The Impact of Elicitor (Chemical and Physical) and Explant Source on the Synthesis of Silymarin Through Suspension Culture of Silybum marianum: A Meta-Analysis.

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., commonly known as milk thistle, is renowned for its bioactive compounds, particularly silymarin, which holds significant potential for its neuro-protective, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. The investigation of these factors and their interplay within the context of silymarin biosynthesis is anticipated to provide valuable insights into optimizing production processes for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In the present context, a compilation of data has been undertaken, followed by a meta-analysis, aimed at investigating the influence of elicitor (chemical and physical) and explant source (cotyledon, hypocotyl, and leaf) on silymarin production within the suspension cultures of S. marianum. Data was gathered on treatment means and sample sizes (n) concerning the production of silymarin under both control and elicited conditions. The effect size was computed using the natural logarithm of the response ratio (lnRR) as a metric to gauge the influence of elicitor treatments on silymarin production when compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]