Author/Authors :
Abenavoli, Ludovico Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - University of Magna Græcia - Catanzaro, Italy , Aviello, Gabriella Department of Experimental Pharmacology - University of Federico - Naples, Italy , Capasso, Raffaele Department of Experimental Pharmacology - University of Federico - Naples, Italy , Milic, Natasa Department of Pharmacy - University of Novi Sad - Novi Sad, Serbia , Capasso, Francesco Department of Experimental Pharmacology - University of Federico - Naples, Italy
Abstract :
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one the most common causes of chronic liver disorders
in the Western world. These patients have many significant comorbidities. The therapeutic
approach to NAFLD is based on lifestyle intervention, but there is no consensus on
the ideal pharmacological treatment. Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle
(MT), is one of the oldest and most extensively researched plants in the treatment of liver
diseases. Many studies have demonstrated that the active components of MT silymarin have
many hepatoprotective properties. In recent years, several preclinical and clinical reports
have described the efficacy of silymarin as a treatment for NAFLD. The chief aim of this review
is to discuss the newest and most promising applications of MT in the treatment of NAFLD.
Keywords :
Milk thistle , Silymarin , Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease , Fibrosis , Insulin resistance
