A New Type of Liquid Silymarin Proliposome Containing Bile Salts: Its Preparation and Improved Hepatoprotective Effects

Abstract

Silymarin, a known extract, is used in the treatment of liver diseases with various origins, but its current administration form cannot target the liver because of its poor oral bioavailability. A new type of oral silymarin proliposome aimed at improving silymarin’s poor bioavailability and hepatoprotective effects, is introduced in this work. Silymarin-loaded liquid proliposome were prepared using a simple dissolving process. The morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of the silymarin liposomes were analysed. The everted gut sac transport model was used to measure the intestinal transport of liposomes. The liposomal hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in three types of experimental hepatitis animal models. After staining with haematoxylin and eosin, the livers were microscopically examined to analyse any pathological changes. The prepared silymarin proliposome formed silymarin liposomes with a multilayer liposome structure and improved intestinal transport. In an injured liver, the silymarin liposomes produced a stronger hepatoprotective effect through a significant decrease in both the aminotransferase and MDA levels and a significant increase in the SOD and GSH-PX levels compared to orally administered silymarin tablets. This effect was also confirmed histopathologically. In a word, incorporation of silymarin into a liposomal carrier system increased intestinal absorption and showed better hepatoprotective effects compared to silymarin tablets.

Anti-Parkinson Potential of Silymarin: Mechanistic Insight and Therapeutic Standing

“…Silymarin ( Figure 1 ) is a pharmacologically active phytochemical extracted from seeds and fruits of S. marianum , commonly known as milk thistle ( Wagoner et al, 2010 ; Wang et al, 2015 ). S. marianum is an annual or a biennial plant and is a member of plant family Asteraceae ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Silymarin is the polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from dried fruit of Silybum marianum and is most commonly used for hepatoprotective activities since ancient times ( Wang et al, 2015 ; AbouZid et al, 2016 ). Among phytochemicals it is one of the most widely used flavonoid because of its extensive therapeutic properties ( Mady et al, 2016 ).…”

Milk Thistle Seed Extract Favorably Affects Lactation and Development of Mammary Gland in Female Rats

“…Milk thistle's (Silybummarianum) (S. marianum), is a given name acquired due to the white markings on the leaves, it's milky white sap, and its traditionally used by the nursing mothers to increase milk. But it has been previously known by its hepato-protective role and it can also act as a decongestant [4]. Silymarin is a unique flavonoid complex which is derived from the milk thistle plant.…”

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

“…In addition, silymarin stimulates protein synthesis and normalizes phospholipid metabolism in damaged liver cells. In short, the greatest contribution of silymarin is stabilizing liver cell membrane [154]. It can also prevent or avoid the loss of soluble cellular components (such as transaminase) and prevent certain hepatotoxic substances (such as α-amanitin) from penetrating into cells.…”