Silybum marianum seeds oil attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis via regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress

This study focused on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Silybum marianum seeds oil (SMSO) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in experimental rats. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by interaperitoneally (i.p.) administered with 20% CCl4 in corn oil (1 ml/kg, twice a week for six weeks) in rats. Results showed that SMSO was highly effective in preventing the development of cirrhosis in CCl4 rats. The mechanisms of action of SMSO were probably associated with its ability to reduce the inflammatory response and its ability to block oxidative stress induced by CCl4. SMSO may be a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.