Study on Effects of Topical Use of Silybum marianum Extract (Silymarin) on U.V. Irradiated Guinea Pig Skin

Regarding to the skin damages caused by the ultraviolet ray of sun and the need for protective materials against these mal effects, Silymarin was evaluated for the porpose. In this study, by histopathology studies and surveying the clinical symptoms the external use of an herbaceous (herbal) substance, Silymarin, in protecting the mal effects of ultraviolet ray has been evaluated. For the study 60 albino hamsters with same age and gender has been selected and they divided in two groups (each group 30 hamsters) randomly. The hair on the back of all animals shaved in an area about 2 square centimeters. The first group gets 9 miligram Silymarin with 20 micro liter acetone topically, and the second group gets only 20 micro liter acetone topically. Then both groups for 45 days exposed to ultra violet ray, 180milijoule/cm2 each day. Results and The results of clinical and histopathologic surveys show that topical usage of Silymarin has considerable protective effects against the mal effects of ultra violet ray on skin and this can be a promise for using this herbaceous substance as a topical sun protects substance.