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Published on: September 7, 2013
Silymarin inhibits dermal gelatinolytic activity and reduces cutaneous inflammation
Joana Mota1,2, Catarina Faria-Silva3, Ana Resendes1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is well-known for its antioxidant activity due to the presence of silymarin. Albeit some studies show a potential for skin inflammation, its activity against dermal MMP-9 and MMP-2 remains to be studied. Silymarin isolated from an S. marianum herbal extract was tested for gelatinase inhibition in the presence of isolated MMP-9 and in dermal adenocarcinome HaCaT cells. Silymarin was then further tested in vivo, using a cutaneous inflammation mice model mediated by reactive oxygen species. Silymarin was able to significantly inhibit gelatinolytic activity in vitro without impairing cell growth and viability. Furthermore, inhibition was more pronounced in cells than with the isolated gelatinase, suggesting an additional effect upon metabolic pathways. In vivo, silymarin was able to reduce ear edema up to 74% and attenuated histological lesions. Results highlight silymarin potential for application in skin inflammatory disorders via gelatinase inhibition.
Insights
Milk thistle
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Pharmacology
Background:
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) possesses antioxidant properties attributed to silymarin.
- While its anti-inflammatory potential is suggested, its effects on dermal matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of silymarin on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in vitro and in vivo.
- To evaluate silymarin's efficacy in a mouse model of cutaneous inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Silymarin was isolated from Silybum marianum and tested for gelatinase inhibition against isolated MMP-9 and in HaCaT cells.
- An in vivo study used a reactive oxygen species-mediated cutaneous inflammation mouse model.
Main Results:
- Silymarin significantly inhibited gelatinolytic activity in vitro without affecting cell viability.
- Inhibition was more potent in cells than with isolated enzymes, indicating potential metabolic pathway effects.
- Silymarin reduced ear edema by 74% and attenuated histological lesions in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Silymarin demonstrates significant gelatinase inhibitory activity.
- Results support silymarin's potential therapeutic application for skin inflammatory disorders through MMP inhibition.
