Silymarin and its properties; a nephrology viewpoint

In this mini-review, the biological actions silymarin are reviewed. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is widely used in a traditional medicine. Silymarin, the active components of milk thistle, contains three isomers including silybin, silydianin and silychristine. Silybin is the most proportion and biologically the most active ingredient of silymarin. It possesses various properties including hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, as well as hypocholesteromic activities.

Keywords:

Silymarin , Hepatic injury , Silybum marianum , Reactive oxygen species , Antioxidant Flavonoids , Kupffer cells