MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM): A VALUABLE MEDICINAL PLANT WITH SEVERAL THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

This review provides a systematic and in-depth overview of the promise and potential of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) as an interesting alternative nutraceutical preparation for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. Moreover, it aims to summarize and update the existing evidence of extract of...

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Published inJournal of microbiology, biotechnology and food sciences Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 836 - 843
Main Authors Valková, Veronika, Ďúranová, Hana, Bilčíková, Jana, Habán, Miroslav
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Nitra Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences 01.02.2020
Subjects
Bioavailability
Chemical synthesis
Flavonoids
Fruits
Functional foods & nutraceuticals
Herbal medicine
Immunomodulation
In vivo methods and tests
Inflammation
Lactation
Medical treatment
Medicinal plants
Neuroprotection
Plant breeding
Seeds
Silybum
Silymarin
Therapeutic applications
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Summary:This review provides a systematic and in-depth overview of the promise and potential of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) as an interesting alternative nutraceutical preparation for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. Moreover, it aims to summarize and update the existing evidence of extract of milk thistle in the treatment of various diseases by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, and special care is paid to the action mechanisms. The main active component of milk thistle, collectively known as silymarin, consists of a mixture of flavonolignans and flavonoid taxifolin. Silymarin acts as a hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and lactogenic agent. Precise mechanisms of silymarin action still needs investigations and molecular/genetic background of silymarin synthesis is crucial to be elucidated for reinforcement of the therapeutical potential of the plant by breeding.
ISSN:1338-5178
1338-5178
DOI:10.15414/jmbfs.2020.9.4.836-843