Evidence supporting the use of: Isosilybin
For the body system: Hepatic System

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Isosilybin is one of the major flavonolignan isomers found in silymarin, the active extract of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Silymarin has a long history of traditional use in supporting liver health, but more recently, scientific research has focused on its constituents, including isosilybin, for their hepatoprotective effects. Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that isosilybin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, which may help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, oxidative stress, and other insults. Some mechanistic research suggests isosilybin modulates cell-signaling pathways involved in liver regeneration and inhibits lipid peroxidation.

However, most clinical trials and human data evaluating silymarin's effects on liver health use the whole extract, not isolated isosilybin. While silymarin as a whole has shown modest benefits in improving liver enzymes and reducing symptoms in patients with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, there is limited direct clinical evidence for isosilybin alone. Thus, while the use of isosilybin to support the hepatic system is primarily justified by scientific rationale and preclinical research, the strength of direct clinical evidence for this specific compound remains moderate.

In summary, isosilybin’s use for liver support is supported by scientific mechanisms and animal studies, but human clinical evidence is limited and mostly extrapolated from studies on silymarin as a whole.

More about Isosilybin
More about Hepatic System

Other body systems supported by Isosilybin

Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Hepatic System
Liver

Products containing Isosilybin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.