milk thistle extract

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Milk Thistle Extract

milk thistle extract
Product name: Milk thistle extract
Latin name: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
Synonyms: cardus marianus, milk thistle, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary’s thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle and Scotch thistle
CAS number: 65666-07-1
Molecular Formula: C25H22O10
Molecular Weight: 482.44 g/mol
Specifications: Most popular Specifications:1.Silymarin 80% UV, no other requirements 2. Silymarin UV80%, Silybin+Isosilybin HPLC30%
Appearance/color: Yellow to Yellowish-Brown Fine Powder
Benefits: Liver Health
Application: food supplement
Dosage: The optimal daily intake for most people is 20-300 mg.
Bulk Package: 25kgs/drum

Where to buy Milk Thistle Extract? MR Natural is a professional manufacturer for Milk Thistle Extract in China since 2006.

1. What is Milk Thistle Extract?

MR Natural Milk Thistle Extract is a kind of standardized herbal extract of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. seeds. Its key ingredients are Silymarin, Silybin, Isosilybin.

Milk thistle (scientific name: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant in the Compositae family, which can reach 1.2 meters in height.

The stem is upright, with ridges, rarely unbranched, the leaves are the same color on both sides, green, with white variegation, thin texture, large inflorescence head, involucre middle and outer layer wide spatulate, oval, rhomboid to lanceolate Shape, bracts glabrous, the middle and outer bracts are hard and leathery.

The florets are reddish purple, rarely white, with short and wide filaments, flattened achenes, multi-layered, bristly, white, flowering and fruiting from May to October.

2. Source of milk thistle

Distributed in Europe, the Mediterranean region, North Africa and central Asia. It is cultivated in parks, botanical gardens or gardens all over China.

Place of processing is in Shaanxi province.

3. MR Natural Milk thistle extract specifications:

Most popular Specifications:

1.Silymarin 80% UV, no other requirements

2. Silymarin UV80% & Silybin+Isosilybin HPLC30%

All available specification:

NoProduct NameSpecification
1Silymarin Extracted By AcetoneUV70%
  UV80%
  UV80%, Silybin + Isosilybin≥30%
  HPLC 50%
  HPLC 55%
  HPLC 60%
2Silymarin Extracted By Ethyl AcetateUV 70%
  UV80%, Silybin + Isosilybin≥30%
  HPLC 50%
  HPLC 55%
  HPLC 60%
3Silymarin Extracted EthanolUV70%
  UV80%
  UV80%, Silybin + Isosilybin≥30%
  HPLC 50%
  HPLC 55%
  HPLC 60%
4Water Soluble SilymarinUV 20%
  UV 40%
  UV 45%
5Silymarin Low Residual SolventHPLC40%
  HPLC45%
  HPLC50%
  HPLC55%
6Water soluble silybinHPLC75%, UV96%
7SilybinHPLC70%-HPLC98%
8Silymarin Granular/MicronizationAccoroding To Customer’ Requirements
9Silybum Marianum OilRefine

Active Ingredients:

Silybin
Molecular Formula:C25H22O10
Mol. wt.:482.43
CAS No.: 22888-70-6
Structural Formula:

Silychristin
Molecular Formula:C25H22O10
Mol. wt.:482.43
CAS No.: 33889-69-9
Structural Formula:

Silydianin
Molecular Formula:C25H22O10
Mol. wt.:482.43
CAS No.: 29782-68-1
Structural Formula:

Isosilybin
Molecular Formula:C25H22O10
Mol. wt.:482.43
CAS No.: 72581-71-6
Structural Formula:

Structure of major constituents of silymarin
Structure of major constituents of silymarin

4. Basic physical and chemical properties of Milk Thistle Extract powder

No.Test itemsSpecification and Standards
1.AppearanceAmorphous Powder
2.ColourYellow to Yellowish-Brown
3.OdourSlight, Specific
4.Solubility 
 – in WaterPractically Insoluble
 – in Methanol and AcetoneSoluble
5.Identification 
 – TLC , HPLCTo Comply with The Test
6.Total AshNMT 0.45%
7.Heavy metalsNMT 20 PPM
 – Lead – ICP-MSNMT 0.5 PPM
 – Cadmium – ICP-MSNMT 1.5 PPM
 – Mercury – ICP-MSNMT 0.1 PPM
 – Arsenic – ICP-MSNMT 3.0 PPM
8.Loss On Drying (2 Hours 105 ℃)NMT 5.0%
9.Powder size80Mesh, NLT90%
10.Assay of Silymarin (UV test, per cent, Standard in House)Min. 80,0
11.Assay of Total Silymarin (HPLC, determined as silybin, per cent)From 30,0 to 65,0
 – sum of silycristin and silydianin (HPLC, per cent of the total)From 20,0 to 45,0
 – sum of silybin А and silybin В (HPLC, per cent of the total)From 40,0 to 65,0
 – sum of isosilybin А and isosilybin В(HPLC, per cent of the total)From 10,0 to 20,0
12.Residual Solvents 
 – N-hexaneNMT 290 PPM
 – MethanolNMT 3000 PPM
 – AcetoneNMT 5000 PPM
 – Ethyl AcetateNMT 5000 PPM
 – EthanolNMT 5000 PPM
13.Pesticide ResiduesUSP <561>
14.Microbiological Quality (Total viable aerobic count) 
 – Bacteria, CFU/g, not more than103
 – Moulds and yeasts, CFU/g, not more than102
 – E.coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, CFU/gAbsence

5. Manufacturing Flow Chart of Milk Thistle Extract

Raw material → ethanol extraction → concentration → precipitation → degreasing → drying → crushing, mixing, packaging → product

6. Milk Thistle Extract Powder benefits

a. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect

Silymarin can protect liver cell membranes by preventing lipid peroxidation and maintain the fluidity of cell membranes. It can also inhibit the release of superoxide anions from neutrophils to reduce liver cell damage caused by inflammatory cells. Studies have also shown that silibinin can increase the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in lymphocytes in mice with chronic alcoholic liver disease, thereby playing an antioxidant role. In addition, studies have also reported that silibinin can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

b. Anti-liver fibrosis

A number of studies have confirmed that silymarin can achieve anti-fibrosis effects through antioxidant and direct inhibition of the activation of various cytokines on hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

c. Liver protection and lipid-lowering effect

Experiments in mice have confirmed that silibinin can reduce the levels of triglycerides (TG) in the liver and the levels of serum TG and total cholesterol (TCh). And these animal experiments also showed that after the intervention of silibinin, the liver pathology (such as steatosis, inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning) were improved to varying degrees. Studies have also suggested that the drug can reduce the weight of test animals.

d. Anti-inflammatory effect

Silybin can reduce the levels of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This effect is achieved by inhibiting the activities of IKK-β and p50 and p65, thereby inhibiting the effect of NF-κB.

7. Dosage of Milk Thistle Extract Powder

Although there is no standardized dose of milk thistle extract, the optimal daily intake for most people is 20-300 mg.

If you want to take milk thistle to treat the liver, the recommended daily intake of milk thistle extract is 150 mg, taking 1 to 3 times a day. This is a higher dose and can be used as a natural liver detox.

For continuous use and liver support, take 50 to 150 mg daily.

8. Milk Thistle Extract Powder side effects

Side effects are not common, but include: Itch, headache, diarrhea, nausea

Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported.

9. Safety of Milk Thistle Extract Powder

Since milk thistle is classified as a supplement rather than a drug, it is not subject to the supervision and quality control of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Milk thistle is generally considered safe and well tolerated, with few reports of side effects.

10. Milk Thistle Extract Powder related researches

  1. Review of Clinical Trials Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Milk Thistle(Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.), link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1534735407301942
  2. Review of Clinical Trials Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.), link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6287433_Review_of_Clinical_Trials_Evaluating_Safety_and_Efficacy_of_Milk_Thistle_Silybum_marianum_L_Gaertn
  3. Only One Study Shows Milk Thistle May Have Health Benefits, link: https://healthybutsmart.com/milk-thistle-benefits/
  4. 7 Science-Based Benefits of Milk Thistle, link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits
  5. Advances in the Use of Milk Thistle(Silybum marianum), link: https://lung_cancer.quandora.com/api/files/2b7c325a-8eb8-48f8-b90b-03b4eb2b4035

11. Milk Thistle Extract Powder package & Notes for shipping

25kgs/drum, inner by double plastic bags.

N.W./G.W.: 25kgs/28kgs

Drum size: 35cm(diameter)*51cm(height)

Small order is accepted too. Such like 1kg/5kgs/10kgs.

Package for small quantity is by aluminium foil bag and carton box.

For 1-50kg, we suggest shipping by courier, such as DHL, fedex. HS code we use is 2932999099.

For 50-300kgs, we suggest shipping by air. HS code we use is 2932999099/1302199099.

For more than 300kgs, we suggest shipping by sea. HS code we use is 1302199099.

12. Q & A for Milk Thistle Extract Powder

Q: What does milk thistle extract do?

A: One of the active ingredients in milk thistle called silymarin is extracted from the plant’s seeds. Silymarin is believed to have antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is sold as an oral capsule, tablet and liquid extract. People mainly use the supplement to treat liver conditions.

Q: Can milk thistle harm your liver?

A: Milk Thistle Protects Your Liver

Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage.

Q: How long does it take for milk thistle to start working?

A: It might take more than 3 months for milk thistle products to show benefit.

Q: How long should I take milk thistle?

A: Milk thistle is considered safe in dosages of 420 mg/day orally in divided doses for up to 41 months.

Q: How much milk thistle should I take daily for fatty liver?

A: Some studies administered 70 mg to 80 mg three times daily. Others used once daily dosing, and 1 study used 540 mg twice daily. The authors indicate that doses of 70 mg 3 times daily or 140 mg twice daily seem to have the most robust therapeutic effect. Overall, participants who took silymarin tolerated it well.

13. Supplements containing Milk Thistle Extract Powder

  1. Puritans Pride Milk Thistle 4:1 Extract 1000 Mg (Silymarin) Softgels, 180 Count
  2. Best Liver Supplements with Milk Thistle – Artichoke – Dandelion Root Support Healthy
  3. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle, Promotes Liver Health, 150 mg Caps, 100 Count
  4. Milk Thistle 1000mg Silymarin Marianum & Dandelion Root Liver Health Support
  5. Zazzee USDA Organic Milk Thistle Extract Capsules, 120 Count, Vegan, 7500 mg Strength
  6. NOW Supplements, Liver Refresh with Milk Thistle Extract and unique Herb-Enzyme blend, 180 Veg
  7. Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle Pills and Herbal Health Supplement, Supports Liver Health
  8. Life Extension European Milk Thistle-Advanced Phospholipid Delivery Soft Gels, 60 Count
  9. Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle Seed, Vegan Liquid Capsules, 60Count – Liver Cleanse Supplement

14. Where you can buy Milk Thistle Extract Powder?

You can purchase Milk Thistle Extract Powder from China. MR Natural is a professional manufacturer for Milk Thistle Extract. We supply it to USA, Europe & Australia.

For Milk Thistle Extract supplements, YOU can buy from online store like Amazon.

15. Other herbal extract good for liver health

  1. Andrographis extract
  2. Dandelion extract
  3. Curcumin
  4. Black soybean seed coat extract
  5. Pueraria Extract

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