The active ingredient, or liver-protecting compound in milk thistle is known as silymarin. This substance, which actually consists of a group of compounds called flavonolignands, helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances by stimulating protein synthesis. By changing the outside layer of liver cells, it also prevents certain toxins from getting inside. Silymarin also...

UNLABELLED Milk thistle extracts have been used as medicinal herbs in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include lowering cholesterol levels; reducing insulin resistance; reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate gland cancers; and antiviral activity. Other reported uses of milk t...

Insect-mediated indirect interactions between native plant species recently have been shown to be important determinants of plant performance in a number of ecological communities. However, the potential indirect effects of exotic plant invasion on native plant species are not well understood. We examined whether the presence or proximity of the targeted exotic weed, musk thistle, influences th...

green synthesis of nanoparticles, as fundamental building blocks of nanotechnology, has recently attracted considerable attention. silver nanoparticles have unique physiochemical, biological and environmental properties which make them useful in a wide range of applications. in the present paper we report our research results on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver precursor using m...

Silymarin, an extract of the seeds of Silybum marianum L. (milk thistle), is used for treatment of liver diseases. It contains several active flavonolignans; the major are silybin, which is a mixture of diastereomers A and B, and silychristin. Low bioavailability of silybin and silychristin is related to low water solubility of these compounds. In order to enhance the solubility, S. marianum dr...

Globally, the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as the incidence of mortality associated with CRC is increasing. Thus, it is imperative that we look at alternative approaches involving intake of non-toxic natural dietary/non-dietary agents, for the prevention of CRC. The ultimate goal of this approach is to reduce the incidence of pre-neoplastic adenomatous polyps and prevent their progre...

Botanical medicines have been used traditionally by herbalists and indigenous healers worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver disease. Clinical research in this century has confirmed the efficacy of several plants in the treatment of liver disease, while basic scientific research has uncovered the mechanisms by which some plants provide their therapeutic effects. This article is Par...

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. is an important medicinal plant of family Compositae, commonly known as Milk-thistle, or St. Mary’s thistle. The plant and its extracts are reported to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, [1] anticancer, [2] antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties. It contains flavonolignan Silymarin, which is an important bioactive principle having anticancer, antiinflamma...