THERAPEUTIC INTEREST OF MILK THISTLE
The antihepatotoxic activity of milk thistle fruit and silymarin has been known for many years. Its positive effect on the liver is based on the antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing, protein synthesis-promoting, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticholestatic actions of silymarin and its main component, silibinin.
Its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in different types of liver disorders, mainly those caused by alcohol and viruses. Several studies have established the chemopreventive role of silymarin and silibinin in different cancer cell lines, as well as its stimulating effect on milk secretion, in addition to its action in other areas (bone protection, neuroprotection, atherogenesis, etc.). In addition to these data, which point to possible new applications of the products obtained from milk thistle, there is also its wide therapeutic margin and low toxicity.
