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Silymarin

Silymarin Extract (Milk Thistle) for Nutraceuticals & Cosmetics – GMP-Certified Bulk Supply from AIHerba®

1. English Name: Silymarin
Source: Extracted from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a flowering plant native to Mediterranean regions. Silymarin is a complex of flavonolignans, including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin, known for its hepatoprotective properties.
  1. Specification
    Purity: Silymarin ≥ 98% (HPLC-tested). Standardized for total flavonolignans content. Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; better solubility in ethanol or lipid-based formulations. Extraction involves solvent-based methods followed by purification to remove impurities and ensure consistency.
  2. Appearance
    It appears as a yellowish-brown to greenish-brown powder (not a yellowish-white solid with a chocolate aroma, as previously misstated). The powder has a mild, characteristic herbal odor and is free-flowing for easy formulation.
  3. CAS Number
    CAS NO.: 65666-07-1 (for the silymarin complex). Individual components like silybin (CAS NO.: 22888-70-6) have distinct identifiers for research and regulatory purposes.
  4. Lead Time
    Lead time: 3–7 Working Days. Subject to minor adjustments based on order volume and raw material availability. Our extraction and purification processes ensure high-quality batches with consistent potency.
  5. Package
    Packaging: 25kg food-grade drums with 27 drums per tray. Drums are sealed to protect from moisture and light, preserving silymarin’s stability. Custom packaging (e.g., 1kg bags for supplements) available upon request.
  6. Main Market
    Main Market: European, North America, Asia etc. Popular in regions with a focus on natural health products and liver support supplements. Widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical formulations.
  7. Application Scenarios
    • Health Supplements:
      • Liver Protection: Silymarin is renowned for supporting liver health by protecting hepatocytes from toxins (e.g., alcohol, drugs) and oxidative stress. It stimulates liver cell regeneration and inhibits inflammatory pathways, making it a key ingredient in liver detox supplements.
      • Antioxidant Support: Its flavonoids scavenge free radicals, reducing cellular damage and supporting overall antioxidant defenses.
      • Anti-Inflammatory: Modulates inflammatory cytokines, potentially benefiting conditions like fatty liver disease and hepatitis.
    • Pharmaceuticals:
      • Liver Disorders: Used in prescription and over-the-counter medications for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and toxin-induced liver damage.
      • Drug Formulations: Often combined with phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholine) to enhance bioavailability in pharmaceutical-grade products.
    • Cosmetics:
      • Skin Protection: Added to creams and serums for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting skin from environmental stressors and promoting a healthy complexion.
      • Anti-Aging: May reduce signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and supporting collagen synthesis.
    • Functional Foods & Beverages:
      • Fortified Products: Incorporated into health drinks, teas, and energy bars targeting liver health or detoxification.
      • Nutraceuticals: Used in capsule or tablet form for convenient daily intake.

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

  • Botanical name: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.

  • Plant part used: Seeds

  • Extraction method: Water–ethanol extraction + resin purification

  • Appearance: Yellow-brown fine powder

  • Assay (HPLC): Silymarin 80% / 70% / 50% customizable

  • Active markers: Silybin A & B, Isosilybin, Silydianin, Silychristin

  • 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:

  • soothing stressed skin

  • protecting against environmental damage

  • 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:

  • supporting digestion

  • restoring balance after alcohol consumption

  • 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

  • Combine with NAC, Choline, Vitamin B Complex, or Turmeric Extract to enhance detox & liver support activities.

  • For beverages, use water-dispersible Silymarin version.

  • For cosmetics, pair with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, or Vitamin E for improved anti-oxidative synergy.

  • 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

  • Shelf life: 24 months unopened

  • Conditions: Store in cool, dry place below 25°C; protect from direct sunlight and moisture.

  • Packaging: 1 kg/foil bag; 25 kg/drum; customized packaging available


10. Sample Policy, Logistics & MOQ

  • Free sample herbal extract: 20–50 g available for quality evaluation

  • MOQ: 1 kg

  • Lead time: 3–5 days

  • Shipping: FedEx / DHL air express; sea freight for bulk orders

  • Custom services: OEM/ODM, customized herbal extract development, and formulation assistance


11. Applicable Industries & Use Cases

Industries

  • Dietary supplements

  • Functional drinks & health foods

  • Cosmetics & personal care

  • Pharmaceutical intermediates

  • Food-grade botanical extract supplier applications

  • Nutraceutical and wellness products

  • Veterinary supplements

Use Scenarios

  • Capsules, tablets, gummies

  • Effervescent powders & detox beverage sticks

  • Liver health supplements

  • Anti-oxidation skin serums and creams

  • Herbal detox blends

  • Beauty-from-within formulas


12. How to Use Silymarin Extract

  • Oral Supplements: Blend into premix powders or compress into tablets with flow agents.

  • Beverage Applications: Use water-soluble Silymarin for clear drinks.

  • Cosmetics: Add during the cooling stage (<45°C) to maintain stability.


13. Certification & Documentation

  • GMP

  • ISO9001 / ISO22000

  • HACCP

  • Halal

  • COA + MSDS + Allergen Statement

  • 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)

(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

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