Milk Thistle Extract
Product specification
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Milk Thistle Extract Technical Data Sheet |
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Sense Index |
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Appearance |
Brownish yellow powder |
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Odor & Taste |
Characteristic |
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Physical-chemical Index |
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Silymarin (UV) |
80% Min |
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Solvent |
1% Min |
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Particle Size |
98% pass 80 mesh |
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Loss on drying |
5% Max |
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Ash |
5% Max |
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Heavy metals |
10ppm Max |
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Lead |
2ppm Max |
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Arsenic |
2ppm Max |
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Mercury |
1ppm Max |
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Cadmium |
1ppm Max |
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N-hexane |
300 ppm Max |
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Methanol |
3,000 ppm Max |
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Acetone |
5,000 ppm Max |
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Ethyl Acetate |
5,000 ppm Max |
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Ethanol |
5,000 ppm Max |
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Hygienic Index |
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Total plate count |
1,000cfu/g Max |
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Yeast/Mould |
100cfu/g Max |
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Enterobacteria |
≤10cfu/g |
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Salmonella |
Absent in 25g |
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E.Coli |
Absent in 10g |
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Statements: Non-Irradiated, Non-GMO |
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Packaging:1kg/aluminium foil bag, 20kg/drum (37*37*50cm) |
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Shelf Life: 24 months stored in original packaging away from the light, and under the optimal temperature 10~25℃. |
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Introduction to Milk Thistle Extract
Milk thistle extract is a natural active component derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Its primary active compound is silymarin, which consists of flavonolignans such as silybin and isosilybin. The extraction process typically involves organic solvent extraction or supercritical fluid technology, yielding a final product in the form of a yellow-brown to light yellow powder with a slightly bitter taste. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Known for its stable chemical properties, significant bioavailability, and antioxidant characteristics, milk thistle extract is widely regarded as a classic natural ingredient for liver protection and has been used medicinally in Europe and America for centuries.
Efficacy of Milk Thistle Extract
The core efficacy of milk thistle extract focuses on liver protection and repair. Its active component, silymarin, neutralizes free radicals through antioxidant mechanisms, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and reduces liver cell damage. It also stabilizes liver cell membranes, promotes protein synthesis, and accelerates liver cell regeneration. Clinical studies indicate its supportive role in improving conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. Additionally, silymarin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, regulates cholesterol metabolism, mildly lowers blood sugar, and shows potential antitumor activity, demonstrating diverse value in the management of chronic metabolic diseases.
Application Fields of Milk Thistle Extract
In the food industry, tomato extract serves as a natural pigment and nutritional fortifier, widely used in beverages, sauces, dairy products, and health foods to enhance color and nutritional value. In the health product sector, it is often formulated into capsules, tablets, and other dosage forms for dietary supplements targeting antioxidant support, men’s health, and skin care. The cosmetics industry leverages its antioxidant and photoprotective properties by incorporating it into creams, serums, and other products to delay skin aging. Additionally, exploratory applications exist in animal feed and pharmaceutical research.