Therapeutic Effects of Curcuminoids and Silymarin, Individually and in Combination, in Patients With Hepatic Impairment

Chem Biodivers. 2025 Oct;22(10):e03340. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202403340. Epub 2025 Jun 13.

Abstract

This research explores the medicinal potential of curcuminoids (CMNs) from turmeric and silymarin (SIL) from milk thistle for treating liver diseases. The study examines these compounds' individual and synergistic effects on liver dysfunction patients, focusing on their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. A 4-week clinical trial involving 15 participants diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of these compounds. Participants were chosen based on specific health criteria, enhancing the research's real-world applicability and instilling confidence in the practicality of the findings. Results indicated considerable antioxidant properties, antimicrobial effectiveness against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and anticancer potential against liver and colorectal cancers. Significant improvements in liver enzyme indicators and serum lipid levels were observed. These findings suggest that CMNs and SIL, particularly in combination, may serve as effective natural treatments for liver dysfunction, offering a promising alternative for enhancing liver health in affected individuals.

Keywords: curcuminoids; milk thistle; nonalcoholic fatty liver; silymarin; turmeric.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants* / chemistry
  • Antioxidants* / isolation & purification
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants* / therapeutic use
  • Curcumin* / analogs & derivatives
  • Curcumin* / chemistry
  • Curcumin* / pharmacology
  • Curcumin* / therapeutic use
  • Diarylheptanoids* / chemistry
  • Diarylheptanoids* / pharmacology
  • Diarylheptanoids* / therapeutic use
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Silymarin* / chemistry
  • Silymarin* / pharmacology
  • Silymarin* / therapeutic use
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects

Substances

  • Silymarin
  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Diarylheptanoids
  • Curcumin