Milk Thistle Extract

Description

1. Product Overview

Milk Thistle Extract is a premium botanical ingredient derived from the seeds of Silybum marianum, standardized for its active flavonolignan compound complex known as silymarin. It is widely used in nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods, and herbal healthcare formulations due to its recognized antioxidant and liver-supporting properties. With growing global demand for plant-based wellness solutions, Milk Thistle Extract provides manufacturers with a high-value natural ingredient that supports clean-label product development and consumer health trends. Its standardized quality, traceable sourcing, and broad application potential make it a strategic raw material for the expanding botanical ingredients market.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Botanical Source: Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) seed extract
• Active Components: Silymarin complex (including Silybin, Isosilybin, Silydianin, and Silychristin)
• Standardization Options: Available in 70%, 80%, or customized silymarin content grades
• Purity Level: Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food-grade options available
• Appearance: Fine brownish-yellow to yellow powder
• Particle Size: Typically 80–100 mesh (customizable based on application requirements)
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in suitable organic solvents
• Moisture Content: ≤5% (standard specification, customizable)
• Heavy Metals: Controlled according to international food and supplement safety standards
• Microbial Limits: Compliant with applicable GMP and food safety requirements
• Packaging Options: 25 kg fiber drums with inner food-grade polyethylene bags; customized bulk packaging available
• Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplement Industry: Used as a key active ingredient in capsules, tablets, powders, and herbal formulations targeting liver wellness and antioxidant support.
• Functional Food & Beverage Industry: Incorporated into health drinks, nutritional blends, and wellness products requiring natural botanical extracts.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Utilized as a botanical active ingredient in traditional and modern herbal medicine formulations.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry: Applied in antioxidant-focused skincare products designed to support skin protection and anti-aging formulations.

Performance Advantages:

• Provides a concentrated source of standardized botanical compounds compared with raw herbal powders.
• Enables consistent product performance through controlled active ingredient levels.
• Supports clean-label formulations with a natural plant-derived ingredient profile.
• Offers cost efficiency through higher potency and reduced formulation volumes compared with unstandardized extracts.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Manufactured under strict quality control systems with standardized active compound testing to ensure batch-to-batch reliability.
• Supply Reliability: Supported by established botanical sourcing networks and scalable production capacity for global industrial buyers.
• Logistics Capability: Available in bulk export packaging with efficient container loading solutions for international supply chains.
• Price Competitiveness: Optimized extraction processes provide strong value compared with premium botanical alternatives.
• Sustainability Benefits: Derived from renewable plant-based resources with responsible agricultural sourcing practices.
• Technical Support & Documentation: Available with COA, MSDS, specification sheets, allergen declarations, and quality compliance documentation to support regulatory requirements.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT
• Loading Capacity: Approximately 20 MT per 20-foot container (depending on packaging configuration and shipping requirements)