silymarin: mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action

Silymarin is a prominent medicinal flavonoid containing 25 carbon atoms, derived from silybum marianum (milk thistle) of the asteraceae family. extracted from the seeds and fruits, it is a polyphenolic flavonolignan complex (65–80%) with fatty acids (20–35%) and is well recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the liver and other tissues. silymarin, with a half-life of about 6 hours, is primarily metabolized via conjugation, and its main component, silibinin, exhibits low oral bioavailability and rapid metabolism, resulting in mostly nanomolar plasma concentrations. silymarin acts as a direct free radical scavenger, preventing lipid peroxidation, while also protecting the organism from oxidative stress by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the activity of enzymes that generate reactive oxygen species. under stress conditions, silymarin plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity and preserving cellular functions. additionally, it provides further protection by activating vitagenes and influences the gut microenvironment, particularly through interactions with the microbiota, offering new avenues for future research. silymarin modulates the release of inflammatory mediators primarily by inhibiting signaling pathways such as nf-κb, tlr4, mapk, and jak-stat3. it improves the inflammatory response by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing the activity of anti-inflammatory agents. furthermore, by regulating the mapk and nrf2 signaling pathways, silymarin exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. in animal nutrition and disease prevention strategies, silymarin, either alone or in combination with compounds such as carnitine, betaine, and vitamin b12, can elicit effects comparable to the hepatoprotective outcomes observed in humans. with these properties, silymarin provides a robust foundation for further research in evaluating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in liver protection and the preservation of other organs, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in cellular, animal, and clinical studies.