Pharmaceutical prospects of Silymarin for the treatment of neurological patients: an updated insight

Abstract

BackgroundSilymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid complex extricated from dried fruits and seeds of the plant Silybum marianum L. Chemically, it is a mixture of flavonolignan complexes consisting of silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin, a minor quantity of taxifolin, and other polyphenolic compounds, which possess different bio medicinal values.PurposeThis review critically looks into the current status, pharmaceutical prospects and limitations of the clinical application of Silymarin for treating neurological disorders. In particular, Silymarin’s medicinal properties and molecular mechanisms are focused on providing a better-compiled understanding helpful in its neuro-pharmacological or therapeutic aspects.MethodsThis review was compiled by the literature search done using three databases, i.e., PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Science Direct, up to January 2023, using the keywords-Silymarin, neurological disorders, cognitive disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, pharmaceutical prospects and treatment. Then, potentially relevant publications and studies (matching the eligible criteria) were retrieved and selected to explain in this review using PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) study flow chart.ResultSince its discovery, it has been widely studied as a hepatoprotective drug for various liver disorders. However, in the last 10–15 years, several research studies have shown its putative neuroprotective nature against various brain disorders, including psychiatric, neurodegenerative, cognitive, metabolic and other neurological disorders. The main underlying neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and curing such disorders are the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-neurotrophic and pro-estrogenic nature of the bioactive molecules.ConclusionThis review provides a lucid summary of the well-studied neuroprotective effects of Silymarin, its underlying molecular mechanisms and current limitations for its usage during neurological disorders. Finally, we have suggested a future course of action for developing it as a novel herbal drug for the treatment of brain diseases.

Silymarin Supplementation in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Outcomes of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

“…In various rodent models (neuroinflammation, depression), silymarin enhanced the levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of silymarin were confirmed in the forced swim, tail suspension, elevated plus maze, and open field tests [ 44 ].…”

Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial

“…Notably, certain nutrients 32 , 33 and natural compounds seem to play a key role in promoting the microbiota-brain-endocrine axis. Silymarin shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects closely linked to the increase of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in improving depression symptoms 34 , 35 that could contribute to better sleep quality 34 – 36 . Additionally, zinc and magnesium work as crucial cofactors in the conversion of tryptophan amino acids to serotonin, which is closely associated with welfare, directly affecting the quality of life perception and sleep quality 37 – 39 .…”