Search Results (194)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oil production generates substantial quantities of seed cake, an underutilized by-product with potential as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize milk thistle cakes from two industrial sources (MTC1 and MTC2) and their corresponding seeds (MTS1 and MTS2), focusing on compositional properties, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant activity assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay. Proximate analysis showed that the cakes retained significant residual oil (9.26–14.51 g 100 g⁻¹) and protein (16–19 g 100 g⁻¹), with low water activity (<0.33), indicating good storage stability. Fatty acid analysis revealed a predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (49–52%), mainly linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), confirming their nutritional value. Differences between industrial sources indicated variability associated with raw material and processing conditions. Extraction solvent significantly affected bioactive compound recovery from the oil fraction. Dichloromethane extracts exhibited higher total phenolic content (up to 8.87 mg GAE g⁻¹) and stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (up to 28.07%) compared to hexane extracts, which may be attributed to a greater extraction of moderately polar phenolic compounds, including flavonolignan-type constituents potentially associated with silymarin complex. Overall, milk thistle cake represents a promising raw material for the recovery of natural antioxidants and valuable lipids, supporting its application in functional food or feed products and sustainable biorefinery processes. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequently diagnosed solid malignancy in men and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While localized disease is associated with excellent long-term survival, advanced and castration-resistant PCa continues to represent a major therapeutic challenge. Current management ranges from active surveillance for indolent tumors to multimodal systemic approaches for metastatic disease. In this context, natural compounds are attracting increasing interest as adjunctive or novel therapeutic agents. Among these, silymarin, a Silybum marianum-derived flavonolignan complex, has shown promising antineoplastic activity in preclinical PCa models. In vitro, silymarin compounds consistently inhibit PCa cell proliferation by inducing G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest, upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, and activating caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. They also modulate key oncogenic signaling pathways involved in cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In vivo xenograft and transgenic models further show reduced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread with limited systemic toxicity. Emerging clinical evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggests translational potential; however, robust randomized trials are needed to define optimal formulations, dosing strategies, and therapeutic efficacy in PCa patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms, preclinical efficacy, and emerging clinical evidence supporting silymarin as a candidate for future PCa research. Full article

In the context of modern ruminant nutrition, increasing attention is being directed toward the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as alternative feed ingredients that enhance nutrient utilization efficiency while supporting the sustainability of animal production systems. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) oilseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, has emerged as a resource of growing interest due to its favorable nutritional profile and the presence of bioactive compounds with functional properties. This review critically analyzes recent scientific literature addressing the use of milk thistle oilseed cake in ruminant nutrition, highlighting its potential practical relevance as a functional feed ingredient. The available evidence suggests that milk thistle oilseed cake may support inclusion in ruminant diets at moderate levels; however, controlled in vivo studies remain limited, and several proposed mechanisms are inferred from studies on structurally analogous polyphenol-rich by-products rather than from milk thistle cake itself. Further research is needed before precise inclusion recommendations can be established. Special attention is given to the bioactive fraction dominated by the silymarin complex, which may interact with rumen digestive and fermentative processes, influencing nutrient utilization efficiency and oxidative stability. Overall, the findings suggest that milk thistle oilseed cake represents a promising feed resource that aligns with sustainable and efficiency-oriented feeding strategies in modern ruminant production systems. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are two conditions with increasing prevalence and severe systemic complications and consequences. This research examines the combined neuroprotective and nephroprotective properties of three medicinal plants, Mucuna pruriens (Muc), Moringa oleifera (Mor), and Silybum marianum (SM), in a murine model of PD, AKI, and their comorbid state (PD–AKI), highlighting the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways. The mice were grouped as PD, AKI, or PD-AKI, and with or without the herbal pre-treatment, along with their respective controls. Motor impairments were assessed using the rotarod and pole climb assays. Biochemical indicators of renal function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines were quantified in kidney and brain tissues. Assessment of Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression levels was performed using qRT-PCR. The AKI groups had significant renal impairment (4-fold increase in creatinine and 7.5-fold increase in BUN), oxidative stress (~5.5-fold increase), and increased cytokine levels (~1.5-fold increase), with downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (~2-fold decrease) and Nrf2 signaling pathways (~1.8-fold decrease), alongside upregulation of NF-κB (~2.5-fold increase). The PD and PD-AKI groups exhibited significant neuroinflammation (~1.5-fold increase) and redox imbalance (~6-fold increase) in brain tissue, accompanied by motor impairments (1.6 to 4.6-fold decrease). Pre-treatment with Muc, Mor, and SM significantly ameliorated renal impairments (3.5-fold decrease in creatinine and ~5-fold decrease in BUN) and neurological deficits. These findings establish Muc, Mor, and SM extracts as potent, multi-target interventions capable of disrupting the feed–forward cycle of neuro-renal damage. Full article

This study investigates the influence of extraction method and solvent on the UV spectral characteristics of extracts obtained from selected agro-industrial waste materials. Conventional maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were applied using distilled water and 70% (v/v) ethanol as solvents. The analyzed materials included spent coffee grounds, orange peel, rosehip, milk thistle, eucalyptus leaves, and chili pepper. UV spectrophotometric analysis (190–400 nm) was used to compare the absorption profiles of the obtained extracts and to evaluate the effect of extraction conditions on spectral features. The results showed that both solvent type and extraction technique significantly influenced the intensity and shape of the absorption spectra. Ethanol generally resulted in higher absorbance values and more defined spectral features in the 250–350 nm region, while aqueous extracts exhibited stronger absorption in the lower UV range. Overall, UV spectroscopy proved to be a rapid and effective screening tool for evaluating extraction performance and comparing spectral characteristics of complex plant extracts, supporting the valorization of agro-industrial waste. Total phenolic content (TPC) was additionally determined to support the evaluation of extraction efficiency. Full article

Milk thistle seed cake, a by-product of silymarin production, contains residual oil with valuable bioactive compounds. This study compared oils extracted using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and Soxhlet extraction. MAE produced higher yields and better preserved polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also generated oils with lower acid and peroxide values, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stability evaluated by pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) showed longer induction times for MAE-derived oils, indicating improved resistance to oxidation. These trends are consistent with the shorter extraction times and reduced thermal exposure associated with MAE. Overall, MAE proved more effective for recovering high-quality oil from milk thistle seed cake, supporting its use as a valuable resource in waste-to-value applications. Full article

Background: Silybin, the primary active constituent of the milk thistle extract silymarin, has been historically recognized for its hepatoprotective properties. More recently, its potential effects on blood coagulation have garnered attention, suggesting a broader pharmacological profile. Methods: This study aimed to investigate silybin’s impact on hemostasis using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in normal human plasma. ROTEM enables the dynamic assessment of clot formation, providing a detailed analysis of coagulation processes in real-time. We specifically focused on the effects of silybin concentrations of 10 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM on the ROTEM parameters compared to controls using normal human plasma with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The parameters derived from the tests included clotting time (CT), α-angle (α), and amplitude at 10 and 20 min (A10 and A20) for each of the three channels: intrinsic pathway thromboelastometry (INTEM), extrinsic pathway thromboelastometry (EXTEM), and fibrinogen thromboelastometry (FIBTEM). Each measurement was performed four times. Results: Analysis of the INTEM assay results demonstrated that silybin at concentrations of 10 µM and 50 µM significantly reduced clotting time (CT) compared to the control. Additionally, all tested silybin concentrations significantly decreased the α-angle in the INTEM test. In the EXTEM assay, no significant effect on CT was observed at any silybin concentration. However, consistent with the INTEM findings, all silybin concentrations resulted in a significant reduction in the α-angle. In the FIBTEM assay, silybin at 10 µM and 50 µM significantly shortened CT. Furthermore, all tested concentrations led to a significant decrease in the α-angle and A20, while a reduction in A10 was observed only at the 50 µM concentration compared to the control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that silybin modulates ROTEM parameters in a manner that tends to vary with concentration, with the strongest effects observed at lower concentrations (10–50 µM), notably reducing CT, α-angle, and clot firmness (A10, A20). These findings suggest a potential role of silybin in influencing coagulation dynamics. Full article

Silymarin—a standardized extract from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.)—is mainly used for the treatment of hepatitis and other liver diseases. In recent years, the attention of researchers has been directed to its use in dermatology and wound treatment. Despite the promising results, there are still many unresolved issues in this area. The aim of the present study is to develop and characterize hydrogel chitosan–pectin films containing silymarin as an active ingredient with potential medical application. Six variants of hydrogel films (control and silymarin-loaded) were obtained from chitosan and pectin solutions by the casting method and analyzed in terms of their physicochemical, structural, mechanical and optical properties, as well as the in vitro dissolution profile of silymarin. The highest tensile strength was measured for the chitosan-based films—23.35 ± 1.74 MPa (control) and 22.01 ± 2.67 MPa (silymarin-loaded), while the barrier properties to UV and visible light were the strongest for chitosan–pectin films with silymarin. The antioxidant potential of the films was determined by DPPH assay and it was found that the variants with silymarin have over 20 times higher antioxidant activity (from 2.020 ± 0.048 to 2.106 ± 0.190 mg TE/g) than the corresponding controls. The results showed that chitosan–pectin films with incorporated silymarin could find application as potential hydrogel dressings in the therapy of wounds and superficial burns. Full article

The bioactive potential of dairy-derived peptides has attracted increasing interest due to their capacity to exert antioxidant and antihypertensive effects. This study investigated three artisanal cheeses manufactured with animal rennet (CTRL), Onopordum platylepis extract (OP), or a mixture of both coagulants (AR/OP) to compare their peptide profiles and associated bioactivities. Water-soluble extracts were analyzed to identify precursors and released bioactive peptides, and in vitro assays were performed to assess antioxidant activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. The analysis of precursors suggested a predominance of antioxidant sequences in CTRL and ACE-inhibitory precursors in OP, with AR/OP showing intermediate values. However, direct peptide identification confirmed that the AR/OP mixture produced a wider range of peptides with antioxidant activity, while OP and AR/OP exhibited similarly high levels of ACE-inhibiting peptides. These results were consistent with in vitro assays, which confirmed AR/OP as the most active sample for antioxidant potential and OP, closely followed by AR/OP, as the strongest for ACE inhibitory activity. Overall, the integration of precursor analysis, peptide identification, and experimental validation highlights the influence of the coagulant on the generation of bioactive peptides, suggesting that the use of Onopordum platylepis Murb. (O. platylepis) alone or in combination with animal rennet may enhance the functional properties of cheese. Full article

This study investigates how fermentation of milk thistle seeds (MTSs) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, alone or with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, affects phenolic compounds content and bioactivity of the resulting extracts. Microwave-assisted extraction parameters were optimized for maximal yield and validated for scale-up. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoid compounds (TFCs), and bioactivities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects. Optimal extraction conditions were 70% ethanol, liquid to solid (L/S) ratio 30 mL/g, 180 W power, and 3 min duration, enabling energy-efficient recovery of antioxidants with higher yields than previously reported. Solid-state fermentation with S. boulardii significantly enhanced extraction efficiency, doubling TPC (647.6 ± 24.4 mg GAE/g dm) and TFC (87.04 ± 6.88 mg QE/g dm) contents, and antioxidant capacity (4.27 ± 0.19 mmol Fe²⁺/g dm) compared to non-fermented MTSs. Fermented extracts fully inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and partially Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. They also promoted the growth of probiotics such as S. boulardii and lactic acid bacteria strains, while non-fermented extracts showed opposite effects. These findings highlight the potential of MTS fermentation as a sustainable strategy to enhance bioactive compound yield and develop functional supplements that support human and animal health. Full article

This study aimed to determine the effect of lactic acid fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the bioactive compound composition and fatty acid profile of black cumin, camelina, milk thistle, and evening primrose cakes, as well as to evaluate their application as ingredients in wheat bread production (9% of wheat flour substitution). Fermentation increased the content of flavonoids and phenolic acids in camelina cake by approximately 30%, while causing a 30% decrease in carotenoid content. In black cumin cake, an eightfold increase in 4-hydroxybenzoic acid content and a 10% reduction in thymoquinone were observed. For milk thistle, silymarin content decreased by approximately 10%. Fermentation increased the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), reducing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in all analyzed cakes. Breads containing 9% fermented cakes exhibited lower specific volume and greater hardness (22–80%), gumminess (17–64%), and chewiness (8–48%), compared to the breads with unfermented cakes. The contents of bioactive compounds in breads depended on the type of cake added. The bread with fermented camelina cake showed a 15% increase in flavonoid content and higher levels of selected phenolic acids compared to the bread with unfermented camelina. The breads containing camelina cake, both fermented and unfermented, also had the most favorable physical quality (texture and volume). The amount of ferulic acid in all samples of bread with the addition of fermented cakes was lower in comparison to the bread samples with unfermented cakes. Full article

Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonolignan complex extracted from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has long been recognized for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Among its constituents, silybin is the most pharmacologically active and has been extensively studied in both preclinical and clinical settings. However, the clinical application of silymarin-based therapies remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and physicochemical instability. This review systematically outlines the pharmacokinetic challenges of silymarin and highlights recent advancements in formulation strategies designed to overcome these barriers. Key innovations include nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems, lipid-based carriers, water-soluble derivatives, bioavailability enhancers, parenteral and transdermal formulations, as well as controlled and synchronous release technologies. These approaches significantly improve tissue targeting, intracellular uptake, and pharmacological efficacy. Additionally, this review evaluates currently marketed silymarin formulations and recent clinical/preclinical evidence, revealing a persistent gap between laboratory advances and commercially available products. By synthesizing the mechanistic, regulatory, and manufacturability barriers that hinder translation, we delineate the key challenges that must be addressed to enable clinically deployable next-generation silymarin products. Collectively, these insights illustrate a paradigm shift in the modernization of phytomedicine, positioning silymarin as a model compound for the transformation of traditional herbal remedies into precision therapeutics through interdisciplinary drug delivery innovations. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of thermal and noise stress on rabbits (90 HYLA hybrids), focusing on physiological responses, production performance, and welfare. Three dietary treatments were compared: a control diet (C), a diet supplemented with milk thistle seed cake (SMT), and a diet containing fermented milk thistle seed cake (FMT). The aim was to assess whether these feed additives could mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stress. Health status was monitored through clinical observation and analysis of biochemical indicators, including enzymes, lipid and protein metabolism markers, and total antioxidant status. Thermal stress at the onset of fattening influenced average daily gain, feed intake, and carcass yield, while dietary intervention modulated these effects. The FMT group demonstrated the lowest feed intake and most efficient feed conversion during later growth stages, but had lower slaughter weight compared with the control. In contrast, rabbits fed the SMT diet achieved the highest slaughter weight and superior growth efficiency. These findings suggest that milk thistle, particularly in combination with probiotic fermentation, can enhance feed utilization, growth performance, and stress resilience in rabbits, contributing to more sustainable and welfare-oriented production systems. Full article

The current investigation involved preliminary laboratory research regarding the accumulation capacity of three types of hyperaccumulator plants when specific soil factors are altered during their cultivation. Three different plants participated in this experiment, namely, milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaerth), industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), which were cultivated in two soils with different pH values, yet containing similar levels of metal pollutants. ABC fire extinguisher powder (FP), which had been tested in the past and found to cause a significant change in nutrient availability, was added to the soils. The FP was added at 1% v/v and, in order to facilitate its fast incorporation into the soil, the soil moisture was maintained at 60–65%. The experiment was conducted in pots where the plants were grown in contaminated soils, with and without the FP addition. The pseudo-total (after extraction with Aqua Regia), available (after extraction with DTPA), and water-soluble concentrations (after extraction with CaCl₂ solution) of Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined in the soils. The plants completed their growth cycle (in 112, 128, and 139 days, respectively), were harvested, and the metal concentrations were assessed after extraction with Aqua Regia, both in the underground and above-ground parts. FP addition caused a significant decrease in the availability of each of the three metals, yet mainly Cr, as it caused a maximum reduction of 19.6% and 16.0% in the rate of water-soluble and available (after extraction with DTPA) Cr, respectively, in relation to the total Cr concentration in acidic soil, revealing the decisive role played by soil reaction in metal availability. FP addition caused a significant Cd reduction in accumulation in the above-ground parts of cultivated plants in the order of hemp > thistle > tobacco. FP use appears to significantly alter the plant-to-soil metal transfer, affecting the plants’ ability to accumulate Cd, Cr, and Cu. Apparently, this material, disposed of in the environment, could be a useful and low-cost soil conditioner, in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article