phyllanthus niruri + silybum marianum

This drug is a combination of **Phyllanthus niruri** (commonly known as “stonebreaker”) and **Silybum marianum** (milk thistle) extracts, formulated for oral use as a powder or tablet, and marketed under the brand name Heptex. The combination is studied and used primarily as a **hepatoprotective agent**—that is, a substance designed to protect liver cells from damage due to oxidative stress, toxic insults, or disease processes such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other hepatic disorders. - **Mechanism of action** is based on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties of both components. - **Silybum marianum** (milk thistle, silymarin) acts via antioxidant action, attenuation of lipid peroxidation, promotion of ribosomal protein synthesis, stimulation of hepatic regeneration, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (notably TNF-alpha), and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. - **Phyllanthus niruri** extract contributes by reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing antioxidant enzymatic activity (such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), and facilitating hepatic regeneration. - The combination shows a **synergistic effect**, meaning that together, their hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities are superior to either compound alone. - Clinical studies indicate efficacy in lowering liver enzymes (ALT, AST), improving liver fibrosis scores, and lowering cholesterol, with good safety and tolerability profiles in preclinical and clinical studies in patients with hepatic steatosis and other liver disorders[1][2][3][4]. - The product has been evaluated in phase II clinical trials for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic steatosis.

Brand names

Heptex

Other names

phyllanthus niruri and silybum marianum combination