-5%
Silycap (Milk thistle) is indicated for the treatment and prevention of various liver conditions, including:
- Liver disease (both non-alcoholic & alcoholic)
- Liver cirrhosis (both non-alcoholic & alcoholic)
- Infectious hepatitis
- Drug-induced hepatitis
- Liver disease secondary to diabetes mellitus
- Toxicity of narcotics
- Fatty liver
- Jaundice
The milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (= Carduus marianus L.), belongs to the Asteraceae family (Fig. 1). This medicinal plant has a rich history dating back to the time of the birth of Christ. Its fruits, known as Fructus Cardui Mariae or seeds (Fig. 2), were traditionally used as an herbal remedy, and today they or their derivatives in effective dosages are recognized as therapeutic agents.
In 1968, Wagner et al. discovered a group of flavonoid compounds in the fruits of milk thistle, which were named silymarin. Further studies revealed that silymarin consists of three isomeric compounds: silibinin, silibinin, and silicristin, with a molecular formula of C25H22O10 and a molecular weight of 482.45 (Fig. 3).
The positive effects of silymarin on elevated serum enzyme levels, indicating parenchymal damage in patients with chronic liver diseases, have been evident in various nonblind controlled trials. Silymarin is indicated for toxic liver damage and supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver diseases and cirrhosis.