Mechanism of action
It exerts its action by stimulation of RNA polymerase A. It is a strong antioxidant and inhibits prostaglandin synthetase leading to decrease in prostaglandin synthesis. Silymarin changes the membrane phospholipid turnover in such a manner that certain toxins cannot enter the cell. It enhances the mitotic potential of Kupffer’s cells resulting in increased phagocytic activity. It also causes increased glutathione synthesis in liver, which is required for the detoxifying action of liver.