Powdered Milk Thistle
Powdered Milk Thistle is a premium botanical ingredient prepared from carefully selected milk thistle seeds, the fruit of Silybum marianum (Linn.) Gaertn. Known for its naturally high silymarin content, this plant extract powder is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and nutraceutical formulations designed to support liver wellness and antioxidant-focused product concepts.
Milk thistle has long been recognized in the herbal ingredient market for its role in liver health support. Its key bioactive complex, silymarin, is composed of several flavonolignans, including silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin. In addition to silymarin, milk thistle seeds also contain naturally occurring phytonutrients such as vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, making Powdered Milk Thistle a versatile ingredient for modern health-oriented formulations.
Botanical Source and Raw Material Selection
Our Powdered Milk Thistle is derived from organically grown milk thistle seeds sourced from Eastern Europe and processed under controlled production conditions. The seeds are harvested by hand during the annual harvest season at the end of summer and into early autumn, when the botanical material reaches its optimal maturity.
After harvesting, the seeds undergo cold pressing to remove the oil fraction. The remaining solid material is then finely milled into powder, preserving the botanical identity of the raw material while providing a practical form for downstream manufacturing and formulation use.
Manufacturing Process
Powdered Milk Thistle Extract is produced from milk thistle fruits or seeds through defatting followed by solvent extraction using suitable solvents. This process helps concentrate the active constituents while maintaining batch consistency and formulation efficiency.
Depending on customer requirements, different standardized grades are available to support a range of product development needs, from general herbal nutrition blends to more concentrated botanical extract applications.
Basic Information
Product Name: Powdered Milk Thistle (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
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
Test Method: HPLC / UV
Product Specifications
- 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 specification options support different formulation goals, including capsules, tablets, sachets, beverage mixes, and other nutritional or functional product systems where extract standardization and processing compatibility are important.
Quality Control and Analytical Standards
To support product reliability and buyer confidence, Powdered Milk Thistle is tested using recognized analytical methods and quality control procedures. Standard testing includes assay, appearance, heavy metals, arsenic, mercury, and microbiological parameters.
Typical Analytical Results
| Analysis | Specification | Result | Test Method |
|---|---:|---:|---|
| Assay (Silymarin) | 80.00% Min | 80.26% | UV |
| Appearance | Light yellow powder | Complies | Visual |
| Heavy metals | 20 ppm Max | Complies | AAS |
| Arsenic (As) | 2 ppm Max | Complies | AAS |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1 ppm Max | Complies | AAS |
| Total Plate Count | 1,000 cfu/g Max | Complies | AOAC |
| Yeast & Mold | 100 cfu/g Max | Complies | AOAC |
| Salmonella | Negative | Negative | AOAC |
For ingredient buyers, consistent testing and specification control are essential for formulation stability, regulatory documentation, and supply chain confidence.
Functional Profile
Powdered Milk Thistle is commonly associated with liver support and antioxidant-oriented health formulations. Its silymarin content has made it a popular botanical ingredient in products formulated to help maintain normal liver function and overall wellness.
Key Functional Advantages
- Supports bile production and digestive efficiency
- Helps maintain cholesterol balance
- Stimulates digestive enzyme activity
- Supports liver health and natural detoxification pathways
- Assists the digestion of fatty foods
- Contributes to protection against oxidative stress
- May help support normal inflammatory balance
- Can be included in wellness formulas for digestive comfort
- Suitable for use in hangover-support product concepts
- Helps support defense against environmental stressors
These benefits make Powdered Milk Thistle a strong candidate for brands targeting liver health, antioxidant support, and everyday wellness positioning.
Application Areas
Powdered Milk Thistle is a multifunctional botanical raw material suitable for a wide range of industries:
- Food and beverage ingredients
- Health product formulations
- Dietary supplement manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical and general drug ingredient applications
- Health food and cosmetic ingredient systems
Its compatibility with diverse formulation formats makes it attractive to manufacturers, brand owners, contract formulators, importers, and distributors seeking a dependable herbal extract source.
Formulation and Processing Considerations
Powdered Milk Thistle can be integrated into blends where botanical standardization, color profile, and extract activity are important. Depending on the grade selected, it may be used in dry mixes, capsule fills, tablet blends, and other nutraceutical systems.
For formulators, key considerations include:
- Standardized silymarin content
- Powder appearance and flow characteristics
- Compatibility with other botanical ingredients
- Suitability for dry-blend processing
- Stability under proper storage conditions
- Selection of water-soluble or standard extract grades based on application requirements
Storage and Handling
To maintain quality and stability, Powdered Milk Thistle should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, moisture, and strong odors. Proper sealing and controlled warehouse conditions help preserve product integrity during storage and transportation.
Why Choose Extracts China
Extracts China supplies Powdered Milk Thistle with a focus on raw material traceability, standardized production, and consistent batch quality. By controlling sourcing, processing, and testing, we help customers reduce formulation risk and improve procurement efficiency.
For international buyers, distributors, and private label brands, reliable supply of botanical extract ingredients is essential. Our manufacturing approach supports stable quality, documentation readiness, and scalable supply for commercial projects.
Ordering Information
Contact: Ashley
Email: [email protected]
FAQ
Q1: Can I get samples?
A: Yes, free samples can be provided. Shipping cost is paid by the customer.
Q2: How do I start an order or make payment?
A: A proforma invoice will be issued after order confirmation, together with our bank details. Payment methods include T/T, Western Union, or Escrow (Alibaba).
Q3: What is your MOQ?
A: Our MOQ is 1 kg. Smaller quantities, such as 100 g, may be accepted if the sample charge is paid in full.
Q4: What is the lead time?
A: The typical lead time is about 3–5 days after payment confirmation, excluding Chinese holidays.
Q5: Is there a discount?
A: Yes, discounts vary depending on order quantity.
Q6: How do you handle quality complaints?
A: Our quality control system is designed to minimize quality issues. If a verified quality problem is caused by us, we will provide replacement goods or a refund for the loss.
