Toward the definition of the mechanism of action of silymarin: activities related to cellular protection from toxic damage induced by chemotherapy.
Silymarin, the active extract from milk thistle, has been extensively used in patients with liver disease of different etiology. Although silymarin is a complex of 7 flavonolignans and polyphenols, silibinin is usually regarded as the most active component. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that silymarin and silibinin protect the liver from oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory processes, mainly driven by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and secondary cytokines. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also involved in cellular damage of many other tissues and their role in the development and toxic reactions in patients receiving cancer therapies is established. The protective effects of silymarin and silibinin, demonstrated in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce their toxicity. Here we discuss the possible mechanism of the protective action of silymarin and silibinin, focusing on cancer therapies as agents causing cellular damage.
Comelli
Maria Cristina
MC
Madaus srl, Padova, Italy. comelli@madaus.it
Mengs
Ulrich
U
Schneider
Carl
C
Prosdocimi
Marco
M
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D000077385:Silybin; D012838:Silymarin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor; D012838:Silymarin; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000077385:Silybin