Alterations in the silymarin metabolism in transgenic Silybum marianum cultured cells by the heterologous expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana V-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog transcription factor MYB12 and Cicer arietinum chalcone synthase

•The bioactive flavonolignan silymarin has been scarcely produced in Silybum marianum cell cultures.•Transgenic cultures expressing heterologous genes regulating flavonoid synthesis were established.•Expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor MYB12 enhanced the synthesis of chlorogenic acid derivatives.•Expression of Cicer arietinum chalcone synthase induced naringenin production.•Flavonolignan amounts in transgenic cultures were unaltered.