Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)

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Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid complex extracted from milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum), has a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. This review explores the applications of milk thistle and silymarin in animal nutrition, focusing on their effects on productive performance, animal health, metabolic profiles, and detoxification processes. Milk thistle seeds contain various nutritional components that have been shown to improve nutrient utilization, stimulate appetite, and enhance the intestinal environment. Studies have reported that milk thistle supplementation significantly improves productive performance, carcass yield, and digestibility in growing rabbits, broilers, and quail. The hepatoprotective effects of milk thistle are attributed to its inhibition of lipid peroxidation, stabilization of membrane permeability, reduction of apoptosis in hepatocytes, and limited leakage of hepatic enzymes. The potent antioxidant properties of silymarin protect cells from oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Milk thistle extract also acts as a free radical scavenger, protecting against glutathione depletion, and enhancing glutathione peroxidase activity in the brain and kidneys. Furthermore, milk thistle supplementation has been shown to improve hematological parameters, such as leukocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and packed cell volume, in birds exposed to ochratoxin A. The beneficial effects of milk thistle on animal immunity, oxidative stress, performance, and reproduction make it a valuable candidate for use as a feed additive in animal nutrition.