What Is Silymarin Powder?
Silymarin Powder is a standardized milk thistle extract derived from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., a botanical ingredient widely recognized in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food industries. Milk thistle has a long history of use in traditional herbal preparations, and modern interest in Silymarin Powder centers on its naturally occurring flavonolignans, especially silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin.
As a plant extract ingredient, Silymarin Powder is commonly selected for formulations focused on liver health, antioxidant support, digestive wellness, and general nutritional supplementation. It is also valued by manufacturers for its well-established botanical identity, broad application potential, and scalable supply in different standardization levels.
Botanical Source and Raw Material Origin
Silymarin Powder is produced from milk thistle seeds, the part of the plant most commonly used for extraction. The raw material is sourced from Liaoning and Inner Mongolia, China, regions known for supplying botanical materials used in industrial extraction.
Careful selection of seed material is important for consistency in flavonolignan content and final extract quality. In professional production, the origin, harvest conditions, and post-harvest handling of the raw herb all influence the stability and reproducibility of the finished Silymarin Powder.
Extraction and Processing
Silymarin Powder is typically obtained through solvent extraction, using acetone and/or ethanol as the extraction medium. This process is widely used in the industry to concentrate the active constituents from milk thistle seed and produce a standardized extract suitable for different formulation needs.
Depending on the target specification, the product may be further refined into various grades, including water-soluble forms or higher-purity silybin fractions. A controlled extraction and purification process helps improve batch consistency, reduce unwanted plant residues, and support reliable downstream use in capsules, tablets, beverage powders, and other finished products.
Key Active Constituents
The primary active components in Silymarin Powder include:
- Silymarin
- Silybin
- Isosilybin
- Silychristin
- Silydianin
These flavonolignans are the main reason milk thistle extract is widely used in dietary supplement and health product formulations. Depending on the specification, the extract may be standardized to different concentrations to meet product design requirements.
Basic Information
Product Name: Silymarin Powder (Milk Thistle Extract)
Latin Name: Silybum marianum (Linn.) Gaertn.
Part Used: Seed
Place of Origin: Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, China
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
Silymarin Powder is available in multiple specifications to suit different product categories and formulation goals:
- 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 give formulators flexibility when developing products for capsules, tablets, powder blends, beverages, and other applications requiring botanical actives with different strength levels and processing characteristics.
Quality Control and Analytical Data
Consistent quality is essential for botanical extracts used in regulated and semi-regulated markets. Silymarin Powder is commonly evaluated through identity and assay testing, impurity monitoring, and microbiological control.
Example Specification and Test 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 |
Analytical control such as HPLC or UV testing supports batch-to-batch uniformity and gives manufacturers greater confidence during formulation and quality release.
Functional Properties and Product Value
Silymarin Powder is widely known for its role in botanical formulations designed to support liver function and general wellness. It is also used in product concepts targeting antioxidant defense, metabolic balance, and daily nutritional maintenance.
From a product development standpoint, the extract is attractive because it combines recognized botanical positioning with flexible dosage formats. Its long-standing use in herbal traditions and continued attention in modern ingredient development make it a practical choice for brands seeking a familiar, marketable plant extract.
Common Industry Applications
Silymarin Powder is used in a range of industries and finished products, including:
- Pharmaceutical preparations
- Dietary supplements
- Functional foods
- Sports nutrition products
- Water-soluble beverage formulations
- Capsules and tablets
- Healthy lifestyle and wellness products
For formulators, the ingredient can be adapted to different finished-product types depending on solubility, dosage, and target market requirements. Water-soluble grades are especially useful in beverage and instant powder applications, while higher-strength extracts are often preferred for capsules and tablets.
Formulation Considerations
When developing products with Silymarin Powder, manufacturers typically consider:
- Standardization level
- Solubility requirements
- Final dosage form
- Powder flow and blending performance
- Compatibility with other botanical extracts, vitamins, minerals, and excipients
- Shelf-life and packaging conditions
Water-soluble silymarin grades may be selected when improved dispersion is needed in beverage systems. More concentrated extracts, such as silymarin 80% or silybin-rich grades, are often chosen for compact dosage forms where active loading is important.
Storage and Handling
To maintain product quality, Silymarin Powder should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Proper storage helps preserve powder stability and reduce the risk of caking or quality loss during warehousing and transport.
As with most botanical extracts, unopened packaging should be kept sealed until use, and handling should follow standard GMP-related material control practices.
Packaging and Supply
Packaging specifications can be arranged according to customer requirements, making the ingredient suitable for wholesale buyers, contract manufacturers, and international distributors. Bulk supply options are especially important for brands and processors needing stable sourcing for repeated production runs.
Why Choose Silymarin Powder for Your Product Line?
Silymarin Powder offers several advantages for manufacturers and brand owners:
- Well-recognized botanical ingredient with strong market familiarity
- Multiple specification options for different formulation needs
- Suitable for supplement, food, and beverage applications
- Extracted from a traditional medicinal plant with broad consumer recognition
- Available in standardized and water-soluble forms
- Supported by analytical testing for identity, purity, and microbiological quality
For B2B buyers, these features support efficient product development, regulatory documentation, and consistent finished-product performance.
Supplier Strength
Extracts China focuses on supplying high-quality botanical extracts with attention to raw material control, extraction consistency, and reliable batch quality. With experience in milk thistle extract production, the company supports customers who need stable sourcing, tailored specifications, and responsive service for international trade.
Manufacturers, brand owners, and distributors often look for more than just price. They need dependable composition, traceable materials, and a supply partner capable of meeting ongoing demand. Silymarin Powder from Extracts China is positioned to meet those needs with a professional B2B approach.
Ordering and Business Support
If you are sourcing Silymarin Powder for capsules, tablets, beverage powders, or other nutritional applications, please contact us for product details, specification options, and quotation support.
Email: [email protected]
FAQ
Can I get samples of Silymarin Powder?
Yes, samples can be provided. Shipping costs are paid by the customer.
How do I start an order or make payment?
A proforma invoice will be issued after order confirmation, along with bank details. Payment methods may include T/T, Western Union, or Escrow (Alibaba).
What is your MOQ?
The MOQ is 1 kg. Smaller quantities, such as 100 g, may be accepted if the sample charge is fully paid.
What is your lead time?
The usual lead time is about 3–5 days after payment confirmation, excluding Chinese holidays.
Is there a discount for larger orders?
Yes, pricing varies depending on quantity.
How do you handle quality complaints?
Quality control is designed to minimize quality issues. If a confirmed quality problem is caused by us, replacement goods or a refund can be arranged.
