Silymarin as a Therapeutic Agent for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Approach Computational Study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and lethal form of liver cancer with limited treatment options. Silymarin, a flavonoid complex derived from milk thistle, has shown promise in liver disease treatment due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of silymarin in HCC through a comprehensive in silico approach.

This study employed a network pharmacology approach to identify key molecular targets of silymarin in HCC. The Genecards and Metascape databases were used for target identification and functional annotation. Molecular docking analysis was conducted on the primary silymarin components against VEGFA and SRC proteins, which are critical in HCC progression. MD simulations followed to assess the stability and interactions of the docked complexes.

Network pharmacology analysis identified several key molecular targets and pathways implicated in HCC. The molecular docking results revealed strong binding affinities of silymarin components to VEGFA and SRC, with Silybin A and Isosilybin B showing the highest affinities. MD simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions, indicating potential inhibitory effects on HCC progression.

This study provides a comprehensive in silico evaluation of silymarin's therapeutic potential in HCC. The findings suggest that silymarin, particularly its components Silybin A and Isosilybin B, may effectively target VEGFA and SRC proteins, offering a promising avenue for HCC treatment. Further experimental validation is warranted to confirm these findings and facilitate the development of silymarin-based therapeutics for HCC.