/kg) or vehicle for 5 days before the CIN and control groups. Renal function was analyzed by plasma creatinine, urea and cystatin C levels. Additionally, blood reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated using ROS bioavailability, protein oxidation and DNA damage. Renal oxidative damage was evaluated using apoptosis/cell viability assays and histological analysis. We showed that silymarin preserved renal function and decreased systemic and renal oxidative damage (antigenotoxic and antiapoptotic properties, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner and was superior to conventional treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Histologically, silymarin treatment also had beneficial effects on renal glomerular and tubular injuries. Therefore, silymarin prophylaxis may be an interesting strategy for the prevention of CIN.

Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An updated review

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family. Silymarin is the major constituent of milk thistle extract and is a mixture of some flavonolignans such as silybin, which is the most active component of silymarin. It is most commonly known for its hepatoprotective effect. Also, studies have shown other therapeutic effects such as anticancer, anti-Alzheimer, anti-Parkinson, and anti-diabetic, so its safety is very important. It has no major toxicity in animals. Silymarin was mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium strains in the presence of metabolic enzymes. Silybin, silydianin, and silychristin were not cytotoxic and genotoxic at concentration of 100 μM. Silymarin is safe in humans at therapeutic doses and is well tolerated even at a high dose of 700 mg three times a day for 24 weeks. Some gastrointestinal discomforts occurred like nausea and diarrhea. One clinical trial showed silymarin is safe in pregnancy, and there were no anomalies. Consequently, caution should be exercised during pregnancy, and more studies are needed especially in humans. Silymarin has low-drug interactions, and it does not have major effects on cytochromes P-450. Some studies demonstrated that the use of silymarin must be with caution when co-administered with narrow therapeutic window drugs.

ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs

This consensus statement on chronic hepatitis (CH) in dogs is based on the expert opinion of 7 specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and conducting clinical research in hepatology in dogs. It was generated from expert opinion and information gathered from searching of PubMed for manuscripts on CH, the Veterinary Information Network for abstracts and conference proceeding from annual meetings of the American College of Veterinary Medicine and the European College of Veterinary Medicine, and selected manuscripts from the human literature on CH. The panel recognizes that the diagnosis and treatment of CH in the dog is a complex process that requires integration of clinical presentation with clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, and hepatic biopsy. Essential to this process is an index of suspicion for CH, knowledge of how to best collect tissue samples, access to a pathologist with experience in assessing hepatic histopathology, knowledge of reasonable medical interventions, and a strategy for monitoring treatment response and complications.

Antiviral Activities of Silymarin and Derivatives

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

Interactive Effects of Light and Melatonin on Biosynthesis of Silymarin and Anti-Inflammatory Potential in Callus Cultures of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. is a well-known medicinal herb, primarily used in liver protection. Light strongly affects several physiological processes along with secondary metabolites biosynthesis in plants. Herein, S. marianum was exploited for in vitro potential under different light regimes in the presence of melatonin. The optimal callogenic response occurred in the combination of 1.0 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid and 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine under photoperiod. Continuous light associated with melatonin treatment increased total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential, followed by photoperiod and dark treatments. The increased level of melatonin has a synergistic effect on biomass accumulation under continuous light and photoperiod, while an adverse effect was observed under dark conditions. More detailed phytochemical analysis showed maximum total silymarin content (11.92 mg/g dry weight (DW)) when placed under continuous light + 1.0 mg/L melatonin. Individually, the level of silybins (A and B), silydianin, isolsilychristin and silychristin was found highest under continuous light. Anti-inflammatory activities were also studied and highest percent inhibition was recorded against 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) for cultures cultivated under continuous light (42.33%). The current study helps us to better understand the influence of melatonin and different light regimes on silymarin production as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in S. marianum callus extracts.

Dendropanax morbifera Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis via TGF-β1/Smads Pathways

Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by persistent deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, occurs in most types of chronic liver disease. The prevention of liver damage using extract of Dendropanax morbifera has been widely studied, but its molecular mechanism on the therapeutic efficacy of hepatic fibrosis is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether aquatic extract (DM) of D. morbifera ameliorates thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (150 mg/kg, twice per week) of TAA for 6 weeks. DM (50 mg/kg/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily for 6 weeks. DM markedly reduced serum AST, ALT, ALP, and r-GTP in TAA-treated rats. DM significantly ameliorated the total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in TAA-treated rats. In particular, DM significantly reduced expression of α-SMA, type I collagen, vimentin, TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 in hepatic fibrosis rats. The protective effects of DM on progression of hepatic fibrosis were clearly shown by detecting 4-hydroxyproline concentration and histopathological examination in the liver. Therefore, our data suggest that DM dramatically prevented hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways.

1,4-Benzodioxane Lignans: An Efficient, Asymmetric Synthesis of Flavonolignans and Study of Neolignan Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Profiles

1,4-Benzodioxane lignans are a class of bioactive compounds that have received much attention through the years. Herein research pertaining to both 1,4-benzodioxane flavonolignans and 1,4-benzodioxane neolignans is presented. A novel synthesis of both traditional 1,4-benzodioxane flavonolignans and 3-deoxyflavonolignans is described. The antiviral and cytotoxic activities of 1,4-benzodioxane neolignans were then investigated; eusiderins A, B, G, and M, deallyl eusiderin A, and nitidanin, which contain the 1,4-benzodioxane motif but lack the chromanone motif found in the known antiviral flavonolignans, were tested. Notably, it was found that all eusiderin 1,4-benzodioxane neolignans exhibited greater antiviral activity than the potent and well-known silybin flavonolignans. While most modifications of the C-1' side chain did not significantly alter the cytotoxicity or antiviral activity, eusiderin M and nitidanin, which contain an allylic alcohol side chain, had lower cytotoxicity. All the eusiderins had similar antiviral activities, with eusiderin B having the best selectivity index. These results show that the chromanone moiety of the flavonolignans is not essential for bioactivity.

Hepatitis C: From inflammatory pathogenesis to anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective therapy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection commonly causes progressive liver diseases that deteriorate from chronic inflammation to fibrosis, cirrhosis and even to hepatocellular carcinoma. A long-term, persistent and uncontrolled inflammatory response is a hallmark of these diseases and further leads to hepatic injury and more severe disease progression. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines change with the states of infection and treatment, and therefore, they may serve as candidate biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic effects. The mechanisms of HCV-induced inflammation involve classic pathogen pattern recognition, inflammasome activation, intrahepatic inflammatory cascade response, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the first-choice therapy for effectively eliminating HCV, but DAAs alone are not sufficient to block the uncontrolled inflammation and severe liver injury in HCV-infected individuals. Some patients who achieve a sustained virologic response after DAA therapy are still at a long-term risk for progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, coupling with anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective agents with anti-HCV effects is a promising therapeutic regimen for these patients during or after treatment with DAAs. In this review, we discuss the relationship between inflammatory mediators and HCV infection, summarize the mechanisms of HCV-induced inflammation, and describe the potential roles of anti-inflammatory/hepatoprotective drugs with anti-HCV activity in the treatment of advanced HCV infection.

3-Amino-5-pyridin-3-yl-1,2,4-triazole, a novel fluorescence probe for trace analysis of silymarin in bulk material, pharmaceutical dosage forms and human plasma: Further insights on reaction mechanism using computational molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy

A rapid, highly sensitive and roubst spectrofluorimetric method was developed for trace analysis of silymarin (SLM) in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma. The proposed method is based on reaction of SLM with a novel reagent; 3-amino-5-pyridin-3-yl-1,2,4-triazole (3-APT); in the presence of 0.04 M sodium hydroxide. The formed fluorescent product was formed within 5 min and was measured at 504 nm after excitation at 390 nm. All reaction parameters were optimized and the proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The developed method was linearly correlated at the concentration range of 0.05-8 μg mL^-1 with good correlation coefficient 0.9993, limit of detection 10.79 ng mL^-1 and limit of quantitation 32.71 ng mL^-1. The relative standard deviations %RSD values were 1.59-2.69% and 1.47-2.62% in case of intra- and inter-day precision, respectively. Computational molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy were used to identify the reaction mechanism between SLM and 3-APT. The proposed method was employed for determination of SLM in API or bulk material, pharmaceutical capsules and sachets. Further, the method was sensitive enough to be applied for analysis of the free (unconjugated) SLM flavonolignans in human plasma samples.

Herbal management of hepatocellular carcinoma through cutting the pathways of the common risk factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the most frequent tumor that associated with high mortality rate. Several risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC, such as chronic persistent infection with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus, chronic untreated inflammation of liver with different etiology, oxidative stress and fatty liver disease. Several treatment protocols are used in the treatment of HCC but they also associated with diverse side effects. Many natural products are helpful in the co-treatment and prevention of HCC. Several mechanisms are involved in the action of these herbal products and their bioactive compounds in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC. They can inhibit the liver cancer development and progression in several ways as protecting against liver carcinogens, enhancing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, inhibiting tumor cell growth and metastasis, and suppression of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the utility of diverse natural products in the prevention and co-treatment of HCC, through its capturing of the common risk factors known to lead to HCC and shed the light on their possible mechanisms of action. Our theory assumes that shutting down the risk factor to cancer development pathways is a critical strategy in cancer prevention and management. We recommend the use of these plants side by side to recent chemical medications and after stopping these chemicals, as a maintenance therapy to avoid HCC progression and decrease its global incidence.

Lignans: A Chemometric Analysis

The physicochemical properties of classical lignans, neolignans, flavonolignans and carbohydrate-lignan conjugates (CLCs) were analysed to assess their ADMET profiles and establish if these compounds are lead-like/drug-like and thus have potential to be or act as leads in the development of future therapeutics. It was found that while no studied compounds were lead-like, a very large proportion (>75%) fulfilled all the requirements to be deemed as present in drug-like space and almost all compounds studied were in the known drug space. Principal component analysis was an effective technique that enabled the investigation of the relationship between the studied molecular descriptors and was able to separate the lignans from their sugar derivatives and flavonolignans, primarily according to the parameters that are considered when defining chemical space (i.e., number of hydrogen bond donors, acceptors, rotatable bonds, polar surface area and molecular weight). These results indicate that while CLCs and flavonolignans are less drug-like, lignans show a particularly high level of drug-likeness, an observation that coupled with their potent biological activities, demands future pursuit into their potential for use as therapeutics.

Silibinin protects human endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury by enhancing autophagic response

Silibin, a flavonoid from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) has been reported to produce curative properties in diabetes. Autophagy is generated by a vast array of insults for removal of damaged proteins and organelles from the cell. Inadequate autophagy promotes endothelial cells dysfunction and delays in diabetic ulcers recovery. We hypothesized that silibinin could protect endothelial cells against high glucose-induced damage by engaging autophagic responses. HUVECs viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The Griess method and TBARS assay were used to monitor changes in the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, respectively. ROS generation was recorded in DCFDA-stained cells analyzed by flow cytometry. To investigate the role of silibinin on migration, we used scratch test. The level of autophagy proteins LC3, Becline-1, and P62 were measured by Western blotting. Our data showed that silibinin had potential to increase cell survival after exposure to high glucose condition. Total levels of oxidative stress markers were profoundly reduced and the activity of GSH was increased by silibinin. High glucose suppressed HUVECs migration to the scratched area. However, a significant increase in cell migration was observed after exposure to silibinin. Autophagy was blocked at the late stage by high glucose concentration and silibinin initiated an autophagic response by reducing P62 and enhancing Beclin-1 and LC3-II-LC3-I ratio. These effects were blocked by autophagy inhibitor of 3-Methyladenine. These observations suggest that silibinin could protect HUVECs from high glucose induced-damage possibly by activation of autophagy pathway.

Differential accumulation of silymarin induced by exposure of Silybum marianum L. callus cultures to several spectres of monochromatic lights

Silybum marianum L. (Milk thistle) is one of the most extensively studied medicinal herbs with well-known hepatoprotective activity. Light is considered as a key abiotic elicitor influencing several physiological processes in plants, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In this study, we investigated the influence of light quality on morphological and biochemical aspects in in vitro grown leaf-derived callus cultures of S. marianum. Combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP 2.5 mg/L) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 1.0 mg/L) resulted in optimum callogenic response (97%) when placed under cool-white light with 16 h light and 8 h dark. Red light significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while highest peroxidase (POD) activity was recorded for the dark grown cultures, followed by green light grown cultures. HPLC analysis revealed enhanced total silymarin content under red light (18.67 mg/g DW), which was almost double than control (9.17 mg/g DW). Individually, the level of silychristin, isosilychristin, silydianin, silybin A and silybin B were found greatest under red light, whereas green spectrum resulted in highest accumulation of isosilybin A and isosilybin B. Conversely, the amount of taxifolin was found maximum under continuous white light (0.480 mg/g DW) which was almost 8-fold greater than control (0.063 mg/g DW). A positive correlation was found between the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities. This study will assist in comprehending the influence of light quality on production of valuable secondary metabolites in in vitro cultures of S. marianum L.

Anti-Parkinson Potential of Silymarin: Mechanistic Insight and Therapeutic Standing

Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves aggregation of α-synuclein and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Pathogenesis of PD may also be related to one’s genetic background. PD is most common among geriatric population and approximately 1–2% of population suffers over age 65 years. Currently no successful therapies are in practice for the management of PD and available therapies tend to decrease the symptoms of PD only. Furthermore, these are associated with diverse range of adverse effects profile. The neuroprotective effects of polyphenols are widely studied and documented. Among phytochemicals, silymarin is one of the most widely used flavonoids because of its extensive therapeutic properties and has been indicated in pathological conditions of prostate, CNS, lungs, skin, liver, and pancreas. Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans (silybin, isosilybin, and silychristin), small amount of flavonoids (taxifolin), fatty acids, and other polyphenolic compounds extracted from the dried fruit of Silybum marianum and is clinically used for hepatoprotective effects since ancient times. Neuroprotective effects of silymarin have been studied in various models of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, PD, and cerebral ischemia. The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive review of the recent literature exploring the effects of silymarin administration on the progression of PD. Reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, altering cellular apoptosis machinery, and estrogen receptor machinery are mechanisms that are responsible for neuroprotection by silymarin, as discussed in this review. Additionally, because of poor aqueous solubility, the bioavailability of silymarin is low and only 23–47% of silymarin reaches systemic circulation after oral administration. Our primary focus is on the chemical basis of the pharmacology of silymarin in the treatment of PD and its mechanisms and possible therapeutic/clinical status while addressing the bioavailability limitation.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of antimicrobial compounds from Thymus daenensis and Silybum marianum: Antimicrobial activity with and without the presence of natural silver nanoparticles

The present study is devoted to prepare a new antibacterial and antifungal agent based on in situ-synthesized silver nanoparticles at room temperature using Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) leaf extract. The Ag-NPs characterization by UV-visible, SEM, TEM and XRD revealed that the particles sizes were in the range of 10-33 nm. In this study, hydroalcoholic extracts were used with ultrasonic method. Ultrasonication has recently received attention as a novel bioprocessing tool for process intensification in many areas of downstream processing. The antimicrobial activities of T. daenensis and S. marianum extracts with and without the presence of Ag-NPs were investigated at concentrations from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram-positive organism) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, Gram-negative organism), and fungal strains were Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Antimicrobial activity determined using agar disc diffusion method revealed that the activities of Ag-NPs/T. daenensis were superior to Ag-NPs/S. marianum and extracts (T. daenensis and S. marianum). The medicinal plant extract can be used to synthesize the Ag-NPs as an eco-friendly and inexpensive method in large scale. The results showed that the prepared Ag-NPs/extracts as good antibacterial and antifungal agents can be potentially applied against rapidly increasing of antibiotic resistance.

Silymarin ameliorates expression of urotensin II (U-II) and its receptor (UTR) and attenuates toxic oxidative stress in the heart of rats with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Urotensin II ((U-II)) and its receptor (UTR) are involved in the progression of CVD through enhancement in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since silymarin (SMN) is a natural agent with anti-diabetic effects, this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potency of SMN on the expression of (U-II)/UTR system and oxidative stress status in the heart of type 2 diabetic rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Control and diabetic groups treated with or without SMN (60 and 120 mg/kg/day) for 2 months. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, lipid profile, creatine kinase-MB ((CK-MB)), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and markers of oxidative stress were measured by spectrophotometric methods while (U-II) and UTR gene expression was determined by qPCR method. SMN significantly reduced the FBS level, increased the concentration of insulin and improved HOMA-IR. SMN prevented diabetes-induced weight loss, and attenuated the increased levels of total oxidative status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). Diabetes-induced reduction of total thiol molecules content (TTM) was normalized to the normal level in SMN treated rats. SMN significantly modulated serum lipid profile, reduced the expression of (U-II) and UTR in the heart, and improved histopathological changes in the heart tissues. Therefore, the current study indicated that SMN ameliorated unpleasant diabetic characteristics via down-regulation of (U-II) and UTR gene expression and modulation of oxidative stress in the heart tissue of type 2 diabetic rats.

Protective capabilities of silymarin and inulin nanoparticles against hepatic oxidative stress, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Deoxynivalenol in rats

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a Fusarium mycotoxin that frequently contaminates cereal and cereal-based food and induces liver injury. This study evaluated the protective role of silymarin nanoparticles (SILNPs) and inulin nanoparticles (INNPs) against DON-induced liver injury in rats. Eleven groups of rats were treated orally for 3 weeks as follows: the control group, DON-treated group (5 mg/kg b.w.); INNPs-treated groups at low (LD) or high (HD) dose (100 or 200 mg/kg b.w.); SILPNs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w.); SILNPs plus INNPs(LD) or INNPs(HD)-treated groups; INNPs(LD) or INNPs(HD) plus DON-treated groups and DON plus SILNPs and INNPs(LD) or INNPs(HD)-treated groups. Blood and tissue samples were collected for different analyses. The results revealed that the practical sizes were 200 and 98 nm for SILNPs and INNPs respectively. DON increased liver enzymes activity, lipid profile, serum cytokines, number and percentage of chromosomal aberration, DNA fragmentation and comet score. It disturbed the oxidative stress markers, down regulated gene expression and induced histological changes in the liver tissue. Treatment with DON and SILNPs and/or INNPs at the two tested doses improved all the tested parameters and SILNPs plus INNPs(HD) normalized most of these parameters in DON-treated animals. SILNPs and INNPs could be promising candidates as hepatoprotective against DON or other hepatotoxins.