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Milk Thistle Extract Silymarin has carved an important place in both the supplement world and pharmaceutical raw material sector. Sourced from the seeds of Silybum marianum, silymarin refers to a group of flavonolignans. These compounds lend the extract its signature yellow appearance, which usually ranges between pale yellow powder to off-white crystalline flakes depending on purity and manufacturing process. Over the years, companies have paid close attention to traceability, using high-performance liquid chromatography to confirm extract content and purity, a fact that matters not just for end-users but for businesses navigating strict international standards.
This extract generally appears as a free-flowing, fine powder, but suppliers also offer flakes, granules, pearls, or even solutions in ethanol or water for special use cases. Bulk orders often require careful packaging to avoid moisture, since silymarin absorbs water on prolonged exposure, which can affect its stability and shelf life. Experienced buyers know that storage below 25°C in a dry, well-ventilated environment shields it from degradation and caking. In the lab, silymarin’s melting point hovers around 158-163°C, and it remains practically insoluble in water yet dissolves readily in ethanol and acetone. This makes the extract ideal for versatile applications, especially when working with pharmaceutical or health supplement manufacturing where solvent choice and product consistency matter.
Silymarin stands as a mixture, primarily composed of silybin, silychristin, and silydianin, with silybin making up nearly 50-60%. The molecular formula for silybin, the main constituent, is C25H22O10. Its molecular weight is approximately 482.44 g/mol, which helps chemists and buyers calculate batch quantities and anticipate storage volume. Crystalline forms of silymarin shimmer under a microscope, while powder variants almost always appear matte. In practice, purity levels typically range from 70% to 80% silymarin by HPLC, though pharmaceutical manufacturers often request certifications confirming these values.
Pure silymarin powder usually offers a bulk density of about 0.45–0.80 g/cm³. For anyone calculating logistics or mixing quantities, this density supports accurate weight-to-volume conversions in production. The consistency of bulk materials plays a role far more vital than many would imagine—a dense powder means easier storage, faster dissolution in compatible solvents, and cleaner transfer during tablet or capsule processing. Specific gravity and density directly affect cost calculations, so every small-scale processor or industrial buyer pays close attention to these metrics before finalizing purchase orders.
International trade of silymarin often falls under HS Code 2932999099, grouped with other organic compounds. The code simplifies customs documentation and aggregated import/export analysis. In practice, transport follows regulations outlined in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Silymarin classifies as a non-hazardous, non-toxic material in its pure form according to commonly cited GHS guidelines. No acute toxicity has been recorded in standard handling situations, though mild eye and respiratory irritation could occur in dusty conditions. Proper use of gloves and protective masks in large-scale settings almost completely eliminates these risks. From personal experience in raw material handling facilities, investing in quality storage containers and efficient extraction ventilation saves costs, reduces product loss, and ensures regulatory compliance day after day.
By positioning silymarin as both a health supplement and a food additive, companies serve a broad cross-section of consumers—from liver congestion sufferers to those interested in dietary antioxidants. Some manufacturers blend silymarin into cosmetic creams, bath pearls, and even functional beverages. In my work with ingredient development teams, attention always focuses on product freshness and accurate label claims. A robust supply chain, verified through batch certifications and transparent documentation, answers growing demands from both regulators and customers.
Silymarin sourcing directly ties into environmental and agricultural practices in the main growing regions such as Central Europe and Asia. Sustainable seed collection and minimal processing waste lower overall costs and environmental footprint. These practices matter beyond buzzwords, offering a real solution for companies aiming to stay ahead of new green chemistry regulations. Traceable supply chains, from the farm to finished extract, now drive the highest demand. Trained procurement teams prioritize suppliers able to certify origin, manufacturing process, and product consistency to guarantee the highest E-E-A-T standards.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
