In lab and animal studies, silymarin (a plant compound from milk thistle) acted as a strong antioxidant that blocked skin cancer development and tumor growth. It worked by neutralizing free radicals, boosting the skin's natural defense system, and stopping cancer cells from multiplying—but these results are from controlled experiments, not human trials.

Researchers tested silymarin in cell cultures and mice exposed to UV damage and carcinogens, examining how it affected cancer prevention and cell behavior at a molecular level.

Funding not disclosed in abstract