Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Milk Thistle Extract Silymarin

Identification

Product Name: Milk Thistle Extract Silymarin
Common Names: Silybum marianum Extract, Milk Thistle Silymarin
Synonyms: Silymarin Complex, Silybin, Silydianin, Silychristin
Chemical Family: Flavonolignans
Recommended Use: Dietary supplement, herbal remedy ingredient, cosmetic additive
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor information as per shipment
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local supplier’s information for emergency contact
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Globally Harmonized System
Physical Hazards: Powder may form combustible dust concentrations in air
Health Hazards: May cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: Possible risk for aquatic environments if spillage occurs in large quantities
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None required under standard conditions
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, direct contact with skin and eyes; use proper workplace hygiene

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Silymarin (Standardized extract from Silybum marianum seeds)
Active Flavonolignans: Silybin, Silydianin, Silychristin
Typical Concentration: 60-80% Silymarin by weight
Inactive Components: Cellulose, starch, minor seed constituents, mineral residue
Impurities: None significant under standardized extract protocols
CAS Number: 22888-70-6 (Silymarin Complex overall)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air and rest, rinse mouth if dust inhaled, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical help if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical attention for any symptoms or if large quantities are ingested
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: May cause mild irritation or allergy-like symptoms in sensitive individuals

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets on dust clouds may disperse particles
Hazards from Combustion: Flammable as a fine powder; may release carbon oxides and minor organic byproducts
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard protective gear, use breathing apparatus for dust
Special Procedures: Avoid generating dust clouds, contain firewater runoff

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains or waterways
Spill Containment: Sweep or vacuum up using explosion-proof equipment
Cleanup Methods: Collect in labeled, sealable containers for proper waste disposal
Reference for Further Handling: Use of anti-static tools and proper ventilation recommended

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle powder in well-ventilated areas, use spill control procedures, avoid creating dust clouds
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, lab coats recommended, local exhaust ventilation useful for powder transfer
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed, moisture-proof containers in a cool, dry place; protect from heat and direct sunlight
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, sources of ignition
Specific Usage Advice: Keep container tightly closed after opening, label and date containers for tracking

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust extraction systems in powder processing areas
Exposure Limits: No specific workplace exposure limit assigned for silymarin; general dust exposure limits apply (OSHA/ACGIH nuisance dust limits)
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles for laboratory-scale handling
Skin Protection: Nitrile or polyethylene gloves for sustained exposure
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask in environments with airborne powder
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing before eating or drinking

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, yellow to brownish powder
Odor: Faint, characteristic herbal odor
pH: Not applicable or slightly acidic to neutral in aqueous suspension
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting, starting around 180°C
Solubility: Poorly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and methanol
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: Approximately 0.5–0.7 g/cm³ (bulk)
Flash Point: Not determined for plant extract
Partition Coefficient: Not available for complex mixtures
Autoignition Temperature: Not established
Explosive Properties: Dust may present a risk of combustion in air
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, open flames, static electricity, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, small organic volatiles under combustion
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No data showing acute toxicity at commonly encountered doses, based on human use histories
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild skin irritation in sensitized individuals
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Particulate can cause mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of dust may cause mild irritation, especially in those with allergies
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No known adverse reproductive effects from typical exposure levels
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term adverse effects in the context of historical medicinal use

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data available; as a plant extract, poses low concern in small quantities
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under natural conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not likely; component flavonolignans show rapid metabolism in mammals
Mobility in Soil: Low, based on solubility and adsorption to organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases could transiently increase organic load to water bodies, but dilution mitigates

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Burn in an appropriate chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber, or send to licensed disposal contractor
Container Disposal: Rinse, puncture, and recycle or dispose of containers in compliance with local regulations
Special Precautions: Prevent release to environment in uncontrolled quantities; avoid dust dispersal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Transport Special Precautions: Protect packaging from moisture; secure containers to prevent opening or spillage

Regulatory Information

US TSCA Status: Exempt as a naturally occurring material
EU Reach Status: Not considered a hazardous substance
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Not classified as hazardous
Other International Regulation: Subject to food, supplement, and cosmetic regulations where used in such products
Label Requirements: Standard labeling for non-hazardous plant powders; recommend batch, lot number, date