Modulation of Glycemic, Lipid, and HepatorenalBiomarkers by Silymarin Supplementation inType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic disorder worldwide. Diabetes is often associated with microvascular complications as well as macrovascular complications. Silymarin (SLM) is a phytochemical extracted from the plant Silybum marianum. It has been employed for the treatment of various liver-related ailments for over two millennia. Owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, it is proposed as a promising option for the management of diabetes and its consequences. Objective: Assess the effectiveness of SLM as an adjunct remedy to conventional oral anti-diabetic drugs on glycemic control, lipid profile, serum urea and creatinine levels, and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) in comparison to conventional therapy solely in individuals with type 2 DM. Methods: The study included 70 patients who got allocated to one of two groups: the Silymarin group, which received 140 mg silymarin capsules twice daily along with their standard oral anti-diabetic medications for 60 days, and the control group, which received only their standard medication. All patients received thorough history and clinical evaluation at baseline. After a 12-hour fast, blood specimens were taken to assess the subsequent variables at a starting point and after treatment completion for determining treatment outcomes: Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, Serum Urea, Serum Creatinine, and Liver Enzymes, specifically ALT, AST and ALP. Results: The Silymarin group revealed significant differences in FBG, HbA1c, TC, TG, VLDL-C, S.urea, S.Cr, and liver enzymes compared to the control group after two months (p value < 0.05). HDL and LDL cholesterol values changed similarly in both groups. Conclusion: Supplementation with 140 mg of silymarin twice daily with conventional hypoglycemic medications for 60 days showed superiority over conventional treatment alone.