The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #humans #biomarkers #dietary-supplements #inflammation

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bahari et al., 2024 | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bahari Hossein, Shahraki Jazinaki Mostafa, ... Malekahmadi Mahsa. The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology. 2024-Apr;32(2):949-963. doi:10.1007/s10787-023-01423-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.

Key Findings

Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population diabetes and thalassemia by
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-6
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Silymarin

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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