The Effects of Silibinin on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line

Silymarin, a bioactive extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), and Silibinin, the active component of Silymarin, have been used as protective supplements against liver disease and are hypothesized to have anticancer properties. We focused on the effects of Silibinin on colorectal cancer cells because it is the major active component in Silymarin and is known to play a key role in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. We investigated the anti‐proliferative effects of Silibinin on a colorectal cancer cell line (DLD‐1). Silibinin inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner only at the highest concentration. Silibinin treatment led to inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. The outcome of this research study shows that silibinin could prevent or eliminate colon cancer initiation and/or progression. Support or Funding Information MH is supported by the DeNardo Education and Research Foundation Fellowship.