Effect of silymarin on experimental liver lesions.

The effect of Silymarin (Legalon) upon liver lesions was investigated using four experimental models: In acute galactosamine-hepatitis, Silymarin administration achieved protection of the liver structure (electron-microscopy included), liver cell glycogen, RNA and enzymatic activity, Galactosamine-depressed gluconeogenesis in the isolated perfused rat liver was significantly preserved by Silymarin treatment. In lead and cadmium poisoning the structural damage and histochemical and histoenzymatic changes were partly but significantly prevented. The complex noxious effects of Imuran overdoses were favourably influenced by Silymarin, without diminishing the cytostatic-immunosuppressive action of Imuran.