High-Purity Silymarin – Trusted Botanical Ingredient for Liver Health Formulations & Functional Foods
Silymarin Extract (Milk Thistle) – Product Overview
Silymarin is the key active complex extracted from Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle). Known for its well-documented liver-protective benefits, antioxidant activity, and excellent safety profile, Silymarin remains one of the most widely used herbal actives in global dietary supplements, functional beverages, and cosmetic formulations.
AIHerba® (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.) is a GMP-certified plant extract manufacturer with 28+ years of experience supplying high-purity herbal extracts to international brands. Our Silymarin is produced in our modern extraction factory using clean water–ethanol extraction and advanced purification technologies to ensure consistent potency and traceable quality.
If you’re looking for a reliable supplier for bulk Silymarin or want to buy ingredients directly from a China OEM factory, this page provides everything you need—technical specifications, COA table, production process, formulation guidance, and documentation for regulatory review.
1. Botanical Source & Origin
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Botanical name: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
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Plant part used: Seeds
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Extraction method: Water–ethanol extraction + resin purification
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Appearance: Yellow-brown fine powder
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Assay (HPLC): Silymarin 80% / 70% / 50% customizable
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Active markers: Silybin A & B, Isosilybin, Silydianin, Silychristin
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CAS Number: 65666-07-1
2. Key Benefits & Functions
(1) Liver Protection
Silymarin supports liver cell regeneration, scavenges free radicals, and helps maintain normal liver enzyme levels.
Referenced in NIH LiverTox and multiple PubMed studies.
(2) Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Silymarin’s flavonolignans help protect cells from oxidative stress, making it ideal for anti-aging supplements and skin-care formulas.
(3) Supports Detoxification Pathways
Enhances antioxidant enzymes and supports metabolic detox pathways.
(4) Skin Health Support
In cosmetics, Silymarin is used for:
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soothing stressed skin
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protecting against environmental damage
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improving brightness and complexion tone
(5) Metabolic & Digestive Support
Emerging research suggests benefits for glucose metabolism and digestive well-being.
3. Traditional Uses
Milk Thistle has been used in Europe for nearly 2,000 years for liver and gallbladder support. Traditionally used for:
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supporting digestion
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restoring balance after alcohol consumption
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herbal detox blends
4. Recommended Dosage (General Guidance)
(Formulators should adjust based on application and regulatory requirements.)
| Application | Typical Use Range |
|---|---|
| Dietary supplements | 200–600 mg/day Silymarin 80% |
| Effervescent tablets & powder drinks | 100–300 mg/serving |
| Functional foods | 50–150 mg/serving |
| Cosmetics (serums, creams) | 0.2–1% |
5. Best Formulation Guidelines
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Combine with NAC, Choline, Vitamin B Complex, or Turmeric Extract to enhance detox & liver support activities.
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For beverages, use water-dispersible Silymarin version.
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For cosmetics, pair with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, or Vitamin E for improved anti-oxidative synergy.
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Stable between pH 4–7; avoid strong oxidants.
6. Purity, Safety & COA Specifications
Below is a procurement-friendly specification table with pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological test items.
COA – Full Quality Specification Table
A. Pesticide Residue Testing
| Item | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) | ≤0.1 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Organophosphorus pesticides | ≤0.05 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| Carbamates | ≤0.1 mg/kg | LC-MS/MS |
| Pyrethroids | ≤0.2 mg/kg | GC-MS |
| 666 (BHC) | ≤0.2 mg/kg | GB/T 5009.19 |
| DDT | ≤0.2 mg/kg | GB/T 5009.43 |
B. Heavy Metals Testing
| Item | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤3.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1.0 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg | ICP-OES |
C. Microbiological Standards
| Item | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤10,000 cfu/g | GB 4789.2 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤300 cfu/g | GB 4789.15 |
| E. coli | Negative | GB 4789.3 |
| Salmonella | Negative | GB 4789.4 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | GB 4789.10 |
| Coliforms | ≤10 cfu/g | GB 4789.3 |
7. Production Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Raw Material Selection – Non-GMO Milk Thistle seeds sourced from trusted farms in China & Eastern Europe.
2. Cleaning & Milling – Seeds are air-cleaned and milled for optimal extraction efficiency.
3. Water-Ethanol Extraction – Gentle extraction to protect flavonolignans.
4. Filtration & Concentration – Removal of insoluble fibers and concentration under low temperature.
5. Resin Purification – Enriches silybin and related actives.
6. Vacuum Drying – Ensures stable moisture content and prevents oxidation.
7. Milling & Sieving – Uniform powder for consistent bulk density.
8. Final Quality Testing – HPLC assay + contaminants + microbiology.
8. Production Flowchart
Raw Seeds → Cleaning → Milling → Extraction → Filtration → Concentration → Purification → Drying → Sieving → Metal Detection → Packaging → COA Release
9. Storage & Shelf Life
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Shelf life: 24 months unopened
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Conditions: Store in cool, dry place below 25°C; protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
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Packaging: 1 kg/foil bag; 25 kg/drum; customized packaging available
10. Sample Policy, Logistics & MOQ
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Free sample herbal extract: 20–50 g available for quality evaluation
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MOQ: 1 kg
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Lead time: 3–5 days
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Shipping: FedEx / DHL air express; sea freight for bulk orders
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Custom services: OEM/ODM, customized herbal extract development, and formulation assistance
11. Applicable Industries & Use Cases
Industries
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Dietary supplements
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Functional drinks & health foods
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Cosmetics & personal care
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Pharmaceutical intermediates
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Food-grade botanical extract supplier applications
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Nutraceutical and wellness products
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Veterinary supplements
Use Scenarios
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Capsules, tablets, gummies
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Effervescent powders & detox beverage sticks
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Liver health supplements
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Anti-oxidation skin serums and creams
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Herbal detox blends
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Beauty-from-within formulas
12. How to Use Silymarin Extract
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Oral Supplements: Blend into premix powders or compress into tablets with flow agents.
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Beverage Applications: Use water-soluble Silymarin for clear drinks.
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Cosmetics: Add during the cooling stage (<45°C) to maintain stability.
13. Certification & Documentation
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GMP
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ISO9001 / ISO22000
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HACCP
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Halal
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COA + MSDS + Allergen Statement
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Third-party test reports upon request
14. Why Global Buyers Choose AIHerba®
✔ 28+ years manufacturer experience
✔ Consistent bulk supply & stable pricing
✔ Strong R&D and formulation support
✔ Fast delivery and small MOQ
✔ Trusted by 1,000+ brands worldwide
✔ Traceable raw materials and transparent documentation
✔ Real factory photos and video inspection available
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can you provide COA and third-party testing?
Yes. Full COA, HPLC assay data, microbiology, and heavy metals reports are included with each batch.
Q2: Do you offer OEM/ODM formulation services?
Yes, our R&D team supports customized herbal extract solutions and product development.
Q3: Is your Silymarin suitable for food and cosmetic applications?
Absolutely. It meets global standards as a GMP certified plant extract for cosmetics and food-grade dietary supplement raw materials.
Q4: Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. Contact us for a wholesale quotation based on your quantity and purity requirement.
Q5: How can I confirm the quality before ordering?
We provide free samples, technical sheets, and real product photos.
16. Scientific References (PubMed / NIH / FDA)
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PubMed: “Silymarin and Liver Protection” — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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NIH LiverTox database — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548561/
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FDA Botanical Drug Development Guidance — https://www.fda.gov/
(Links presented in plain form to comply with structured content rules.)
17. Contact Information
For pricing, technical documents, or bulk orders:
📧 sales@aiherba.com
📧 info@aiherba.com
📧 liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com





