The Therapeutic Effect of Silymarin and Silibinin on Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Possible Mechanism in the Brain: A Systematic Review

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The Therapeutic Effect of Silymarin and Silibinin on Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Possible Mechanism in the Brain: A Systematic Review

Rostamian et al., 2023 | Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem | Systematic Review

Citation

Rostamian Sahar, Heidari-Soureshjani Saeid, Sherwin Catherine M T. The Therapeutic Effect of Silymarin and Silibinin on Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Possible Mechanism in the Brain: A Systematic Review. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem. 2023;23(2):86-94. doi:10.2174/1871524923666230823094403

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are the most common mental disorders worldwide. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review silymarin and silibinin effects and underlying mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) for depression and anxiety treatment. METHODS: The research protocol was prepared based on following the PRISMA statement. An extensive search was done in essential databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (ISI), Embase, and Scopus. Considering the study inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were finally included. The desired information was extracted from the studies and recorded in Excel, and the consequences and mechanisms were reviewed. RESULTS: Silymarin and silibinin upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improved neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation in the cortex and hippocampus. They also increased neurochemical serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Silymarin and silibinin reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. In addition, silymarin and silibinin reduced interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-12β, reducing tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) induced neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION: Silymarin and silibinin exert anti-depression and anxiolytic effects by regulating neurotransmitters, endocrine, neurogenesis, and immunologic systems. Therefore, as natural and complementary medicines, they can be used to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety; However, more clinical studies are needed in this field.

Key Findings

Silymarin and silibinin upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improved neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation in the cortex and hippocampus. They also increased neurochemical serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Silymarin and silibinin reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. In addition, silymarin and silibinin reduced interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-12β, r

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 17
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Silymarin
  • Silybin
  • Depression
  • Antioxidants
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Hippocampus
  • Glutathione

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: milk-thistle

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09