In vitro effects of silybin (SB), 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) and silychristin (SCH) on M. vogae larvae at concentrations of 5 and 50 uM under aerobic and hypoxic conditions for 72 hours were investigated. With both kinds of treatment, the viability and motility of larvae remained unchanged, metabolic activity, neutral red uptake and concentrations of neutral lipids were reduced, in contrast with a significantly elevated glucose content.
Under both sets of conditions, SB and SCH suppressed metabolic activity, the concentration of glucose, lipids and partially motility more at 50 uM, but neutral red uptake was elevated.