Silibinin in human breast cancer: Scope beyond placebo

Abstract

Sulbha Mittal, Yashpal Verma, Karun Kamboj

Chemotherapies for breast cancer generally have strong cytotoxicity and severe side effects. Thus, significant emphasis has been placed on combinations of naturally occurring chemo preventive agents. Silibinin is a major bioactive flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle with known chemo preventive activity in various organs. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of Silibinin in breast cancer has not been completely elucidated. Several investigations have been and are being conducted, to study the effect of Silibinin in human breast cancer cells and protective effect in normal cells. The aim of the present article is to review and summarize the physical properties, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, role and potential of Silibinin in breast cancer.

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