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Published on: December 26, 2016

Multitargeted therapy of cancer by silymarin

Kumaraguruparan Ramasamy1, Rajesh Agarwal

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver, 4200 East Ninth Street, Box C238, Denver, CO 80262, USA.

Cancer Letters
|May 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Silymarin, derived from milk thistle, shows promise in cancer prevention by regulating cell survival and apoptosis. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic properties suggest potential as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Silymarin, a flavonolignan from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), is recognized for its hepatoprotective effects.
  • Emerging research highlights silymarin's potential role in cancer chemoprevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent investigations and mechanistic studies on silymarin's molecular targets for cancer prevention.
  • To explore the anti-cancer activities and clinical applications of silymarin and its constituent, silibinin.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on silymarin's anti-cancer effects.
  • Analysis of mechanistic studies focusing on molecular targets, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis.
  • Examination of clinical trial data regarding silymarin's efficacy and toxicity reduction.

Main Results:

  • Silymarin demonstrates cancer chemopreventive effects in various models.
  • It modulates the balance between cell survival and apoptosis by influencing cell cycle regulators and apoptosis-related proteins.
  • Silymarin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic activities.

Conclusions:

  • Silymarin and silibinin show potential as adjunct therapies for cancer patients.
  • They may help prevent or reduce toxicity associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Further clinical studies are warranted to fully establish their therapeutic role.

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