Page 67 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS

Formed in plants through coupling of
a flavonoid molecule with a hemi-lignan
molecule (C6 - C3).

CH2OH OMe
OH
O
O Silymarin

HO O
OH O
OH

Silymarin

Resulted from condensation of Taxifolin (dihyroflavonol) with

Coniferyl alcohol (hemilignan unit).

* Source: Silybum marianum. Family: Compositae
Uses: A very effective hepato-protective therapy.Employed in many
liver tonic preparation.
Silymarin ® Silymarin Plus® Livamarin® Legalon ® Hepatic forte®

Mechanism of Action of Silymarin :
 Inhibit the entrance of toxins (block toxin-binding sites
through alteration of the liver cell's outer membrane)
 Increasing the regenerative ability of the liver cells by
enhancing the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
 Silymarin increases glutathione production by the liver,
intestines and stomach.

( Glutathione is used for detoxification cells in the liver )
 The drug also has a cholagogic effect.

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