Silymarin and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Therapeutic Potential and Basic Molecular Mechanisms

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are primarily characterized by selective neuronal loss in the brain. Alzheimer's disease as the most common NDDs and the most prevalent cause of dementia is characterized by Amyloid-beta deposition, which leads to cognitive and memory impairment. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the dramatic death of dopaminergic neuronal cells, especially in the SNc and caused alpha-synuclein accumulation in the neurons. Silymarin, an extract from seeds of Silybum marianum, administered mostly for liver disorders and also had anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities.

Purpose: The present comprehensive review summarizes the beneficial effects of Silymarin in-vivo and in-vitro and even in animal models for these NDDs.

Methods: A diagram model for systematic review is utilized for this search. The research is conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.

Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, 83 studies were selected and discussed in this review.

Conclusion: Lastly, we review the latest experimental evidences supporting the potential effects of Silymarin, as a neuroprotective agent in NDDs.