Therapeutic potential of silymarin as a natural iron-chelating agent in β-thalassemia intermedia.

Abnormal iron accumulation in vital organs is one of the major complications of β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). Silymarin, a flavonolignan isolated from Silybum marianum , significantly decreases the serum ferritin levels of β-TI patients. This finding suggests silymarin as a safe and effective natural iron-chelating agent for the treatment of iron-overloaded conditions.