Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Silymarin, an extract from the seeds of Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has been traditionally used in many cultures for various liver ailments, including jaundice. Its use dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, where it was prescribed by herbalists for "liver complaints" and symptoms like yellowing of the skin—what we now recognize as jaundice. The rationale was based on the doctrine of signatures and observed clinical improvements, not on controlled scientific studies. Silymarin is believed to have hepatoprotective effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties, which may theoretically be beneficial in conditions that lead to jaundice (such as hepatitis or toxic liver injury).

However, the scientific evidence specifically supporting silymarin for the treatment of jaundice in adults is limited and mixed. While some clinical trials and animal studies suggest silymarin might help improve liver function tests and accelerate recovery in certain types of acute liver injury, robust, high-quality human trials focusing on jaundice as a primary outcome are lacking. Most available studies evaluate surrogate endpoints, such as liver enzyme normalization, rather than the resolution of jaundice itself. Therefore, while traditional use is strong and supported by centuries of practice, the scientific evidence is not yet sufficiently strong to fully validate silymarin for jaundice treatment. More rigorous clinical research is needed to clarify its efficacy for this specific indication.

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