DYNAMICS OF SILYMARIN COMPLEX UNDER SALT STRESS IN SILYBUM MARIANUM L.

Abstract

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting plant growth and productivity worldwide, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigates the dynamic changes of the silymarin complex in the medicinal plant Silybum marianum L. under different levels of salt stress. Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, is known for its strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Experimental results revealed that moderate salt stress significantly enhances silymarin accumulation, while severe stress leads to its decline. These changes are closely associated with the activation of antioxidant defense systems, enzymatic regulation, and phenylpropanoid pathway modulation. The findings highlight the adaptive metabolic response of S. marianum to salinity and its potential for optimized cultivation under controlled stress conditions.