Organic Milk Thistle Powder is derived from the seeds of Silybum marianum (Linn.) Gaertn., a well-known botanical ingredient used for centuries in traditional wellness formulations. In modern ingredient supply chains, milk thistle is widely recognized for its role in liver-supporting formulas, dietary supplements, functional foods, and nutraceutical development.
Milk thistle is also known as Mary Thistle, Blessed Milk Thistle, Mediterranean Milk Thistle, Scotch Thistle, and Marian Thistle. The plant is native to regions around the Mediterranean and is also found in other temperate areas. The seed is the primary raw material used for extraction, as it contains the key bioactive compounds associated with milk thistle functionality.
As a standardized botanical ingredient, Organic Milk Thistle Powder is valued for its concentrated composition, formulation flexibility, and broad use in B2B product development. It is commonly selected by manufacturers, brands, and distributors seeking a reliable plant-based ingredient for health products with clean-label positioning.
Product Overview
Organic Milk Thistle Powder is produced from carefully selected milk thistle seeds through solvent extraction, using acetone/ethanol as the extraction medium. Depending on the target specification, the ingredient can be supplied in different standardized grades to meet diverse formulation requirements.
Basic Information
- Product Name: Organic Milk Thistle Powder (Milk Thistle Extract)
- Latin Name: Silybum marianum (Linn.) Gaertn.
- Place of Origin: Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, China
- Part Used: Seed
- Extraction Type: Solvent Extraction (Acetone/Ethanol)
- Active Ingredients: Silymarin, Silybin, Isosilybin, Silychristin, Silydianin
- CAS No.: 65666-07-1 / 22888-70-6
- Molecular Formula: C25H22O10
- Formula Weight: 482.44
- Test Method: HPLC / UV
Synonyms
Silybum marianum, Cardus marianus, milk thistle, blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, Scotch thistle, silymarin.
Product Specifications
Organic Milk Thistle Powder can be supplied in different specifications to support various product concepts and processing requirements:
- 10:1 Brown yellow powder
- Silymarin 45%–60% USP yellow powder
- Silymarin 80% & Silybin + Isosilybin 30% Yellow powder
- Silybin 70%–98% White powder
- Water-soluble Silymarin 10%–45% Brown yellow powder
These options allow formulators to choose the most suitable grade based on desired potency, color, solubility, and end-product positioning.
Quality Control and Testing
Quality consistency is essential for botanical ingredients used in nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical applications. Organic Milk Thistle Powder is tested using recognized analytical methods to ensure batch-to-batch reliability and product conformity.
Typical Analysis
- Assay (Silymarin): 80.00% Min / Result 80.26%
- Appearance: Light yellow powder
- Heavy Metals: 20 ppm Max
- Arsenic (As): 2 ppm Max
- Mercury (Hg): 1 ppm Max
- Total Plate Count: 1,000 cfu/g Max
- Yeast & Mold: 100 cfu/g Max
- Salmonella: Negative
Test Methods
- UV
- Visual
- AAS
- AOAC
This quality framework supports use by manufacturers that require controlled raw materials for stable production, regulatory documentation, and consistent finished-product performance.
Botanical Source and Ingredient Characteristics
Milk thistle seeds are the main source of silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans that includes silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin. These compounds are widely studied in botanical ingredient applications for their role in antioxidant-focused and liver-support formulas.
From a formulation standpoint, Organic Milk Thistle Powder offers several practical advantages:
- Suitable for powdered blends and capsule formulations
- Available in water-soluble and non-water-soluble forms
- Compatible with a wide range of nutritional product systems
- Can be standardized to different active levels
- Fits clean-label and plant-based product concepts
Functional Positioning and Common Uses
Milk thistle is traditionally associated with liver wellness, digestive balance, and general health maintenance. In modern product development, it is often included in formulations designed to support everyday wellness and metabolic balance.
Commonly Discussed Functional Areas
Liver Health Support
Milk thistle is one of the most recognized botanical ingredients used in liver-focused supplement formulas.Antioxidant Support
The silymarin complex is commonly valued in botanical nutrition for its antioxidant-related properties.Healthy Aging Formulas
Milk thistle is often included in products positioned for cellular protection and wellness maintenance.Bone and Metabolic Wellness Formulations
It is also used in broader health-support blends targeting bone and metabolic balance.Skin and Beauty Supplements
Milk thistle is sometimes incorporated into beauty-from-within products and topical care concepts.Nutritional Support for Lactation and Women’s Wellness
Some product lines position milk thistle in women’s wellness formulations.Blood Sugar Support Formulas
It is also used in wellness products designed for metabolic support.
Applications
Organic Milk Thistle Powder is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications:
- Medicine
- Food additives
- Dietary supplements
- Sports nutrition
- Healthy food products
- Cosmetic ingredients
- General pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations
Its adaptability makes it a practical choice for brands developing tablets, capsules, powders, sachets, drink mixes, and botanical blends.
Benefits for B2B Buyers
For manufacturers, formulators, importers, and distributors, the value of Organic Milk Thistle Powder goes beyond its botanical reputation. It offers a combination of sourcing flexibility, standardized quality, and broad market recognition.
Key Commercial Advantages
- Strong consumer awareness in the botanical supplement market
- Multiple active-specification options for different product tiers
- Suitable for clean-label and plant-based product strategies
- Reliable raw material for repeated production runs
- Useful for both domestic and international market positioning
- Appropriate for private label, contract manufacturing, and wholesale supply
Storage and Handling
To preserve product quality, Organic Milk Thistle Powder should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors. Proper sealing after opening is recommended to help maintain stability during storage and transit.
Packaging
The product is supplied in resealable paper pouches for freshness and convenience. This packaging format helps protect the material during storage while supporting easier handling for customers and downstream processors.
Product Attributes
Organic Milk Thistle Powder is described as:
- Pure
- Natural
- Non-GMO
- Vegan suitable
- Certified organic
These characteristics make it suitable for brands that prioritize clean-label ingredient sourcing and consumer-friendly product claims, subject to local regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request samples of Organic Milk Thistle Powder?
Yes. Free samples can be supplied, while shipping costs are paid by the customer.
How do I place an order or make payment?
A proforma invoice will be issued after order confirmation, along with bank information. Payment methods include T/T, Western Union, and Escrow.
What is the MOQ?
The MOQ is 1 kg. Smaller quantities such as 100 g may also be accepted, provided the sample charge is fully paid.
What is the lead time?
Lead time is usually about 3–5 days after payment confirmation, excluding Chinese holidays.
Is there a discount for larger orders?
Yes. Pricing discounts vary depending on order quantity.
How are quality complaints handled?
Quality control procedures are designed to minimize issues. If a verified quality problem is caused by us, replacement goods or a refund will be arranged accordingly.
