In lab and animal studies, silymarin (a plant-derived antioxidant from milk thistle) blocked skin cancer development by neutralizing free radicals and stopping cancer cells from multiplying. It worked by reducing inflammation markers and forcing damaged cells into a dormant state—but these are early-stage results, not human proof yet.

Researchers tested silymarin in cell cultures and mice models, measuring its ability to prevent cancer formation and stop tumor growth using various molecular markers.

Funding not disclosed in abstract