Abstract

Silibinin is a major component of Silymarin mixture (Silybum marianum), which has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of liver diseases. Recently, Silibinin and its flavonoid derivatives in several in vitro models have shown a significant inhibitory effect in different types of tumors including skin, breast, lung, colon, bladder, prostate, kidney and liver. The chemo-preventive potentials of this flavonoid are promoted by inducing apoptosis, enhancing tumor suppressor and cell cycle inhibitors, inhibiting growth factors, attenuating proliferative mediators, and having anti-angiogenic properties. In the present review study, a summary of the main molecular mechanisms involved in Silibinin anti-cancer effects, up to date utilities and important clinical trials have been presented. In the near future, the results of these studies will provide a more comprehensive perspective of Silibinin and help to optimize its pharmaceutical properties in cancer chemotherapeutic regimens.