Clinical and Regulatory Status of Silymarin

Silymarin is a mixture of 9 different active flavanolignans extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) plant. It has been extensively used by local people and medicinal practitioners in European countries from around 2,000 years for the treatment of liver and biliary-related disorders. This review article documents and critically assesses, for the first time, up to date the regulatory status of the silymarin extract for the treatment of hepatic and other diseases. Information was collected systematically from electronic scientific databases including Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, ACS Publications, Elsevier, SciFinder, and Wiley Online Library, as well as other literature sources (e.g., books). Additionally, various regulatory authority websites have been searched for exploring the data. Silymarin has been approved in different doses for the treatment or adjuvant therapy for liver disorders by the regulatory authorities of different countries. But, silymarin has still been used as a dietary supplement in the US, despite its high sales. The potential of silymarin to be approved for various other indications has been proved by assessing its efficacy in human patients. In addition to efficacy, it is found to be safe and well-tolerated. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that silymarin is an important medicinal herb with prominent bioactivities. Thus, there is a need to conduct clinical trials in a larger number of patients to get approval for use in diseases like metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and many more.