Milk Thistle Extract
Description
Milk Thistle Extract is derived from the seeds of Silybum marianum, a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region. For over 2,000 years, milk thistle has been used in European herbal medicine as a natural remedy for liver and gallbladder support. It remains one of the most widely researched and trusted botanical extracts for promoting hepatic health.
The extract is standardized to silymarin (≥80%), a complex of flavonolignans including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Silymarin is well known for its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying effects. Modern research suggests that Milk Thistle Extract supports liver function, helps protect against oxidative stress, promotes detoxification, and contributes to overall metabolic and digestive wellness.
Commercial production involves harvesting and cleaning of mature seeds, followed by ethanol extraction and purification. The resulting fine yellow-brown powder is stable under dry storage, soluble in ethanol, and partially soluble in water. Milk Thistle Extract is widely applied in liver health supplements, detox formulations, and functional wellness products.
Typical Specifications
|
Item |
Specification |
|
Assay |
Silymarin ≥80% (HPLC/UV) |
|
Appearance |
Yellow-brown fine powder |
|
Botanical Source |
Silybum marianum seed |
|
Identification |
HPLC/UV spectrum consistent with reference |
|
Loss on Drying |
≤5.0% |
|
Residue on Ignition |
≤1.0% |
|
Heavy Metals |
≤10 ppm |
|
Microbiology |
TPC ≤1,000 cfu/g; Yeast & Mold ≤100 cfu/g; E. coli/Salmonella: Negative |
|
Solubility |
Soluble in ethanol, partially soluble in water |
|
Packaging |
25 kg fiber drum with inner PE liner |
|
Storage |
Store in a cool, dry place; protect from light and moisture |
Benefits
✓ Supports healthy liver function and detoxification
✓ Provides antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity
✓ Helps protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage
✓ Contributes to digestive and metabolic wellness
Applications
✓ Liver health and detox supplements
✓ Antioxidant and metabolic support products
✓ Functional wellness blends
✓ Nutraceuticals and herbal formulations
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