Description

Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract is obtained from the fruit of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). This extract is renowned for its high concentration of silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans, including silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. It is primarily valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-supportive properties, and is commonly utilized in skincare formulations and dietary supplements.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The extract's primary components are flavonolignans, with silymarin being the most significant. The main flavonolignans include:

Silibinin: The most prominent flavonoid, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Silidianin: Provides additional antioxidant properties and supports liver health.
Silicristin: Completes the silymarin profile with its unique biological activities.

These compounds have a flavonoid structure with various hydroxyl and methoxy groups, contributing to their biological efficacy.

Physical Properties:
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract is typically available as a brownish or yellowish powder or as a viscous liquid, depending on the extraction method used. It is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and methanol but has limited solubility in water. The consistency and color can vary based on the extraction process and purity.

Production Process:

Harvesting and Preparation: The fruits of the milk thistle plant are harvested and prepared for extraction.
Extraction: The fruits are subjected to extraction using solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or a blend of solvents. Advanced techniques, such as ultrasonic extraction or supercritical fluid extraction, may be employed to maximize yield and purity.
Purification: The extract is purified to isolate and concentrate the flavonolignans using methods such as chromatography.
Formulation: The purified extract is then incorporated into various products for consumer use.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. Commonly included in anti-aging creams, serums, and lotions to improve skin health and appearance.
Pharmaceuticals: Employed in dietary supplements for its liver-supportive and detoxifying benefits.
Functional Foods: Added to nutritional products for its overall health benefits and antioxidant properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production process should adhere to environmentally sustainable practices to reduce ecological impact. Proper disposal and management of solvents and waste materials are crucial.
Safety: Generally considered safe for topical and oral use. However, it is important to adhere to recommended guidelines and dosages to prevent potential allergic reactions or adverse effects. Safety assessments should be conducted for any new formulations or high concentrations.

INCI Functions:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84604-20-6 EC number 283-298-7