Search Results (193)

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed solid malignancy in men and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While localized disease is associated with excellent long-term survival, advanced and castration-resistant PCa continues to represent a major therapeutic challenge. Current management ranges from active surveillance for indolent tumors to multimodal systemic approaches for metastatic disease. In this context, natural compounds are attracting increasing interest as adjunctive or novel therapeutic agents. Among these, silymarin, a Silybum marianum-derived flavonolignan complex, has shown promising antineoplastic activity in preclinical PCa models. In vitro, silymarin compounds consistently inhibit PCa cell proliferation by inducing G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest, upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, and activating caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. They also modulate key oncogenic signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In vivo xenograft and transgenic models further show reduced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread with limited systemic toxicity. Emerging clinical evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggests translational potential; however, robust randomized trials are needed to define optimal formulations, dosing strategies, and therapeutic efficacy in PCa patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms, preclinical efficacy, and emerging clinical evidence supporting silymarin as a candidate for future PCa research. Full article

In the context of modern ruminant nutrition, increasing attention is being directed toward the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as alternative feed ingredients that enhance nutrient utilization efficiency while supporting the sustainability of animal production systems. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oilseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, has emerged as a resource of growing interest due to its favorable nutritional profile and the presence of bioactive compounds with functional properties. This review critically analyzes recent scientific literature addressing the use of milk thistle oilseed cake in ruminant nutrition, highlighting its potential practical relevance as a functional feed ingredient. The available evidence suggests that milk thistle oilseed cake may support inclusion in ruminant diets at moderate levels; however, controlled in vivo studies remain limited, and several proposed mechanisms are inferred from studies on structurally analogous polyphenol-rich by-products rather than from milk thistle cake itself. Further research is needed before precise inclusion recommendations can be established. Special attention is given to the bioactive fraction dominated by the silymarin complex, which may interact with rumen digestive and fermentative processes, influencing nutrient utilization efficiency and oxidative stability. Overall, the findings suggest that milk thistle oilseed cake represents a promising feed resource that aligns with sustainable and efficiency-oriented feeding strategies in modern ruminant production systems. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are two conditions with increasing prevalence and severe systemic complications and consequences. This research examines the combined neuroprotective and nephroprotective properties of three medicinal plants, Mucuna pruriens (Muc), Moringa oleifera (Mor), and Silybum marianum (SM), in a murine model of PD, AKI, and their comorbid state (PD–AKI), highlighting the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways. The mice were grouped as PD, AKI, or PD-AKI, and with or without the herbal pre-treatment, along with their respective controls. Motor impairments were assessed using the rotarod and pole climb assays. Biochemical indicators of renal function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines were quantified in kidney and brain tissues. Assessment of Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression levels was performed using qRT-PCR. The AKI groups had significant renal impairment (4-fold increase in creatinine and 7.5-fold increase in BUN), oxidative stress (~5.5-fold increase), and increased cytokine levels (~1.5-fold increase), with downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (~2-fold decrease) and Nrf2 signaling pathways (~1.8-fold decrease), alongside upregulation of NF-κB (~2.5-fold increase). The PD and PD-AKI groups exhibited significant neuroinflammation (~1.5-fold increase) and redox imbalance (~6-fold increase) in brain tissue, accompanied by motor impairments (1.6 to 4.6-fold decrease). Pre-treatment with Muc, Mor, and SM significantly ameliorated renal impairments (3.5-fold decrease in creatinine and ~5-fold decrease in BUN) and neurological deficits. These findings establish Muc, Mor, and SM extracts as potent, multi-target interventions capable of disrupting the feed–forward cycle of neuro-renal damage. Full article

Silymarin (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. extract) is a widely used botanical for liver disease, yet clinical results remain inconsistent. Most mechanistic work uses supraphysiological aglycones, whereas humans are exposed predominantly to phase II conjugates that are strongly protein-bound and routed by transporters toward bile and the intestinal mucosa. We reframe silymarin activity through a spatial pharmacology lens, proposing three post-intake windows: early (0–2 h) conjugate-dominant exposure with localised β-glucuronidase-mediated reactivation; intermediate (2–8 h) enterohepatic recirculation pulses; and late (8–48 h) microbial catabolite contributions. Each window engages distinct signalling modules—Keap1/NRF2, NF-κB, and AMPK-mTOR-TFEB—via transient redox events (quinone cycling, micro-H₂O₂ relays) and proteostatic remodelling (autophagy/mitophagy). We synthesise human pharmacokinetic and clinical evidence—with emphasis on MASLD and alcohol-associated liver disease—and show how formulation, meal timing, and microbiome metabotype determine which windows are engaged. Finally, we propose minimum reporting standards and falsifiable hypotheses to reduce between-study heterogeneity and enable precision use of silymarin. Full article

Glaucoma, characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell degeneration and optic nerve damage, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Multiple risk factors influence the pathogenesis and progression of glaucoma. Food-derived bioactive components have emerged as a new area of interest to overcome the limitations of current standard treatments due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and multi-target mechanisms. In this context, various plant-derived foods, such as Lycium barbarum, Ganoderma lucidum, Cryptotanshinone, Scutellaria baicalensis, Silybum marianum, Astragalus membranaceus, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Crocus sativus, and resveratrol, have shown potential mechanisms for treating glaucoma. These bioactive components may address oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and elevated intraocular pressure, which may be due to the modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK/CREB, cAMP/PKA/CREB, and others. However, further clinical trials are needed to validate dosage, bioavailability, and long-term safety. This review highlights the potential of bioactive components from plant-derived foods, offering a reference for further investigation into their effects on glaucoma. Full article

The purpose of this work is to investigate the binding state of inorganic elements to flavonoid components in aqueous extract of Silybum marianum (SM) seeds, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extract. This study employed reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to separate silymarin flavonoids in boiling water decoction of SM seeds, and collected the post-column effluent in the segments according to the retention time of seven main silymarin flavonoid components. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was subsequently utilized to quantify nine inorganic elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn) in the collected HPLC fractions of the decoction. Meanwhile, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) was employed to assess the free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extract of SM seeds, using the signal intensity changes of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and DMPO-OH• adducts as quantitative metrics. The results showed that essential trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) mainly existed as inorganic ions or strong polar forms in the tea-like infusion, with weak binding to flavonoid compounds. On the other hand, the aqueous extract exhibited significant •OH scavenging capacity, with a scavenging rate of 95% against •OH generated by continuous 5 min ultraviolet irradiation of H₂O₂ aqueous solution. This study provides experimental evidence for the development of SM as a food–medicine dual-purpose resource, proposing that consumption of SM seed tea represents a facile and effective approach to supplement trace elements and intake silymarin for enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense. Full article

This study examines 36 wild Asteraceae species that are traditionally used as food in Sicily and Bulgaria, highlighting their ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological relevance. Some taxa, such as Cichorium intybus, Silybum marianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, and Tussilago farfara, are integral to the Mediterranean and Balkan diets, enhancing nutrition through their fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This ethnobotanical survey revealed a clear geographic pattern in species usage: 13 species were found to be consumed solely in Bulgaria, 18 solely in Sicily, and five species in both regions. The distribution highlights the existence of shared culinary traditions that have been distinctly adapted to the unique ecological conditions present in each locale. The main metabolite classes identified include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and sesquiterpene lactones, all of which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Specific taxa within the investigated group were found to contain alkaloids that warrant toxicological attention. Some species within the studied group contain alkaloids that may pose toxicity risks. T. farfara is known to accumulate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver damage and potential genotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of thorough toxicological evaluations before recommending these plants for consumption. This study also demonstrates how common culinary processes, such as boiling and blanching, significantly impact the concentration, stability, and safety profile of these bioactive compounds. Overall, the research supports the promotion of wild Asteraceae species as valuable and sustainable nutritional and nutraceutical resources. This approach aligns with efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain traditional Mediterranean and Balkan food practices, integrating both ecological and cultural sustainability. Full article

Silymarin—a standardized extract from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.)—is mainly used for the treatment of hepatitis and other liver diseases. In recent years, the attention of researchers has been directed to its use in dermatology and wound treatment. Despite the promising results, there are still many unresolved issues in this area. The aim of the present study is to develop and characterize hydrogel chitosan–pectin films containing silymarin as an active ingredient with potential medical application. Six variants of hydrogel films (control and silymarin-loaded) were obtained from chitosan and pectin solutions by the casting method and analyzed in terms of their physicochemical, structural, mechanical and optical properties, as well as the in vitro dissolution profile of silymarin. The highest tensile strength was measured for the chitosan-based films—23.35 ± 1.74 MPa (control) and 22.01 ± 2.67 MPa (silymarin-loaded), while the barrier properties to UV and visible light were the strongest for chitosan–pectin films with silymarin. The antioxidant potential of the films was determined by DPPH assay and it was found that the variants with silymarin have over 20 times higher antioxidant activity (from 2.020 ± 0.048 to 2.106 ± 0.190 mg TE/g) than the corresponding controls. The results showed that chitosan–pectin films with incorporated silymarin could find application as potential hydrogel dressings in the therapy of wounds and superficial burns. Full article

Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonolignan complex extracted from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has long been recognized for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Among its constituents, silybin is the most pharmacologically active and has been extensively studied in both preclinical and clinical settings. However, the clinical application of silymarin-based therapies remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and physicochemical instability. This review systematically outlines the pharmacokinetic challenges of silymarin and highlights recent advancements in formulation strategies designed to overcome these barriers. Key innovations include nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems, lipid-based carriers, water-soluble derivatives, bioavailability enhancers, parenteral and transdermal formulations, as well as controlled and synchronous release technologies. These approaches significantly improve tissue targeting, intracellular uptake, and pharmacological efficacy. Additionally, this review evaluates currently marketed silymarin formulations and recent clinical/preclinical evidence, revealing a persistent gap between laboratory advances and commercially available products. By synthesizing the mechanistic, regulatory, and manufacturability barriers that hinder translation, we delineate the key challenges that must be addressed to enable clinically deployable next-generation silymarin products. Collectively, these insights illustrate a paradigm shift in the modernization of phytomedicine, positioning silymarin as a model compound for the transformation of traditional herbal remedies into precision therapeutics through interdisciplinary drug delivery innovations. Full article

The search for natural alternatives that improve the productive efficiency and metabolic state of dairy cows has driven the use of phytogenic compounds such as silymarin, a flavonolignan extracted from Silybum marianum L. Gaertn with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the effects of silymarin supplementation on the productive performance; milk composition; and ruminal, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of lactating Jersey cows kept in a confined system with robotic milking. Twelve cows (230 ± 30 days in lactation; 22 ± 3.5 kg/day of milk) were distributed in a crossover design, receiving a control diet (GCON) or a diet supplemented with 5 g/cow/day of silymarin (GSIL) for 28 days in each stage. Silymarin intake did not alter dry matter intake, feed efficiency, or average milk production (p > 0.05), but it increased milk fat content (4.27 × 4.02%; p = 0.05) and, consequently, milk production corrected for 4% fat (24.4 × 23.2 kg/day; p = 0.05). In the rumen environment, cows in the GSIL group showed higher concentrations of acetic acid (57.4 × 48.4 nmol/L), and total short-chain fatty acids (100.2 × 89.4 nmol/L; p = 0.01). Regarding the biochemical profile, silymarin reduced gamma-glutamyltransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as haptoglobin levels, indicating a hepatoprotective effect, combined with a lower inflammatory response in the liver. Oxidative status was improved by decreased levels of TBARS (lipid peroxidation) and reactive oxygen species, as well as myeloperoxidase activity in the serum of cows fed silymarin (p ≤ 0.05), but there was no difference between groups for superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels. The inclusion of silymarin in the diet of lactating Jersey cows improved the antioxidant and hepatic profile, increased milk fat content, and favored ruminal fermentation, suggesting metabolic and productive benefits in confined systems with high physiological demands. Full article

The current investigation involved preliminary laboratory research regarding the accumulation capacity of three types of hyperaccumulator plants when specific soil factors are altered during their cultivation. Three different plants participated in this experiment, namely, milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaerth), industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), which were cultivated in two soils with different pH values, yet containing similar levels of metal pollutants. ABC fire extinguisher powder (FP), which had been tested in the past and found to cause a significant change in nutrient availability, was added to the soils. The FP was added at 1% v/v and, in order to facilitate its fast incorporation into the soil, the soil moisture was maintained at 60–65%. The experiment was conducted in pots where the plants were grown in contaminated soils, with and without the FP addition. The pseudo-total (after extraction with Aqua Regia), available (after extraction with DTPA), and water-soluble concentrations (after extraction with CaCl₂ solution) of Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined in the soils. The plants completed their growth cycle (in 112, 128, and 139 days, respectively), were harvested, and the metal concentrations were assessed after extraction with Aqua Regia, both in the underground and above-ground parts. FP addition caused a significant decrease in the availability of each of the three metals, yet mainly Cr, as it caused a maximum reduction of 19.6% and 16.0% in the rate of water-soluble and available (after extraction with DTPA) Cr, respectively, in relation to the total Cr concentration in acidic soil, revealing the decisive role played by soil reaction in metal availability. FP addition caused a significant Cd reduction in accumulation in the above-ground parts of cultivated plants in the order of hemp > thistle > tobacco. FP use appears to significantly alter the plant-to-soil metal transfer, affecting the plants’ ability to accumulate Cd, Cr, and Cu. Apparently, this material, disposed of in the environment, could be a useful and low-cost soil conditioner, in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with increased gastric acid secretion, such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impair quality of life and present a substantial healthcare burden. Conventional therapies may have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safe complementary approaches. This study systematically identifies and reviews the medicinal plants used in food supplements (FSs) marketed in Latvia for digestive health, focusing on the conditions linked to excess gastric acid. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted to identify European plant species with proven protective effects on the digestive system or the ability to influence gastric acid levels. A market analysis was performed using the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service FS Register. Results: A total of 218 FS-containing medicinal plants were identified, of which 15 species were included in at least ten products. The most frequently used plants were peppermint (Mentha piperita), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), psyllium (Plantago ovata), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), caraway (Carum carvi), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Label claims most often referred to supporting digestion, relieving bloating, and maintaining normal GI function. However, the majority of claims lacked robust clinical substantiation, and were based primarily on traditional use. Discrepancies between product information and available scientific evidence highlight regulatory and consumer protection challenges. Conclusions: This work contributes to the critical evaluation of plant-based FSs for digestive health, emphasizing the need for standardized preparations, harmonized health claim assessment, and further clinical research to establish efficacy and safety. Full article

Synthetic anthelmintic drugs not only contribute to the development of pathogen resistance and environmental pollution but also to the development of pathogen resistance. Therefore, identifying the anthelmintic properties of widely used medicinal plants could be of great practical interest to veterinary and human medicine. In our experiment, we evaluated the in vitro survivability of the noninvasive and invasive (L_1–2 and L_3, respectively) larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus subject to aqueous solutions of ethanolic tinctures of traditional medicinal plants (46 species). Most of the plant species we studied belonged to the families Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Artemisia absinthium, Bidens tripartita, Calendula officinalis, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, Echinacea purpurea, Helichrysum arenarium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Silybum marianum, Tanacetum vulgare, Taraxacum officinale, Tragopogon porrifolius), Rosaceae (Agrimonia eupatoria, Fragaria vesca, Sanguisorba officinalis), and Lamiaceae (Leonurus cardiaca, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris). Other plant families were represented by 1–3 species: Fabaceae (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedysarum alpinum, Trifolium pratense), Salicaceae (Populus nigra, P. tremula, Salix alba), Fagaceae (Quercus robur), Betulaceae (Betula pendula), Juglandaceae (Juglans regia), Rhamnaceae (Frangula alnus), Acoraceae (Acorus calamus), Apiaceae (Foeniculum vulgare), Caprifoliaceae (Valeriana officinalis), Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita pepo), Equisetaceae (Equisetum arvense), Ericaceae (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Gentianaceae (Centaurium erythraea), Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum), Malvaceae (Althaea officinalis), Plantaginaceae (Linaria vulgaris, Plantago major), Poaceae (Zea mays), Polygonaceae (Polygonum aviculare), and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa). We determined Artemisia absinthium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Salvia officinalis, and Populus nigra, whose aqueous solutions of alcohol tinctures demonstrated nematocidal properties. The other plants we studied did not affect the viability of parasitic nematode larvae. Full article

Chronic pain represents a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Pharmacological agents such as opioids, gabapentinoids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used depending on the pain type (nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic), but their use is often limited by adverse effects. Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements have emerged as potential adjuvants to conventional pain management, offering improved safety profiles. This narrative review aims to evaluate the preliminary evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected plant-derived nutraceuticals for pain management. Particular attention is given to a new fixed nutraceutical formulation containing lycopene, sulforaphane (Brassica oleracea), silymarin (extracted from Silybum marianum), reduced glutathione, escin (Aesculus hippocastanum), tryptophan, and green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although this formulation has not yet been evaluated in clinical trials, preliminary data suggest that individual components may target different pain mechanisms. None of the currently available nutraceuticals act comprehensively on all pain types. Additionally, the inclusion of hepatoprotective compounds (e.g., glutathione and silymarin) may be advantageous for patients receiving multiple medications. Current evidence on these nutraceuticals remains limited and primarily preclinical. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in human pain management. Full article

Endometriosis involves oestrogen-dependent chronic inflammation and the abnormal proliferation of ectopic endometrial tissue. Conventional hormonal therapies suppress systemic oestrogen, but do not fully address local oxidative and inflammatory signalling. This review provides a mechanistic synthesis of recent molecular evidence. This evidence is on four FDA-recognized (Food and Drug Administration) medicinal plants. These are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Silybum marianum. The review highlights their capacity to modulate key intracellular pathways. These pathways are implicated in endometriosis. The review covers the integration of phytochemical-specific actions within NF-κB- (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), COX-2-(Cyclooxygenase-2), PI3K/Akt-(PI3K/Akt signaling pathway), Nrf2/ARE-(Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) and ERβ-(Estrogen receptor beta) mediated networks, which jointly regulate cytokine secretion, apoptosis, angiogenesis and redox balance in endometrial lesions. Curcumin downregulates COX-2 and aromatase while activating Nrf2 signalling, shogaol from ginger suppresses prostaglandin synthesis and induces caspase-dependent apoptosis, isoliquiritigenin from liquorice inhibits HMGB1-TLR4–NF-κB (High Mobility Group Box 1, Toll-like receptor 4) activation, and silymarin from milk thistle reduces IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and miR-155 (microRNA-155) expression while enhancing antioxidant capacity. Together, these phytochemicals demonstrate pharmacodynamic complementarity with hormonal agents by targeting local inflammatory and oxidative circuits rather than systemic endocrine axes. This mechanistic framework supports the rational integration of phytotherapy into endometriosis management and identifies redox-inflammatory signalling nodes as future translational targets. Full article