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The protective effects of Silymarin in diabetic wound healing: A review
Hanghang Zhou1, Chengqing Ding2, Jianxiong Qiao1
1The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Abstract:
Diabetic wounds are serious and challenging complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and are characterized by impaired healing. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves a variety of physiological and pathological changes, including vascular dysfunction, neuropathy, impaired neuropeptide signaling, hyperglycemia, persistent infections, inflammation, oxidative stress, and an impaired immune response. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic wounds, current treatment options remain limited and often yield unsatisfactory results. Thus, there is an urgent need for alternative approaches to enhance diabetic wound healing. Silymarin (SM) is a natural flavonolignans derived from the traditional medicinal plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, with silibinin/silybin (SB) as its primary active component, and has shown considerable therapeutic potential in both experimental and clinical studies. This review synthesizes high-quality, peer-reviewed research on the use of SM/SB for DM and its complications, and suggests that SM/SB may promote wound closure through its established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and vascular/endothelial-protective properties. In this review, we highlight the current beneficial modulatory effects of SM/SB on diabetic wounds and explore the potential mechanisms that may support these benefits. Although early evidence is promising, further high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of SM/SB in diabetic wound healing. Additionally, advancements in biomaterials could enhance the in vivo efficacy of SM, accelerating the translation of SM/SB-based therapies into clinical practice and offering a novel, complementary treatment or an innovative alternative to conventional protocols for diabetic wound closure.
Insights
Silymarin (SM) and its active component silibinin (SB) show promise for treating diabetic wounds by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm SM/SB efficacy for diabetic wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Diabetic wounds are a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by significantly impaired healing.
- The complex pathogenesis involves vascular dysfunction, neuropathy, hyperglycemia, infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction.
- Current treatments for diabetic wounds are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of Silymarin (SM) and its active component silibinin (SB) for enhancing diabetic wound healing.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of SM/SB in the context of diabetes mellitus complications.
- To highlight the need for further research and clinical validation of SM/SB-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed research on Silymarin (SM) and silibinin (SB) in relation to diabetes mellitus and wound healing.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and vascular-protective properties of SM/SB.
- Exploration of potential mechanisms of action for SM/SB in promoting diabetic wound closure.
Main Results:
- Silymarin (SM) and silibinin (SB) exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- SM/SB demonstrate antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects, potentially improving glycemic control relevant to wound healing.
- Neuroprotective and vascular/endothelial-protective effects of SM/SB may contribute to improved healing outcomes in diabetic patients.
Conclusions:
- Silymarin (SM) and silibinin (SB) show promising therapeutic potential for diabetic wound healing through multiple beneficial mechanisms.
- Further high-quality clinical studies are essential to validate the efficacy of SM/SB in diabetic wound management.
- Advancements in biomaterials could enhance SM/SB delivery and efficacy, facilitating clinical translation for novel wound closure therapies.
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