Evidence supporting the use of: Flavonolignan
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Flavonolignans, particularly those found in silymarin (extracted from the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum), have been studied for their potential use in supporting or treating cirrhosis of the liver. Silymarin is a standardized extract containing several flavonolignans, including silybin (silibinin), silychristin, and silydianin. These compounds are believed to exert hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic mechanisms.

Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of silymarin in chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis. Some studies report improvements in liver function tests (e.g., ALT, AST levels) and potential reductions in mortality, particularly in patients with alcoholic liver disease. However, the overall quality of evidence is mixed: many studies are small, heterogeneous, and have methodological limitations. A 2007 Cochrane review concluded that there is no firm evidence that silymarin significantly reduces mortality in alcoholic or hepatitis B/C-related cirrhosis, though some secondary endpoints suggested possible benefits.

Despite these limitations, the biological plausibility, positive findings in preclinical studies, and some supportive clinical data have led to the use of flavonolignans as adjunct therapy in liver cirrhosis, particularly in Europe and Asia. Nonetheless, more robust, well-designed clinical trials are needed to provide conclusive evidence for their efficacy in cirrhosis treatment.

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