Evaluating the effects of silymarin in patients with ulcerative colitis

Clinical Study Evaluating the Possible Beneficial Effect of Silymarin in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Phase 2 Interventional Tanta University · NCT06213857

This study is testing if adding silymarin to the usual treatment for ulcerative colitis can help adults feel better and improve their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Asyut and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06213857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the beneficial effects of silymarin in adult patients with ulcerative colitis who are already receiving mesalamine. A total of 44 participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving mesalamine and azathioprine, and the other receiving the same treatment plus silymarin for three months. The primary outcome will be measured by a decrease in the Mayo score, while secondary outcomes will include changes in fecal calprotectin levels. The trial will be conducted at outpatient clinics in Assiut, Egypt.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and normal kidney and liver functions.

Not a fit: Patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and individuals taking corticosteroids or biological therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new adjunctive treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis, potentially improving their clinical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of silymarin in ulcerative colitis is less explored, similar studies investigating adjunctive therapies in inflammatory bowel disease have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults of both sexes aged from 18 years to 65 years.
2. Adults with normal kidney and liver functions.
3. Patients who sign the consent and willing to participate in the study.
4. Patients with UC according to American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Guidelines for diagnosis Ulcerative Colitis having clinical signs and symptoms with a completed medical workup, colonoscopy, pathological and laboratory data confirming UC

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction to silymarin.
2. Significant renal and hepatic impairment.
3. Patients who refuse to participate.
4. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and smokers.
5. Patients taking corticosteroids or biological therapy.
6. Patients taking any other antioxidants.
7. Patients having other concomitant diseases where oxidative stress is involved in the etiology such as chronic liver disease, pulmonary infection.

Where this trial is running

Asyut and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ulcerative Colitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.