Evaluation of Silymarin for management of anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury: a randomized clinical trial

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the potential efficacy of silymarin in the management of anti-tuberculosis medication’s induced liver injury. Background: Hepatic toxicity is the most serious complication in treatment of tuberculosis. Methods: In a randomized double blind clinical trial (ACTRN12610000643077), 55 cases with hepatotoxicity caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs were divided into two groups. Informed consents were obtained. The intervention group received silymarin and the control group received placebo. Severity of liver injury, the duration necessary for normalization of liver function and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results: There was not any statistically significant difference in the rate of adverse effects between silymarin and placebo groups. Conclusion: Although silymarin is considered a safe herbal medication, it was not effective to treat hepatic toxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs.