Silyguards, thanks to the synergistic action of the phytocomplex molecules, possesses protective properties for the central nervous system, liver, cardiovascular system, as well as antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Milk thistle is a plant widely used in folk tradition for its multiple qualities. In recent years, scientific data has supported the value of this plant, confirming its protective properties for the central nervous system, liver, and cardiovascular system, as well as its antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects. The main activities attributed to milk thistle are certainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, primarily due to the presence of flavolignan complexes (silymarin). These molecules can inhibit oxidative damage through radical-scavenging action and promote the activity of antioxidant enzymes and molecules. Additionally, concerning the anti-inflammatory activity, it has been observed that taxifolin also acts by modulating the main inflammation pathways, from enzymatic regulation to the inhibition of the chemical mediators involved. Among the most relevant targets are pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), transcription factors, and apoptotic factors. Taxifolin, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can thus improve liver function and regulate lipid metabolism in cases of steatosis, which is inevitably associated with the inflammatory response at the hepatocyte level.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

● Porwal, O., Ameen, M. S. M., Anwer, E. T., Uthirapathy, S., Ahamad, J., & Tahsin, A. (2019). Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle): Review on Its chemistry, morphology, ethno medical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(5), 199-206. ● Lirussi F, Beccarello A, Zanette G, et al. Silybin-beta-cyclodextrin in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver disease. Efficacy study of a new preparation of an anti-oxidant agent. Diabetes Nutr Metab. 2002;15(4):222-231. ● Huseini HF, Larijani B, Heshmat R, Fakhrzadeh H, Radjabipour B. The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2006;20(12):1036-1039. ● Zhan, Z. Y., Wu, M., Shang, Y., Jiang, M., Liu, J., Qiao, C. Y., … & Lian, L. H. (2021). Taxifolin ameliorate high-fat-diet feeding plus acute ethanol binge-induced steatohepatitis through inhibiting inflammatory caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. Food & function, 12(1), 362-372