Hepatoprotective properties of Silybum marianum herbal preparation on ethanol-induced liver damage

It is known that silymarin (SY), a purified mixture of flavanolignans extracted from the seed of S. marianum (milk thistle), is endowed with liver protecting activity. A preparation of milk thistle seed extract (MT), as marketed by the herbal industry, has not been subjected to the rigorous testing necessary to establish both the efficacy and safety of a drug. In the current study, the effect ofMT on ethanol-induced liver damage, measured by the increase in serum and liver enzyme activity, was examined. It was found that rats receiving MT and ethanol, as compared to those receiving only ethanol, had significantly lower levels of serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase activity.