Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Meltem Macit, Gulengul Duman, Alev Cumbul, Engin Sumer, Caglar Macit
Summary: In this study, silymarin-nanoparticles were developed and their ability to reduce acetaminophen-induced toxicity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles showed hepatoprotective effects by reducing serum marker enzymes, as confirmed by histopathological studies. The nano approaches have the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of silymarin. The silymarin-nanoparticles had a spherical shape with an average diameter between 138.9 nm and 1155 nm, and a zeta potential of -0.0340 mV. The average loading efficiency was approximately 32 +/- 0.5%.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ilias Marmouzi, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Shahira M. Ezzat, Meryem El Jemli, Mourad Kharbach
Summary: Milk thistle is a widely studied medicinal plant used for liver disorders, with its main active compound silymarin being commonly used as a herbal supplement. Despite numerous ethnopharmacological, experimental, and clinical investigations, its clinical efficacy remains uncertain, requiring further studies to validate its benefits.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luming Jia, Fei Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-fatigue properties of silymarin and found that it can decrease blood lactate and ammonia levels, increase muscle and liver glycogen content, and reduce creatine kinase activity after exercise. In addition, the observation of skeletal muscle structures confirmed that silymarin treatment resulted in less muscle damage compared to the control group after endurance exercise.
FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Magda Jablonowska, Petar Ciganovic, Jasna Jablan, Eva Margui, Michal Tomczyk, Marijana Zovko Koncic
Summary: This study compared the efficiency of maceration using glycerol/water mixtures with ethanol/water maceration for extracting silymarin from Silybum marianum fruit. The results showed that ultrasonication significantly improved extraction efficiency, with glycerol extraction resulting in a silymarin content similar to that of ethanol extraction.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tommaso Martinelli, Flavia Fulvio, Marco Pietrella, Laura Bassolino, Roberta Paris
Summary: This study investigated two contrasting chemotypes of S. marianum and revealed that chemotype differentiation in S. marianum is a metabolically regulated process driven by a monogenic heritable factor involved in silydianin biosynthesis. Transcriptome sequencing of the fruit shell during active silymarin accumulation identified dirigent-like transcripts as the main difference between the two chemotypes, suggesting their possible role in chemotype differentiation process.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maryam Aziz, Farhan Saeed, Nazir Ahmad, Aftab Ahmad, Muhammad Afzaal, Shahzad Hussain, Abdellatif A. Mohamed, Mohamed S. Alamri, Faqir Muhammad Anjum
Summary: The study evaluated the antioxidant potential and nutritional composition of milk thistle, highlighting significant differences in composition among different varieties and locations. Blue variety outperformed White in terms of nutrition, while Islamabad was the best location based on the results.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Vasiliki Liava, Anestis Karkanis, Nikolaos Tsiropoulos
Summary: The study found that nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced the growth and fruit yield of milk thistle, with high nitrogen levels leading to increased fruit yield. However, nitrogen fertilization did not impact the accumulation of oil and silymarin in the fruits, although it did affect oil and silymarin yield.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Tewodros Mengesha, N. Gnana Sekaran, Tsegaye Mehare
Summary: This study found that rats in the fructose control group developed characteristics of fatty liver disease, including dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and mild steatosis, which were ameliorated by silymarin treatment. The results suggest that silymarin may have a hepatoprotective effect against fructose-induced NAFLD.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dina Gad, Hamed El-Shora, Daniele Fraternale, Elisa Maricchiolo, Andrea Pompa, Karl-Josef Dietz
Summary: The enzymatic potential of Silybum marianum leaves to bioconvert phenolic acids into silymarin derivatives as chemopreventive agent was demonstrated in this study, with medium leaves showing the highest conversion activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hana Dockalova, Ladislav Zeman, Pavel Horky
Summary: The study found that feeding milk thistle seed cakes can have positive effects on the health of horses, especially in terms of liver diseases and antioxidant effects. Significant differences were detected in the biochemical markers of the experimental group, indicating the potential benefits of milk thistle in equine nutrition.
Article
Agronomy
Roberto Marceddu, Lucia Dinolfo, Alessandra Carrubba, Mauro Sarno, Giuseppe Di Miceli
Summary: Milk thistle is a versatile crop with reliable source of silymarin. Although there have been many studies on its bioactivity, phytochemistry, and genetics, research on its agronomy and farm opportunities is limited. However, its multiple potential uses and reduced need for external inputs make it an interesting alternative crop, especially for marginal environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Noreen Zahra, Abdul Wahid, Muhammad Bilal Hafeez, Mohammed Nasser Alyemeni, Tariq Shah, Parvaiz Ahmad
Summary: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn is a well-known medicinal plant, mainly used for silymarin content and oil production. This study focused on analyzing the Sily content in milk thistle ecotypes from different regions under salt stress, and the application of plant growth promoters showed positive effects on alleviating the deleterious effects of salinity stress and improving the quality and quantity parameters of milk thistle. Ecotypic variations with altered achene color patterns proved to be advantageous for higher Sily extraction under salt-stressed conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Fangli Zhou, Yan Wang, Yujue Li, Mengjia Tang, Shan Wan, Haoming Tian, Xiang Chen
Summary: The study found that circulating sclerostin levels were significantly lower in NAFLD patients compared to controls, and were negatively correlated with multiple metabolic parameters in NAFLD patients. Mice fed on a high-fat diet had reduced bone mass and lower sclerostin expression levels. Therefore, liver-lipid-bone interactions may play a key role in abnormal bone metabolism in NAFLD.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noel Salvoza, Pablo J. Giraudi, Claudio Tiribelli, Natalia Rosso
Summary: The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults and children poses a threat to the healthcare system. While the complex causes of NAFLD have been studied, there is currently no approved standard pharmacological treatment. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, are recommended but compliance is an issue. Therefore, exploring new therapeutic alternatives, such as food bioactive compounds, is important.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Camila Farias, Camila Cisternas, Juan Cristobal Gana, Gigliola Alberti, Francisca Echeverria, Luis A. Videla, Lorena Mercado, Yasna Munoz, Rodrigo Valenzuela
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in pediatrics, and children and adolescents with obesity are at increased risk of the disease. Currently, there is no effective drug therapy in pediatrics, making lifestyle interventions the primary treatment option.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Man Yi, Fan-Cheng Meng, Shen-Yue Qu, Jing-Xin Mao, Guowei Wang, Mingxing Liu, Zhi-Hua Liao, Min Chen
Summary: Two new neolignans, dolominol A and dolominol B, along with 12 known lignans, were isolated from Dolomiaea souliei. Their structures were determined and their hepatoprotective effect against LPS-induced L-02 cells injury was studied, with compound 4 showing the best protective effect.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yin-Chen Wang, Jing-Xin Mao, Shao-Qing Wang, Yang Yuan, Yan Fan, Jian Zhang, Lin-Feng Jiang, Min-Yang Li, Xing-Yun Yang, Jin-Hua Zhang, Bing Zeng
Summary: The study investigated the effects of waterlogging on the growth, morphological indexes, physiological changes, and root microstructure of 20 varieties of Dactylis glomerata L. from different areas. It was found that some of the resources showed strong tolerance to waterlogging, with varying degrees of changes in root microstructure.
PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jingxin Mao, Honghong Zhan, Fancheng Meng, Guowei Wang, Dan Huang, Zhihua Liao, Min Chen
Summary: Costunolide derived from Dolomiaea souliei roots has a protective effect against alcohol-induced liver injury by regulating gut microbiota capacities, adjusting oxidative stress and attenuating inflammation. It may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver injury.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Xiao Zhu, Liping Tang, Jingxin Mao, Yasir Hameed, Jingyu Zhang, Ning Li, Danny Wu, Yongmei Huang, Chen Li
Summary: This study analyzed gene expression data and conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the formation of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction networks, and regulatory networks of the DEGs were investigated. The study identified candidate genes and their associated transcription factors and regulatory networks.
COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Yuanshe Huang, Xiaodong Wang, Lai Zhang, Ke Zheng, Jie Xiong, Jing Li, Chunlei Cong, Zhaomiao Gong, Jingxin Mao
Summary: The present study suggests that probiotic supplementation can improve hepatocyte injury, reduce serum indicators, regulate lipid metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and improve inflammation in NAFLD patients.
COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Jingxin Mao, Xingliang Huang, Mohammad K. Okla, Mostafa A. Abdel-Maksoud, Ayman Mubarak, Zahid Hameed, Razia Noreen, Aqsa Chaudhary, Shakira Ghazanfar, Yixuan Liao, Yasir Hameed, Chen Li
Summary: This study aimed to explore the risk or prognostic factors that may predict TERT promoter mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and find new prevention techniques. The results showed that age, gender, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and advanced TNM stage were associated with TERT promoter mutation, which had a worse effect on PTC.
COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaojing Wei, Xiaodong Wang, Jie Xiong, Chen Li, Yixuan Liao, Yongjun Zhu, Jingxin Mao
Summary: This study analyzed the risk factors for BRAFV600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients and found that age, gender, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and advanced tumor node metastasis stage were associated with the mutation, while tumor size and distant metastasis were not.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yunbin Jiang, Mei Zhong, Hupo Zhan, Xingbao Tao, Yanfei Zhang, Jingxin Mao, Zhao Geng, Bixing Gao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) against alcoholic liver injury (ALI). Network pharmacology was used to analyze the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of PCP against ALI, while molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction between key active ingredient and hub protein. The results suggested that quercitrin was the key active ingredient and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of PCP against ALI might be related to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis via activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments confirmed the anti-ALI effect of PCP and quercitrin by improving liver function and reducing oxidative stress and histopathological changes in liver tissues.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yuanshe Huang, Xiaodong Wang, Chen Yan, Chen Li, Lidan Zhang, Lai Zhang, E. Liang, Tianlei Liu, Jingxin Mao
Summary: Metformin may be a potential drug for treating NAFLD, as it has therapeutic effects on ALT, AST, TG, TC, and IR levels.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiling Zhu, Yan Li, Xiaodong Wang, Yuanshe Huang, Jingxin Mao
Summary: This study analyzed the molecular mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking verification. The main active components of PV and their corresponding targets were predicted and collected, and the interaction information between proteins was obtained. The analysis revealed potential core components and targets for the treatment of PTC. The study also investigated the biological processes involved and the effect of specific components on PTC cells. This research provides a theoretical basis for further research on effective components of PV in the treatment of PTC. Rating: 7/10.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanlin Zou, Cao Yu, Qian Huang, Xiaorong Tan, Xiaoyan Tan, Xiaolong Zhu, Dongyang Yi, Jingxin Mao
Summary: This study aimed to identify the most effective fraction of Nanocnide lobata in the treatment of burn and scald injuries and determine its bioactive constituents. Chemical identification methods were used to analyze the chemical constituents of Nanocnide lobata extracts, and UPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 39 main compounds. The results showed that the petroleum ether extract and volatile oil compounds of Nanocnide lobata might be effective drugs in the treatment of burn and scald injuries by reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and reducing scar tissue proliferation.
Article
Orthopedics
Yongjun Zhu, Xuan Weng, Jian Zhang, Jingxin Mao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the enhancement of the antimicrobial ability against prosthetic-joint infection (PJI) by transfecting bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) with the antimicrobial peptide PR-39 gene. The results showed that BMSCs expressing PR-39 had significantly higher antibacterial rate and inhibition effect compared to the control group, demonstrating the potential of PR-39 in improving the antimicrobial ability against PJI.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bowen Yang, Qiuwen Zhu, Xiaodong Wang, Jingxin Mao, Shuqing Zhou
Summary: The potential therapeutic effect of ursolic acid on osteoporosis may be achieved by regulating multiple target genes and signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, drug response, cytoplasm, and protein binding. Its mechanism of action may involve various biological processes and has the potential for treatment.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yang Zou, Bin Li, Xiaodong Wang, Jingxin Mao, Yanyan Zhang
Summary: The effect of TSH suppression therapy on bone mineral density in patients with DTC varies. TSH suppression therapy has a significant impact on bone density in premenopausal women with DTC, while its effect on bone density in male patients is minimal.