Best Seller

Milk Thistle Extract

Extracted from milk thistle seed, containing high silymarin with very lower solvents residue, manufacturing for your bulk supply.

规格名称规格值
Part UsedMilk thistle seed
Latin NameSilybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
SolventsAcetone; Ethyl Acetate; Ethanol.
Shelf Life24 months
StockHave storage in EU warehouse

Milk Thistle Extract

Product Quick View

Specification: Silymarin 80% UV with Silybins > 30% Silymarin > 50% by HPLC Silybin > 95%

Mesh: 80mesh

Certificate: ISO22000; ISO14001; ISO9001; FSSC22000; GMP; Kosher; Halal

Annual Production Capacity: More than 300 tons

Features: Fine powder; Non-GMO; Non-ETO; Non- Radiation; USP&EP Standard; Allergen (soy, gluten) free;

Application: Pharmaceutical and medicine; Dietary supplement; Basic nutritional ingredients; Food and beverages; Food additives and Cosmetics; Feed and pet ingredients. etc.

Main function: Protecting liver and cell repairing.

What is Milk Thistle Seed Extract?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is a traditional herbal plant that has been used in China for thousands of years. It is widely cultivated in Inner Mongolia, Northeast China and other suitable growing regions. We select high-quality milk thistle seeds to produce premium extracts rich in Silymarin.

What is Silymarin?

Silymarin is the primary active therapeutic compound found in Milk Thistle seeds. It is not a single substance but a complex flavonoid mixture. Our extraction process ensures a high concentration of the four essential flavonolignan components:

1. Silibinin (Silybin A & B): The most abundant and biologically active component.

2. Isosilibinin: Crucial for supporting metabolic pathways.

3. Silydianin: Contributes to the extract's antioxidant capacity.

4. Silychristin: Works synergistically to support cellular repair.

Milk Thistle Extract Specification

Test ItemSpecificationTest Methods
AppearanceYellow to light brown powderVisual
Silymarin(UV)≥80%UV
Silymarin(HPLC)≥45%HPLC
Sum of silybin and isosilybin≥30%HPLC
Particle Size≥95% pass 80 meshScreen
Bulk densityTest value g/mlPowder characteristic tester
Tap densityTest value g/mlPowder characteristic tester
Loss On Drying≤5%5g/105°C/2hrs
Sulphated Ash≤0.6%2g/800°C/4hrs
Acetone Residues≤5000 mg/kgGas Chromatography
Lead≤1mg/kgICP-MS
Arsenic≤1mg/kgICP-MS
Mercury≤0.1mg/kgICP-MS
Cadmium≤1mg/kgICP-MS
Total Plate Count≤1000CFU/gPlate counting
Total Yeast&Mold≤100CFU/gPlate counting
Coli Group≤3.0MPN/gCounting MPN method

Remark: Above spec is only for silymarin 80%UV silymarin &30%HPLC silybins by acetone. If you have any special request for quality, please send us email and we can check it for you accordingly.

Production Process

Milk thistle seeds→Oil expression→Extraction(adding solvents)→Concentration→Degreasing(adding hexane)→Dring→Crushing→Sieving&Mixing→Packing→Finished products.

What's the Difference Between Different Solvents for Milk Thistle Seeds Extract?

Choosing the Right Milk Thistle Extract: Solvent & Specification Guide

In the global production of Silymarin, the choice of extraction solvent is the most critical factor affecting both the purity and the price of the final product. Based on current market trends and exporting data from major Chinese factories, here is a breakdown of the three primary extraction methods.

1. Extraction Solvents: Price vs. Popularity

Not all extracts are created equal. The solvent used determines the final price and application.

Solvent TypePrice Rank (If same spec)Market PositionBest For...
AcetoneLowestBest SellerHigh-volume industrial & pharma use.
Ethyl AcetateMiddleRank ThirdWho seeking specific purity profiles.
EthanolHighRank SecondHigh-End/Natural/Organic field.

Market Insight: Acetone-extracted milk thistle remains the global best-seller due to its excellent balance of high yield and cost-effectiveness. However, Ethanol extraction is seeing a rapid increase in demand from premium health supplement brands.

  • Silymarin 80% UV / 30% HPLC: Best seller specification in the market.
  • Silymarin 80%UV/50% HPLC: A higher purity grade preferred for pharmaceutical-grade applications.
  • High Silybin Content(like silybin95%, 98%, 99%HPLC): Custom extracts where the sum of Silybin + Isosilybin is maximized for superior bioavailability.

3. Which Extract Should You Choose?

Your choice should depend on your target market's regulatory requirements and consumer preferences:

  • For Competitive Pricing: Choose Acetone extraction. It offers the highest volume for the lowest cost while maintaining an 80% UV specification.
  • For Premium Clean-Label Brands: Choose Ethanol extraction. It is often preferred by "Natural" and "Organic" oriented brands.
  • For Maximum Efficacy: Focus on the HPLC 50% specification, which ensures a higher concentration of the actual active flavonolignans (Silybin A+B).

Why Choose GEM Milk Thistle Extract?

1. Superior Raw Material Sourcing

Quality starts at the source. We exclusively select premium Milk Thistle seeds for extraction. Every batch of raw materials is rigorously tested according to GB Standards before entering our facility. By controlling for harmful substances at the origin, we guarantee a final extract of unparalleled purity.

2. Low-Solvent Extraction Technology

Safety is our signature. Throughout the production process, we implement strict internal controls to minimize solvent residues. We depend on advanced techniques to ensure that our extracts are as clean as possible, maintaining the integrity of the active Silymarin complex.

3. Global Compliance: USP & EP Standards

We understand the complexities of international regulations. GEM provides tailored solutions to ensure your supply chain remains safe and reliable. We can meet or exceed USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) requirements for Pesticide Residues, ETO (Ethylene Oxide)-100% ETO-free processing options, Low Hexane Residue like below 10μg/g.

4. A Reliable Supply Chain Partner

By choosing GEM, you aren't just buying an ingredient; you are securing a transparent partnership. Our seed-to-extract traceability gives you the peace of mind needed to scale your brand globally.

The Comprehensive Benefits of Milk Thistle Extract (Silymarin)

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been a cornerstone of herbal wellness for centuries. Today, modern science validates its primary active compound, Silymarin, as a powerhouse for detoxification and cellular protection.

1. Traditional Liver Support & Detoxification

Historically, Milk Thistle has been utilized to "clear heat" and remove systemic toxins. Its primary traditional roles include:

  • Soothes the Liver: Supports natural recovery from environmental stressors.
  • Promotes Bile Flow: Aids in healthy digestion and the efficient processing of fats.

2. Modern Clinical Applications: The Power of Silymarin

In contemporary nutraceuticals, Silymarin is the gold standard ingredient for liver-support supplements. Its benefits extend beyond simple detoxification:

  • Hepatoprotective Properties: Shields liver cells from oxidative stress and harmful toxins.
  • Strong Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Helps modulate the body's inflammatory response at a cellular level.
  • Cardiovascular Maintenance: Emerging research suggests Milk Thistle aids in maintaining healthy lipid profiles and overall heart function.

3. Cellular Health & Antioxidant Defense

Milk Thistle extract acts as a potent antioxidant. By neutralizing free radicals, it supports cellular longevity and helps maintain the structural integrity of cell membranes throughout the body.

4. Natural Wellness for Pets and Livestock

The benefits of Milk Thistle aren't limited to human health. It is increasingly recognized as a premium natural ingredient for animal feed and pet supplements.

  • Pet Health Formulations: Supports liver function in aging dogs and cats.
  • Livestock Vitality: Promotes overall wellness and metabolic efficiency in agricultural applications.