Silibinin (Milk Thistle) potentiates ethanol-dependent hepatocellular carcinoma progression in male mice

► Silibin, a flavinoligand derived from Milk Thistle, is a dietary supplement reported to exert hepatoprotective effects. ► To date little evidence exists regarding potential detrimental effects associated with Milk Thistle. ► Our study employed a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) concomitant with chronic alcohol and/or silibinin feeding. ► We demonstrate marginal hepatoprotective effects of silibinin in female mice in this model during early HCC progression. ► Silibinin exacerbated tumor progression in male mice in this model of HCC progression if combined with chronic alcohol intake.