The effect of silymarin on liver enzymes and antioxidant status in trauma patients in the intensive care unit: a randomized double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was conducted to investigate the positive effect of silymarin on liver enzymes and antioxidant status in trauma patients with elevated liver enzymes due to trauma-induced liver injury, admitted to the intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This one-year, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 trauma patients. The participants were assigned to either receiving Livergol tablets containing 140 mg of silymarin or 140 mg of placebo three times daily for 14 days. Liver enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were measured at baseline and days 3, 7, 9 and 14 after intervention. Also, antioxidant markers were measured at baseline and day 14 after treatment. RESULTS: Receiving silymarin supplement significantly lowered the liver enzymes, compared to placebo (p < 0.05). The mean serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased and the mean serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiol groups were significantly increased in the silymarin group from baseline to day 14. In the placebo group, mean serum levels of MDA and thiol groups were significantly increased, while serum level of TAC was not significantly changed at day 14, compared to baseline. Also, the mean serum level of MDA was significantly lower, while the serum levels of thiol groups and TAC were significantly higher in the silymarin group. CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin supplementation significantly improved some antioxidant markers (TAC and thiol) and decreased liver enzymes in patients with trauma-induced liver injury.