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

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Synopsis

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

Silybin, also known as silibinin, is the main active component of silymarin, an extract from the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Its use in supporting or treating cirrhosis of the liver has a long history in traditional herbal medicine. However, there is also scientific evidence supporting its potential benefits. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that silybin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, which may be beneficial in the context of liver cirrhosis. Research indicates that silybin can help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses that contribute to liver injury.

Clinical trials in patients with liver diseases—including cirrhosis due to alcohol, viral hepatitis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—have yielded mixed results. Some studies demonstrate improvements in liver function tests (such as transaminases), while others show little or no effect on disease progression or overall survival. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that silybin is safe and may have a supportive role in managing liver conditions, but definitive evidence for its effectiveness in reversing or significantly improving cirrhosis is lacking. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed. Thus, the use of silybin for cirrhosis is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, with its role primarily as a supplementary, rather than primary, therapy.

More about Silybin
More about Cirrhosis of the Liver

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