Silibinin protects mice from T cell-dependent liver injury.

Background/aims: Silibinin is the major pharmacologically active compound of the Silybum marianum fruit extract silymarin. Its well-known hepatoprotective activities are mostly explained by antioxidative properties, inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis or stimulation of hepatic RNA and protein synthesis. Here, we characterized the hepatoprotective potential of silibinin as an immune-response modifier in T cell-dependent hepatitis in vivo.