Milk thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.) is currently one of the most important species of medicinal plants grown on herbal plantations. Herbal raw material of milk thistle is the fruit (Silybi mariani fructus) containing a complex of flavonolignans called silymarin. Silymarin has a protective and regenerative effect on damaged liver cells. The protective effect of silymarin is related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and detoxifying activity. This compound also affects the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Silymarin has been widely used as a therapeutic agent for many acute and chronic liver diseases. Recent studies show that silymarin is an effective antiviral drug in the case of hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is also indicated as a promising anticancer, antidiabetic and nephro-protective agent. Medicine and cosmetology also use oil from milk thistle seed, rich in valuable fatty acids, phospholipids and vitamin E.
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