Beneficial effects of silymarin against nephrotoxicity caused by some chemicals

Silybum marianum (L) Gaertn (Carduusmarianus L., Asteraceae) seeds have been used as a traditional remedy for liver and gallbladder diseases, and has been especially valued for its properties against hepatitis and cirrhosis for centuries. Publications on its beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes, on its radio-protective effects, and properties against chemical weapons intoxication have proliferated in the medical literature over the last few years. Silymarin is used as a chemoprotective and anticancer agent. It also has protective properties against the toxic effects of some drugs used in oncology, as well as antibiotics, which was the topic of the first part of our review on the nephroprotective effects of Silymarin. The purpose of this publication is to summarise the results of our research into the effects of Silymarin for reducing the toxic damage caused by chemical agents like fungi toxins, organic solvents, heavy metals, etc.