The Effects of Silymarin and N-Acetylcysteine on Liver and Kidney Dysfunction in Subjects With Severe Pre-Eclampsia Publisher



Shabani S¹ ; Baghbahadorani FK¹ ; Jazaeri F² ; Ganji F¹ ; Mortazavi NS¹ ; Mahmoudnia L¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Iranian Medical Council Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Silymarin and N-acetylcysteine are antioxidant supplements with protective effects on the liver and kidneys. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of silymarin and N-acetylcysteine on liver and kidney disorders against severe pre-eclampsia. Methods: In the present single-blind clinical trial, 60 mothers who underwent termination of pregnancy due to severe pre-eclampsia were divided into two groups. The first group received 70 mg of silymarin and the second group received 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine at 3 doses immediately, 12 and 24 hours after delivery. Patients were monitored for blood pressure, platelet and biochemical markers of liver injury and kidney function 12, 36 and 60 hours after drug administration. Results: Over time, the mean Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), levels in the two groups of silymarin and N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased (p<0.001). Silymarin and N-acetylcysteine were not significantly different in reducing the increased creatinine and BUN levels. Conclusion: N-acetylcysteine and silymarin help patients with pre-eclampsia to improve kidney and hepatic dysfunction; however, silymarin was more effective in decreasing ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH levels than N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine was more effective in decreasing BUN and creatinine levels than silymarin. © 2021 Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council. All Rights Reserved.