Evaluation of the Effect of Milk Thistle Extract on Gamma Irradiated Rats

The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a good source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds that act as natural antioxidants. The present study was planned to investigate the protective role of milk thistle (MT) against γ-radiation (six gray) induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. Liver markers, kidney function, lipid profile, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker, and antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD, and GSH) were measured after radiation. The obtained results showed that oral administration of milk thistle extract (200mg /kg B.w) orally daily for four weeks caused significantly decrements in the activities of transaminase enzymes in the serum of rats, and significantly decrements in the total lipids ,triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in serum of irradiated rats. Also caused improvement in kidney function, and significant increments in the antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) and GSH concentration. Significant in decrements total free radical and MDA in blood and Liver tissues have happened with irradiated groups .This study suggests that (MT) has an antioxidant effect to radio protective effect, this may be due to its advantage of using (MT) as a source of natural antioxidants against gamma radiation