ROLE OF SILYMARIN IN PROTECTION OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS
*Syeda Nuzhat Fatima and Tabassum Mahboob
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of sylimarin
supplementation on different biochemical parameters in thioacetamide
induced cirrhotic rats. For this purpose 24 male Albino wistar rats were
divided into four groups (n=6). Group I, remained healthy control rats,
Group II, received thioacetamide (at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w, i.p, for
12 weeks, twice a week) in first phase and saline in second phase,
Group III, received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w, i.p for 12 weeks,
twice a week) in first phase and silymarin (orally at a dosage of
200mg/kg b.w, twice a week, for 8 weeks) in second phase and Group
IV, received silymarin (orally at a dosage of 200mg/kg b.w, twice a
week, for 8 weeks) in first phase and saline in second phase.
Biochemical analysis was evaluated by total and direct bilirubin, liver
specific enzymes, antioxidant enzymes and plasma and
intraerythrocytic sodium and potassium. Marked increase in total and direct bilirubin and
ALT activity was the indicative markers of liver cirrhosis while reduced antioxidant activity
(SOD and GSH) and increased MDA and Catalase levels and disturbed electrolyte
homeostasis were observed in cirrhotic group. Silymarin supplementation markedly reduced
total bilirubin and ALT activity and restored the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH), MDA
and catalase activity and electrolyte homeostasis. These results indicate that silymarin
successively attenuates the thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis.
Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Silymarin, Thioacetamide, Liver enzymes, SOD, GSH, Catalase, MDA, plasma sodium and potassium, intraerythrocytic sodium and potassium.
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