The effect of silymarin on liver injury induced by Thioacetamide in rats

In this study the protective effects of Silymarin was investigated against thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity in rat. In an experimental study 24 male Wistar rats were designated in four equal groups as follows: Control group, the group treated with thioacetamide (TAA), Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks) + TAA (400 mg/kg), TAA (400 mg/kg) + Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks). The levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin were measured to assess the hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection. TAA significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin. Treatment by Silymarin caused a significant reduction in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin contents. The results indicate a protective effect for Silymarin against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity which might be due to its ability to block the bioactivity of thioacetamide.