Silymarin (SMN) is a complex mixture of flavonolignans extracted from
seeds of the milk thistle (Silybummarianum). Traditionally, SMN has been used as a
natural remedy for digestive problems and in particular for diseases of the liver and the
biliary tract, for menstrual disorders and varicose veins. Other potential indications of
SMN are related to its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties demonstrated
predominantly in in vitro assays. During the last years there are increasing data
indicating beneficial effects of SMN on diabetes-induced negative impacts on tissues
including the liver, pancreas and kidneys. Moreover, since the liver and kidneys are
acting as the major organs which are biotransforming the xenobiotic and endogenous
compounds, therefore any disorder in the function of aforementioned organs could be
critical in diabetic patients. Therefore, in this chapter, we introduced SMN, its physicchemical
properties, pharmacological effects and traditional uses. Our results from the
last ten years about SMN protective and regulatory effects on drug and xenobiotic
biotransforming enzymes in experimentally-induced diabetic animals are also
discussed. Influence of SMN on pharmacokinetics of other concurrently administered
antidiabetic drugs will be highlighted. Ultimately, its beneficial effects on diabeticinduced
oxidative and nitrosative stress, histopathological injuries and biochemical
markers in the liver, pancreas and kidneys are updated.
Keywords: Diabetes, oxidative/nitrosative stress, protective effects, silymarin,
regulative effects.
