Hepatoprotective Effects ofSilybum marianum(Silymarin) andGlycyrrhiza glabra(Glycyrrhizin) in Combination: A Possible Synergy

Abstract

Oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and transaminase reactions are some of the mechanisms that can lead to liver dysfunction. A time-dependent study was designed to evaluate the ability of silymarin (SLN) and glycyrrhizin (GLN) in different dosage regimens to lessen oxidative stress in the rats with hepatic injury caused by the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Wistar male albino rats (n = 60) were randomly assigned to six groups. Group A served as a positive control while groups B, C, D, E, and F received a dose of CCl4 (50% solution of CCl4 in liquid paraffin, 2 mL/kg, intraperitoneally) twice a week to induce hepatic injury. Additionally, the animals received SLN and GLN in different doses for a period of six weeks. CCl4 was found to induce hepatic injury by significantly increasing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances while decreasing total protein and the activities of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Treatment with various doses of SLN and GLN significantly reduced ALT, AST, ALP, and TBARS levels and increased GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Our findings indicated that SLN and GLN have hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress of the liver.

Antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory and anti‑fibrotic effects of Boswellia serrate gum resin in CCl4‑induced hepatotoxicity

“…These effects of BS were comparable to those observed following silymarin treatment, a well-documented hepatoprotective agent. Silymarin consists of a complex of flavonolignans derived from the milk thistle and is famous for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and properties in the liver (25).…”

Physiological changes due to hepatotoxicity and the protective role of some medicinal plants

“…Silymarin has been reported to protect liver cells from a wide variety of toxins, including acetaminophen, ethanol, CCl4 and D-galactosamine (Rasool et al, 2014). The mechanisms that provide silymarins their hepatoprotective effects are many and varied, and include anti-oxidation, anti-lipid peroxidation enhanced detoxification and protection against glutathione depletion (Pradhan and Girish, 2006).…”

Phytochemical composition, health effects, and crop management of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabraL.): Α medicinal plant

“…Other therapeutic properties related with liquorice include antiulcer, antitussive, anti-allergic, antitumor and hepatoprotective activities, both through in vitro and in vivo experiments, and using not only liquorice extracts but even isolated bioactive compounds. (49,70,(89)(90)(91)(92)(93)(94)(95)(96)(97)(98)(99) Glycyrrhizin,…”