Silymarin: Unveiling its pharmacological spectrum and therapeutic potential in liver diseases—A comprehensive narrative review

Abstract

Abstract Liver diseases, encompassing conditions such as cirrhosis, present a substantial global health challenge with diverse etiologies, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The exploration of natural compounds as therapeutic agents has gained traction, notably the herbal remedy milk thistle (Silybum marianum), with its active extract, silymarin, demonstrating remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in extensive preclinical investigations. It can protect healthy liver cells or those that have not yet sustained permanent damage by reducing oxidative stress and mitigating cytotoxicity. Silymarin, a natural compound with antioxidant properties, anti‐inflammatory effects, and antifibrotic activity, has shown potential in treating liver damage caused by alcohol, NAFLD, drug‐induced toxicity, and viral hepatitis. Legalon® is a top‐rated medication with excellent oral bioavailability, effective absorption, and therapeutic effectiveness. Its active component, silymarin, has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, Eurosil 85® also, a commercial product, has lipophilic properties enhanced by special formulation processes. Silymarin, during clinical trials, shows potential improvements in liver function, reduced mortality rates, and alleviation of symptoms across various liver disorders, with safety assessments showing low adverse effects. Overall, silymarin emerges as a promising natural compound with multifaceted hepatoprotective properties and therapeutic potential in liver diseases.

Keywords

• fatty liver disease
• milk thistle
• non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
• silibinin
• silymarin