Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Silymarin Phytosome Nanoparticles on Ethanol-Induced Diseas E Toxicity in Rats; [یسرربرثاتظفاحمیدبکتارذونانموزوتیفنیرامیلیسربتیمسیدبکیشانزالوناتارد شومییارحص] Publisher



Mahmoudabad A G ; Gheybi F ; Mehrabi M ; Masoudi A ; Mobasher Z ; Vahedi H ; Gharravi A M ; Bitaraf F S ; Sorkhabadi S M R
Source: Journal of Knowledge and Health in Basic Medical Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Silymarin, a plant-derived compound with well-established hepatoprotective properties, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, its clinical application is limited by low bioavailability and poor absorption, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, silymarin phytosome nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated to enhance bioavailability and improve its hepatoprotective effects. Methods: Silymarin phytosome nanoparticles were synthesized using the thin-film hydration method. Physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, morphology, stability, molecular interactions, entrapment efficiency, and loading capacity, were investigated. Biocompatibility was assessed via MTT assay on mesenchymal stem cells. For the in vivo study, 24 adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): control, ethanol, silymarin + ethanol, and silymarin phytosome + ethanol, and the hepatoprotective effects of the formulation were evaluated. Results: Silymarin-loaded phytosome nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 100 nm were successfully synthesized and exhibited favorable biocompatibility. Administration of silymarin phytosome significantly reduced ethanol-induced elevation of liver injury markers (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and MDA) while simultaneously increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme GPx (P<0.05). Histopathological examination further confirmed that the formulation markedly attenuated ethanol-induced tissue damage and structural alterations in the liver. Conclusion: Silymarin phytosome nanoparticles effectively reduced ethanol-induced liver injury by enhancing bioavailability and potentiating antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. This formulation represents a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease. © 2026, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.