Silymarin Mitigates Favipiravir Reproductive Toxicity

Background: Silymarin, a flavonoid derived from milk thistle seeds and fruits, has been shown to have cytoprotective and hepatoprotective effects. Using a rat model, the study examines the protective or mitigation effect of silymarin against the adverse effects of favipiravir, which is an antiviral drug that inhibits RNA viruses' RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including SARS and COVID-19. The study focuses on the adverse effects of favipiravir, especially on the female reproductive system, and the role of silymarin in protection.
Methods: Fifteen adults female Wistar rats weighing 200–250 grams each were used in the investigation. Three groups of five rats each were randomly selected. Favipiravir was given intraperitoneally (IP) to the G1 group at a dose of 1800 mg/kg on the first day and 800 mg/kg for the next thirteen days. Second Group (G2): This group was given 50 mg/kg of silymarin intraperitoneally (IP) in addition to the same dosage as the G1 group. Normal saline was used to maintain the control group. On the last day, all of the animals were sacrificed, and the rats' ovaries and uteri were taken to be studied using Immunohistochemical staining.
Results: The results highlight the harmful effects of Favipiravir on the ovary and uterus of the treatment group G1 by A high positive reaction of samples with the BCL2 antibody and a weak positive reaction with the Ki67 antibody while the mitigating role of silymarin in reducing these harmful effects, find in the G2 as indicated by the results of Bcl2 and Ki67 Markers compared to the control group of the study
Conclusions: Silymarin can mitigate the effect of favipiravir toxicity on reproductive tissue.