Gram-positive bacteria specific properties of silybin derived from Silybum marianum

Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Aug;26(8):597-600. doi: 10.1007/BF02976707.

Abstract

Silybin has a potent antibacterial activity, more potent than silymarin II, against gram-positive bacteria without hemolytic activity, whereas it has no antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria or fungi. The mode of action of silybin against the gram-positive bacterial cell was examined by investigating the change in plasma membrane dynamics of bacterial cells using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hextriene (DPH) as a membrane probe and by assessing the inhibition of macromolecular synthesis using radiolabeled incorporation assay. The results showed that silybin inhibited RNA and protein synthesis on gram-positive bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • DNA, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • RNA, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • Silybin
  • Silybum marianum / chemistry*
  • Silymarin / isolation & purification
  • Silymarin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • Silymarin
  • Silybin