title: Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and nephropathy-now the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and dialysis in Europe and the United States. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a pivotal role in the development of diabetic complications. Silymarin, an herbal drug with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may improve glycemic control and prevent the progression of the complications. In a systematic review and meta-analysis including five randomized controlled trials and 270 patients, routine silymarin administration determines a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels (-26.86 mg/dL; 95% CI -35.42-18.30) and HbA1c levels (-1.07; 95% CI -1.73-0.40) and has no effect on lipid profile. Benefits for silymarin on proteinuria and CKD progressions are reported in only one small study and are uncertain. However, being aware of the low quality of the available evidence and elevated heterogeneity of these studies, no recommendation can be made and further studies are needed.
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700503 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Luminita
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Voroneanu
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700503 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Ionut
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nistor
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700503 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Raluca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dumea
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700503 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Mugurel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Apetrii
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", 700503 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Covic
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012838:Silymarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D012838:Silymarin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human