Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid complex extracted from milk thistle
seeds (Silybum marianum), has a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. This review explores the
applications of milk thistle and silymarin in animal nutrition, focusing on their effects
on productive performance, animal health, metabolic profiles, and detoxification
processes. Milk thistle seeds contain various nutritional components that have been
shown to improve nutrient utilization, stimulate appetite, and enhance the intestinal
environment. Studies have reported that milk thistle supplementation significantly
improves productive performance, carcass yield, and digestibility in growing rabbits,
broilers, and quail. The hepatoprotective effects of milk thistle are attributed to its
inhibition of lipid peroxidation, stabilization of membrane permeability, reduction of
apoptosis in hepatocytes, and limited leakage of hepatic enzymes. The potent
antioxidant properties of silymarin protect cells from oxidative stress by scavenging
reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Milk thistle extract also acts as a free radical scavenger, protecting against glutathione depletion, and enhancing
glutathione peroxidase activity in the brain and kidneys. Furthermore, milk thistle
supplementation has been shown to improve hematological parameters, such as
leukocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and packed cell volume, in birds exposed to
ochratoxin A. The beneficial effects of milk thistle on animal immunity, oxidative
stress, performance, and reproduction make it a valuable candidate for use as a feed
additive in animal nutrition.
Keywords: Antioxidants, Livestock, Liver function, Milk thistle, Productive performance, Silymarin.
