BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF SECONDARY METABOLITE BIOSYNTHESIS IN Silybum marianum L. UNDER STRESS CONDITIONS

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This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Silybum marianum L. (milk thistle), a medicinal plant widely recognized for its hepatoprotective properties. Special attention is given to the phenylpropanoid pathway, which plays a central role in the formation of flavonoids and flavonolignans, collectively known as the silymarin complex. Experimental analyses were conducted under controlled and salinity-induced stress conditions to evaluate variations in total phenolic content, flavonoid accumulation, silymarin concentration, and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrate that salinity stress significantly enhances the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites through the activation of key enzymatic systems and gene expression pathways. These findings highlight the adaptive significance of secondary metabolism in stress tolerance and provide a scientific basis for the pharmacological and biotechnological utilization of Silybum marianum.