Factory Supply Silymarin Powder 80% UV Milk Thistle Extract Silybum Marianum Natural Liver Support Herbal Extract CAS 65666-07-1
Product Introduction
Silymarin is a standardized extract derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), a member of the Asteraceae family. With a documented history of medicinal use spanning over 2,000 years, silymarin is recognized as one of the most extensively researched botanical hepatoprotective agents in modern phytomedicine. The extract is a complex mixture of flavonolignans, consisting primarily of silybin (also known as silibinin, comprising approximately 30% of the complex), isosilybin A and B, silychristin A and B, silydianin, and the flavonoid taxifolin. Among these constituents, silybin exerts the strongest pharmacological activity and serves as the primary reference standard for quality control.
Product Attribute
| Parameter | Detail |
| Product Name | Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) |
| CAS Number | 22888-70-6 |
| EC Number | N/A (standardized extract reference under 22888-70-6) |
| Molecular Formula (Silybin) | C₂₅H₂₂O₁₀ |
| Molecular Weight (Silybin) | 482.44 g/mol |
| Botanical Source | Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. — dried ripe seeds |
| Active Marker Compounds | Silybin A, Silybin B, Isosilybin A, Isosilybin B, Silychristin, Silydianin, Taxifolin |
| Standardized Content | 70% or 80% Total Silymarin (UV); ≥30% Silybin + Isosilybin (HPLC) |
| Appearance | Light yellow-brown to brown fine powder |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic, slightly bitter |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate |
| HS Code | 2932.99.90 (Heterocyclic compounds) |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe (U.S. FDA 21 CFR) |
| Pharmacopoeia | USP, EP 7.5, DAB (German Pharmacopoeia) |
Applications
Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals
This is the dominant application sector, accounting for over 33% of the 58 million+ liver health supplement units sold globally in 2023. Silymarin is formulated into capsules, tablets, softgels, and effervescent powders as a single-ingredient or combination liver health product. In 2022–2024, over 190 new silymarin-containing nutraceutical formulations were commercialized worldwide. Typical dosage: 150–250 mg silymarin per capsule, 2–4 capsules daily (total 420–1,000 mg/day). Popular combination partners include N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), artichoke extract, turmeric/curcumin, dandelion root, and phospholipid complexes for enhanced bioavailability.
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Over 41 approved herbal medicinal products containing silymarin are registered with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The hepatoprotective drug Legalon® (silybin) is marketed in Europe, and Siliphos® (silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex) represents a clinically validated advanced formulation. In India, over 12 million silymarin capsules and tablets were dispensed through the pharmaceutical channel in 2023. Silymarin is also used as a supportive treatment in chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity and as an adjunct in anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (AT-DILI) protocols.
Functional Foods & Beverages
In 2023, Germany alone launched 22 new silymarin-containing functional food products including detox teas, protein bars, and meal replacement shakes with 80% standardized extract. The global consumption of silymarin in food-grade applications exceeded 6,800 kg in 2023, driven by consumer demand for liver cleanse, hangover recovery, and general wellness products. Water-soluble silymarin grades (growth rate: 22.4% YoY) are increasingly specified for beverage applications where clarity and solubility are critical.
