Therapeutic potential of silymarin as a natural iron‐chelating agent in β‐thalassemia intermedia

Abstract

Abnormal iron accumulation in vital organs is one of the major complications of β‐thalassemia intermedia (β‐TI). Silymarin, a flavonolignan isolated from Silybum marianum, significantly decreases the serum ferritin levels of β‐TI patients. This finding suggests silymarin as a safe and effective natural iron‐chelating agent for the treatment of iron‐overloaded conditions.

Manuka combinations with nigella sativa and hydroxyurea in treating iron overload of pediatric β-thalassemia major, randomized clinical trial

“…However, serious adverse events, including iron overload and organ damage, have been reported in those therapies in β-thalassemia patients [ [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] ]. In contrast, natural iron chelator has been proposed as an alternative to synthetic iron chelator or combined with them for a better outcome and lesser adverse events [ [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , 26 ].…”

“…Previous clinical studies have investigated the impact of natural iron chelators on iron overload diseases [ 13 ]. In line with that, other clinical studies have investigated alternative therapeutics modalities for iron overload diseases, considering the economic status of poor nations and the differences in efficacy between synthetic and natural iron chelators [ [14] , [15] , [16] ].…”

Silybum marianum seed extract supplementation positively affects the body weight of weaned piglets by improving voluntary feed intake

“…treated patients with silymarin increased the appetite [28]. Therefore, we considered that increased ADG as the result of dietary SMS extract supplementation was related to the greater ADFI.…”