Antioxidant activity of silybin and 2,3-dehydrosilybin from Silybum marianum (L). Gaertn. Fruits

Abstract

Silybin (1) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin (2) were isolated from fruits of milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L). Gaertn.] сultivated in the Samara region (Russian Federation). 2,3-dehydrosilybin for the first time is described for the given plant, cultivated in Russian Federation. Silybin and 2,3-dehydrosilybin and also the fluid extract of Silybum marianum fruits (the ratio of the fruits and 80% ethanol is 1:1) have expressed antioxidant activity, decreasing the level of the lipid peroxidation caused FeSO4 in the homogenate of the liver rats. The antioxidant activity of 2,3-dehydrosilybin is reported for the first time and on 14,0% above those of silybin.