Beneficial Effect of Silymarin in Ulcerative Colitis

Silymarin (milk thistle), an extract obtained from Silybum marianum seeds containing a complex of flavonolignans with a potent intracellular antioxidant property. The first usage of Milk thistle was for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities, but in the recent years it has been used to control of immune based murine colitis by healing of bowel histology and reduction of bowel inflammatory cytokines especially TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Silymarin has anti-viral, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and increasing the glutathione concentrations, protective and wound healing effects. It increases the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and the number of the most important protection mechanisms against free-radicals damage containing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase.

A 5-aminosalicylic acid compound used in the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, with high rates of efficacy in induction and maintenance of remission.

An immunosuppressive medication that is used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). It works by decreasing the activity of the body's immune system so it will not attack itself.