\n\t\tSummary

\n\t\tEffect of Silymarin on CYP3A4 Activities in the in vitro models

\n\t\tSilymarin has been used to treat liver disease for hundreds of years. Silymarin and other antioxidants afford some protection against the free radicals generated by P450 enzymes. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are heme- containing monooxygenase and constitute three families CYP1, CYP2 and CYP3. These enzymes are recognized to be responsible for drug metabolism, carcinogenesis and degradation of xenobiotic. More than 50% of clinically used drugs are oxidized by CYP3A4. In this work we tested the effect of silymarin on specific CYP activity in the models of: nifedipine oxidation (CYP3A4). The results showed that: silymarin in the concentrations 10μg, 50 μg, 100 μg inhibited CYP3A4 activity in the in vitro models.

\n\t\tKeywords: P450, silymarin, nifedipine, CYP3A4

\n\t\t(This work was supported by the KC04- 17 national project )