Milk Thistle

Silibinin is a compound derived from the Silybum, or milk thistle, plant species. More specifically, it exists as part of a group of constituents extracted from milk thistle called Silymarin. Silibinin has historically been used in traditional herbal medicine to manage patients with different forms of liver disease [1]. Its hepatoprotective properties stem from its ability to curb oxidative stresses and cellular damage to liver tissue, reducing the incidence of liver-related deaths in cirrhotic patients across multiple clinical trials [1]. Because of its cytoprotective nature, research on Silibinin suggests that it could play a role in cancer treatment. Its unique antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effect profile can be effective in tumor progression and bolstering outcomes of modern chemotherapeutic agents.

Breast Cancer: Silibinin has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells [8].

Liver Cancer: Silibinin decreased the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, increasing apoptosis and mitigating growth [9].

Prostate Cancer: Research shows that Silibinin can inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells [10].

Lung Cancer: Silibinin exhibits potential anti-cancer effects in lung cancer, warranting further investigation into its possible use as a treatment adjunct [2].

• Increased Sensitivity to Chemotherapy: Silibinin's potential to sensitize cancer cells might enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy [5].
• Synergy with Targeted Therapies: Silibinin could act in synergy with targeted therapies, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes [6].
• Targeting Specific Cancer Cells: Silibinin's potential to target specific cancer cells may address treatment resistance and recurrence [7].