Registered South Africa · SAHPRA

LEGALON 70

SILYMARIN

R/7.4/172 INN generic

What it does

Silymarin is a natural compound extracted from milk thistle, often used to support liver health.

Commonly used for: liver disease, liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
R/7.4/172
Registration date
1990/11/12
Expiry date
-
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
SILYMARIN
Dosage form
-
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
Shanur Healthcare (Pty) Ltd
Country of origin
-

Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:26:35 · updated 2026-09-16 04:01:03

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (South Africa). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About this medicine

Silymarin is a natural compound extracted from milk thistle, often used to support liver health.

What it treats

  • liver disease
  • liver damage from alcohol
  • hepatitis
  • liver cirrhosis

How it works

Silymarin acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect liver cells from damage and supporting their regeneration.

Who it's for

Silymarin is suitable for adults seeking to improve liver health or recover from liver-related issues.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: silymarin

BNF-referenced

Silymarin is a flavonoid complex extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianum. It is primarily known for its hepatoprotective properties and is used as a dietary supplement to support liver health. Silymarin has antioxidant effects and is believed to promote liver cell regeneration and protect against toxins.

Indications

  • Liver disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Drug-induced liver injury

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing recommendations in paediatric populations.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidance as it can vary based on the formulation and indication.

Mechanism of action

Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. It also stabilizes cell membranes, promotes protein synthesis, and enhances glutathione levels within the liver, thereby supporting detoxification processes.

Pharmacodynamics

Silymarin exhibits various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic activities. It helps to reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, thereby improving liver function and overall health.

Pharmacokinetics

Silymarin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability significantly limited due to its large molecular size and high molecular weight. The compound undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. Its elimination half-life is variable, typically ranging from 6 to 12 hours. Silymarin is primarily excreted in the urine as metabolites.

Adverse effects

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Headache
  • Allergic reactions
  • Skin rash

Interactions

  • May affect the metabolism of certain drugs metabolized by the liver
  • Caution with anticoagulants

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with liver disease
  • Not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice

Pregnancy

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Breast-feeding

Use with caution. Limited data available on excretion in breast milk.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Capsules
  • Tablets
  • Extracts
PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: silymarin

PubChem CID 5213

Molecular formula: C25H22O10

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.

Kenya 5 products
Ghana 4 products