Silibinin

Silibinin is a flavonolignan found in certain herbs, particularly milk thistle. Silibinin is a strong antioxidant and modulates the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system by increasing circulating levels of IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and decreasing levels of IGF-I. In preliminary studies, silibinin has been tested in various cancers including lung, colon, oral, and prostate.

Silibinin, also known as silybin, is the major active constituent of silymarin, the mixture of flavonolignans extracted from blessed milk thistle (Silybum marianum) consisting of silibinin A and B, isosibilinin A and B, silicristin, silidianin. Both in vitro and animal research suggest that silibinin has hepatoprotective (antihepatotoxic) properties that protect liver cells against toxins.[1][2] Silibinin has also demonstrated anti-cancer effects against human prostate adenocarcinoma cells, estrogen-dependent and -independent human breast carcinoma cells, human ectocervical carcinoma cells, human colon cancer cells, and both small and nonsmall human lung carcinoma cells.

Chemically modified silibinin, silibinin dihydrogen disuccinate disodium (trade name Legalon SIL) a solution for injection, is used in treatment of severe intoxications with hepatotoxic substances, such as death cap (Amanita phalloides) poisoning.