Formulation and Characterization of Silybum marianum phytosome for Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible liver disorder characterized by fibrosis,regenerative nodules, and deterioration of hepatic function, leading to significant morbidity andmortality worldwide. Although Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) is widely recognized for itshepatoprotective properties due to the presence of silymarin, its therapeutic efficacy is limitedby poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The present study aimed to formulateand characterize a Silybum marianum phytosome to enhance the bioavailability and therapeuticpotential of silymarin for the management of liver cirrhosis. Ethanolic extraction of Silybummarianum was performed using the Soxhlet extraction method, followed by qualitative andquantitative phytochemical analyses to identify major bioactive constituents. The phytosomecomplex was prepared using phospholipids at optimized drug-to-lipid ratios and characterizedthrough differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility studies, UV-visible spectroscopy,FTIR analysis, vesicle size determination, zeta potential measurement, and in vitro drugpermeation studies. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavengingassay. The extract demonstrated a high yield with abundant flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins,phenolics, and saponins. The phytosomal formulation exhibited enhanced solubility, improvedmembrane permeability, and superior antioxidant activity compared with the conventionalextract, indicating improved bioavailability and stability. The findings suggest that phytosometechnology effectively enhances the therapeutic performance of Silybum marianum, making ita promising herbal nanocarrier system for liver cirrhosis management. This formulation mayserve as a safer and more effective alternative to conventional herbal preparations and warrantsfurther preclinical and clinical investigations to establish its long-term efficacy and therapeuticapplicability.Keywords: