Search Results (84)

Background/Objectives: The liver, the body’s primary detoxifying organ, is often affected by various inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many of which can be exacerbated by secondary infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and sepsis—particularly in patients with advanced liver dysfunction. The global rise in these conditions underscores the need for effective interventions. Natural products have attracted attention for their potential to support liver health, particularly through synergistic combinations of plant extracts. Epavin, a dietary supplement from Erbenobili S.r.l., formulated with plant extracts like Taraxacum officinale (L.), Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., and Cynara scolymus (L.), known for their liver-supporting properties, has been proposed as adjuvant for liver functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate of Epavin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against heavy metal-induced toxicity. In addition, the antibacterial effect of Epavin against a panel of bacterial strains responsible for infections associated with liver injuries has been evaluated. Methods: The protection against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ was evaluated in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Its anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using the Griess assay. Additionally, the cytoprotecting of Epavin against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated in HepG2 cells using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) and DCFH-DA assays. The antibacterial activity of Epavin was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and BS, Staphylococcus aureus 25923, 29213, 43300, and BS) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli 25922, and BS, Klebsiella pneumoniae 13883, 70063, and BS) bacterial strains using the microdilution method in broth, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Epavin effectively reduced oxidative stress in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells and decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, Epavin demonstrated a protective effect against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Finally, it exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/mL. Conclusions: The interesting results obtained suggest that Epavin may serve as a valuable natural adjuvant for liver health by enhancing detoxification processes, reducing inflammation, and exerting antibacterial effects that could be beneficial in the context of liver-associated infections. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various agronomic factors on plant growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties. The three Mediterranean Officinal Wild Plants selected for this investigation were Silybum marianum, Achillea millefolium, and Trifolium pratense whose extracts, enriched in phenolic compounds, are well documented for their potential therapeutic effects. Three agronomic factors were evaluated, each with two treatment options, resulting in eight experimental combinations: (1) inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) versus control (no inoculation); (2) high versus low fertilization rates of K₂O and P₂O₅ to modulate nutrient availability; (3) water stress at 40% of field capacity compared to the control with full field capacity. Plant growth was monitored using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry) scale to delineate key phenological phases, with treatments applied until the flowering stage was reached. Only the leaves of the plants were collected, and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared for the evaluation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. These assays were selected due to their complementary insights into the chemical mechanisms underlying TAC, as well as their ability to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the phytochemical constituents. Full article

Background: Gastroparesis, a chronic digestive disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, often results from diabetes, post-surgical complications, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. In approximately 50% of cases, the cause is idiopathic gastroparesis (IGD). Recent studies suggest a link between chronic enteroviral infection and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including delayed gastric emptying. This study investigates the effects of a silydianin-rich extract from Silybum marianum seeds on enteroviral infections in vitro and the mitigation of delayed gastric emptying in mice. Silydianin, a key bioactive compound known for its liver-protective and antioxidant properties, has not been extensively studied for its impact on enteroviral infections and gastroparesis. Methods: NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT 135 and 2D, and HSQC) and HRMS identified silydianin as the primary compound, with minor flavonolignans. This study assessed the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the extract at various stages of the viral life cycle, including virucidal activity, cell protection, and post-infection effects, using neutral red assays in RD cells, with results confirmed by real-time PCR. The viruses studied included coxsackievirus B2, coxsackievirus A10, poliovirus SL-1, and enterovirus EV71. The impact on delayed gastric emptying was evaluated in a mouse model using doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg compared to a control group receiving physiological saline. Results: The silydianin-rich extract showed consistent antiviral activity, with the highest selectivity index (SI) for EV71 (4.08) during virucidal activity. It provided moderate cell protection, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 120.88 to 186.10 µg/mL and SI values from 2.20 to 3.39. Post-infection treatment showed varying efficacy, with coxsackie A10 demonstrating the highest SI (3.90). In vivo, the extract at 200 mg/kg significantly improved gastric emptying to 96.47% and slightly increased gastrointestinal transit from 50.33% to 61.46%. Conclusions: These results suggest that silydianin may be effective for treating enteroviral infections and enhancing intestinal function, making it a promising candidate for gastroparesis treatment and warranting further research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Silybum marianum extract, obtained via microwave-enhanced extraction, was evaluated for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities to explore its therapeutic potential. Methods: The extraction was performed using microwave-enhanced techniques, and LC-MS/MS was employed to profile the metabolites in the extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Phenanthroline, and FRAP assays. Enzyme inhibition assays were conducted to evaluate antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method, and in silico ADMET and drug-likeness analyses were performed for key metabolites. Results: The extract contained 251.2 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g of total phenolics and 125.1 ± 1.6 mg QE/g of total flavonoids, with 33 metabolites identified, including phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and flavolignans. Strong antioxidant activity was observed, with IC₅₀ values of 19.2 ± 2.3 μg/mL (DPPH), 7.2 ± 1.7 μg/mL (ABTS), 22.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL (CUPRAC), 35.2 ± 1.8 μg/mL (Phenanthroline), and 24.1 ± 1.2 μg/mL (FRAP). Antidiabetic effects were significant, with IC₅₀ values of 18.1 ± 1.7 μg/mL (α-glucosidase) and 26.5 ± 1.3 μg/mL (α-amylase). Antimicrobial activity demonstrated inhibition zones of 8.9 ± 1.1 mm (Bacillus subtilis), 12.6 ± 1.6 mm (Escherichia coli), 8.2 ± 1.2 mm (Fusarium oxysporum), and 9.2 ± 1.1 mm (Aspergillus niger). In silico analyses showed high absorption, favorable metabolism and excretion, and minimal toxicity, with no hERG channel inhibition or hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: The comprehensive results highlight the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of S. marianum extract, suggesting its potential for therapeutic and preventive applications. Full article

Silybin, a flavonolignan extracted from the seeds of the plant species Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., has a variety of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms of clinical interest. This review analyzes the existing studies on silybin’s antimicrobial activity and possible mechanisms of action. Silybin has been shown to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi, viruses, and protozoa. In general, possible mechanisms of antimicrobial action include the inhibition of efflux pumps, prevention of biofilm formation, reduction of the expression of virulence factors, induction of apoptosis-like effects, and plasma membrane damage, as well as the inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Silybin has been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant microorganisms. However, the low bioavailability observed for this flavonolignan has been a challenge to its clinical use. In this context, nanotechnology has been used to increase silybin’s bioavailability while enhancing its antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, certain structural modifications have been able to enhance its antimicrobial activity in comparison to that of the natural molecule. Overall, this review provides insights into the scientific understanding of the mechanism of action of silybin and its desired properties for the effective treatment of infections. Full article

Silybin, which belongs to the flavonolignan group, is the major component of the fruit extract of Silybum marianum (common name: milk thistle). Silybin is a medicinal compound with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In this study, silybin derivatives were produced through γ-radiolysis, and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities were evaluated to explore the enhanced activities of silybin derivatives compared to silybin (1). Isosilandrin (2) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin (3) were obtained from a silybin sample irradiated at 300 kGy. The optimal dose showed significant changes in radiolysis product content. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited an IC₅₀ of 274.6 and 109.5 μM, respectively, which are more potent than that of 1 (IC₅₀ > 500 μM). In addition, a molecular docking simulation revealed the binding affinity of these compounds to tyrosinase and their mechanisms of inhibition. Thus, γ-irradiation is an effective method for structural modification of silybin. We also demonstrated that 2,3-dehydrosilybin is a potential tyrosinase inhibitor. Full article

In this work, leaves of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn were extracted by a one-step extraction method using ethanol as a solvent, and the Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn extract (SMGE) was firstly employed as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄. The corrosion inhibition performance was studied using weight loss and electrochemical methods, and the anti-corrosion mechanism of SMGE is further analyzed through some surface characterizations and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that SMGE can act as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor and possess superior corrosion inhibition performance for carbon steel in H₂SO₄ solution, and the optimum corrosion inhibition efficiency reached 93.06% at 800 ppm SMGE combined with 60 ppm KI. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the rising inhibitor concentration. Surface characterizations illustrated that the inhibitor could physico-chemically adsorb on a metal surface, forming a hydrophobic, protective film. Full article

This study aims to explore the potential of Algerian milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds for food application. Solid–liquid extraction and Soxhlet extraction methods were employed to obtain both aqueous and fatty fractions using different solvents. Spectrophotometry was used to assess the content of bioactive compounds and pigments, while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzed the fatty acid composition. Additionally, the oxidative stability of the plant oil was evaluated using the Rancimat test. The results indicated a moisture content of 0.779% and a plant oil extraction yield of 0.278%. The polyphenol content in the oil was measured at 142.66 mg/100 g. The choice of solvent significantly impacted the content of bioactive compounds, with the highest values observed in the 80% methanol extract for total polyphenols, the aqueous extract for total flavonoids, and the ethanol extract for reducing power. Furthermore, the present study quantified pigments including chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse range of fatty acids typical of edible oils, including essential fatty acids from the ω3, ω6, and ω9 series. The Rancimat test indicated an oxidation resistance of 14.65 h. Overall, the findings suggest that Silybum marianum holds promise as an edible oil source rich in antioxidants, micronutrients, and essential fatty acids. Full article

Milk thistle is one of the most popular ingredients in the liver protection products market. Silymarin is the main component of milk thistle and contains multiple isomers. There have been few studies focusing on the compositional ratios of silymarin isomers. In this study, we developed an HPLC method for the separation and quantification of silymarin isomers, thereby elucidating their compositional ratios. Through the analysis of more than 40 milk thistle extract products on the market, we found that the ratios, specifically Ratio 1 (the silybin B content to the silybin A content, SBNB/SBNA) and Ratio 2 (the sum of the contents of silybin B and isosilybin B to the sum of the contents of silybin A and isosilybin A, (SBNB + IBNB)/(SBNA + IBNA)), are highly consistent across milk thistle extracts, averaging approximately 1.58 and 1.28, respectively. Furthermore, such ratios were verified in milk thistle seed samples. This study introduces significant findings concerning the stable ratios among silymarin isomers in milk thistle extracts and seeds, thereby offering an innovative approach for quality assurance of milk thistle extracts. Full article

The group of innovative ingredients in cosmetic preparations includes bio-ferments (Bs), which are characterized by high bioactivity and biocompatibility, and one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that has a beneficial effect on the skin and the body is Silybum marianum. Bio-ferments obtained from this plant are becoming increasingly useful as active ingredients in cosmetics. In the present study, four different bio-ferments were obtained by fermentation of pomace (B-P), extract (B-E), oil (B-O), and seeds (B-S) of milk thistle. Their biodegradability (%B), total polyphenols content (Folin–Ciocalteu method), and antimicrobial, antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods), chelating (Fe²⁺ ions), and reduction (Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions) properties, as well as the acidity, were evaluated. The contact angle using the sessile drop method was assessed to investigate bio-ferments’ impact on skin wettability. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the Bs was evaluated using the HPLC method, while the lactic acid (LA) content was assessed using the GC-MS method. All bio-ferments were characterized by high polyphenols content (13.56 ± 0.10–15.28 ± 0.12 mmol GA/L B), chelating (0.08 ± 0.01–0.17 ± 0.01 mmol Fe²⁺/L B) and antioxidant activity (DPPH method, 2.41 ± 0.01–3.53 ± 0.01 mmol Tx/L B), and reducing Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and LA were identified in Bs. The most increased antibacterial activity for B-P was observed for a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 250 μL/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 250 μL/mL). Simultaneously, B-S demonstrated the highest inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli (MIC = 125 μL/mL), emphasizing the varied antimicrobial profiles of these bio-ferments against different bacterial strains. Research on aerobic biodegradation demonstrated a high level of degradation (%B = 60 ± 1–65 ± 3), and all Bs were categorized as readily degradable according to the OECD classification. Full article

Silibinin is a flavonoid compound extracted from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. It has the functions of liver protection, blood-lipid reduction and anti-tumor effects. However, the potential molecular mechanism of silibinin against tumors is still unknown. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of silibinin in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC2) cells and Balb/c nude mice, and explore its potential mechanism based on network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. A total of 347 targets interacting with silibinin were collected, and 75 targets related to the tumor growth process for silibinin were filtrated. Based on the PPI analysis, CASP3, SRC, ESR1, JAK2, PRKACA, HSPA8 and CAT showed stronger interactions with other factors and may be the key targets of silibinin for treating tumors. The predicted target proteins according to network pharmacology were verified using Western blot analysis in ACC2 cells and Balb/c nude mice. In the pharmacological experiment, silibinin was revealed to significantly inhibit viability, proliferation, migration and induce the apoptosis of ACC2 cells in vitro, as well as inhibit the growth and development of tumor tissue in vivo. Western blot analysis showed that silibinin affected the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, such as MMP3, JNK, PPARα and JAK. The possible molecular mechanism involved in cancer pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and viral carcinogenesis pathway via the inhibition of CASP3, MMP3, SRC, MAPK10 and CDK6 and the activation of PPARα and JAK. Overall, our results provided insight into the pharmacological mechanisms of silibinin in the treatment of tumors. These results offer a support for the anti-tumor uses of silibinin. Full article

Silymarin, salvianolic acids B, and puerarin were considered healthy food agents with tremendous potential to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms by which they interact with gut microbiota to exert benefits are largely unknown. After 8 weeks of NAFLD modeling, C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups and fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with a medium or high dose of Silybum marianum extract contained silymarin or polyherbal extract contained silymarin, salvianolic acids B, and puerarin for 16 weeks, respectively. The untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were used for molecular mechanisms exploration. The intervention of silymarin and polyherbal extract significantly improved liver steatosis and recovered liver function in the mice, accompanied by an increase in probiotics like Akkermansia and Blautia, and suppressed Clostridium, which related to changes in the bile acids profile in feces and serum. Fecal microbiome transplantation confirmed that this alteration of microbiota and its metabolites were responsible for the improvement in NAFLD. The present study substantiated that alterations of the gut microbiota upon silymarin and polyherbal extract intervention have beneficial effects on HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and suggested the pivotal role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the amelioration of NAFLD. Full article

All over the world, wild edible plants are an essential source of chemical components that justify their use in folk medicine. The aim of this review is to document and summarize the knowledge of ten wild plants analyzed in a previous study for their ethnomedical significance. Achillea millefolium, Borago officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Gentiana lutea, Juniperus communis, Laurus nobilis, Malva sylvestris, Satureja montana, Silybum marianum and Urtica dioica were the subjects of our study. They are commonly found in the central Italian Apennines and the Mediterranean basin. Phytochemicals contained in wild plants, such as phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, carotenoids, etc., are receiving increasing attention, as they exert a wide range of biological activities with resulting benefits for human health. Based on the 353 studies we reviewed, we focused our study on the following: (a) the ethnobotanical practices and bioactive phytochemicals; (b) the composition of polyphenols and their role as antioxidants; (c) the methodologies commonly used to assess antioxidant activity; (d) the most advanced spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques used to visualize and characterize all components (metabolomic fingerprinting). The potential of pure compounds and extracts to be used as nutraceuticals has also been highlighted through a supposed mechanism of action. Full article

The manipulation of allelopathic mechanisms, such as the isolation of plant allelochemicals for bioherbicide production, is currently providing a new tool for weed management methods of reducing or potentially eliminating the use of synthetic herbicides. In Mediterranean agroecosystems, wild Asteraceae are the prevalent taxa, likely due to their allelopathic activity. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extracts obtained from milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn], wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris) and purple milk thistle (Galactites tomentosus Moench) on the seed germination, mean germination time, and seedling growth of three target weeds: Portulaca oleracea L., Taraxacum officinale (Weber) ex Wiggers and Anagallis arvensis L. The total polyphenol (TP), flavonoid (TF), flavonol (TFL), and phenolic acid (TPA) content in the aqueous extracts was also evaluated. Overall, the allelopathic effects were species-dependent and root length was the most affected parameter. All extracts completely inhibited root development in P. oleracea. Averaged over target weeds, C. cardunculus extract had the greatest allelopathic activity, followed by G. tomentosus and by S. marianum. In particular, C. cardunculus reduced seed germination by over 50% and increased the mean germination time by 154%, likely due to the highest TP (13.2 g kg⁻¹ DM) and TPA (11.4 g kg⁻¹ DM) content, compared to the other Asteraceae species. These results provide evidence of the phytotoxic activity of the three wild Asteraceae members and suggest their possible future exploitation as potential bioherbicides for sustainable weed management. Full article

Overweight and obese dogs can develop metabolic dysfunction, characterized by an inflammatory response and involvement of liver functions. If a modulation of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the gut–liver axis is implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, exploration becomes necessary. Over the past decade, diverse therapeutic approaches have emerged to target pathogenic factors involved in metabolic dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of a supplement with hepatoprotective activity, containing extracts of Silybum marianum, prebiotics, probiotics, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals on hematological markers of liver functions and inflammation, as well as on the intestinal microbiota of 10 overweight adult dogs over a 35-day time span. Animals underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations every 7 days, both before the administration of the supplement (T0) and after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). In comparison to T0, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ALP, glucose, direct bilirubin, and CRP was observed from T3 to T5. The alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only at T1, with high variability observed between dogs. Total short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid were also lower at T1 (p < 0.05) compared to the other times of sampling. The beta diversity of the fecal microbiota failed to show a clear pattern in relation to the sampling times. These results of blood parameters in overweight dogs show a reduction of the inflammation and an improvement of metabolic status during the study period, but the effective contribution of the supplement in this clinical outcome deserves further investigation. Furthermore, the considerable individual variability observed in the microbiome hinders the confident detection of supplement effects. Full article