1Department of Zoology, Nims Institute of Allied Medical Sciences, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303121, Rajasthan, India
2Department of Pharmacology, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303121, Rajasthan, India
3Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Allied Science, KAAF University, Accra, GHANA
4*Department of Food Technology, Nims Institute of Allied Medical Sciences, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, 303121, Rajasthan, India
5Department of Pharmacology, Arya College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Chandrima Mandal. Email: Chandrima.mandal@nimsuniversity.org
Background: Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is a medicinal plant well known for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, because of its rich flavonolignan content. Regardless of its traditional use, comprehensive phytochemical profiling and bioactivity validation remain essential for therapeutic standardization. This study aimed to depict the phytochemical constituents of S. marianum seed extract and estimate its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using spectroscopic and bioassay-based approaches.
Methods: Methanolic extracts were prepared through the maceration and undergo qualitative screening, UV–Vis, FTIR, and GC–MS analyses for compound identification. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess antioxidant potential, while the agar well diffusion method was used to assess antimicrobial activity against specific bacterial and fungus species. IC₅₀ values and inhibition zones were statistically evaluated using OriginPro (version 2023).
Results: The extract found abundant flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and phenolics. Spectral analyses confirmed the presence of silybin, silychristin, and silydianin. The extract shows dose-dependent antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value comparable to ascorbic acid. There were moderate antimicrobial effects were observed against E. coli and E. faecalis, while P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were resistance.
Conclusion: The findings prove the therapeutic potential of S. marianum seed extract, highlighting its antioxidant efficacy and selective antimicrobial action. These results indicate its use in herbal formulations to combat oxidative stress and infections induced by bacteria.
KEYWORDS: Silybum marianum, phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity, DPPH assay, GC–MS
How to cite this article: Chaudhary N, Sharma RK, Mandal C, Singh C. Unveiling the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Silybum marianum Seed Extract through Phytochemical and Spectroscopic Analysis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 348-355. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.37
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None