Quantitative identification of total silymarin in wild Silybum marianum L. by using HPLC

Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans exhibiting many pharmacological activities, is obtained from the fruits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertner). In this study, we measured the levels of total silymarin in the seeds of Silybum marianum from four different locations in Syria. Using high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that, Silymarin concentrations varied according to the geographical location. Total silymarin concentrations in seeds ranged between 0.54 % and 2.91% dry weight. Significant differences in silymarin concentrations were found between various sampling locations as determined by LSD test at P