Milk thistle extract is a natural active component derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Its primary active compound is silymarin, which mainly composed of Silybin, Isosilybin, Silydianin, and Silychristin.

The characteristic of silymarin is that it is easily soluble in acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol, slightly soluble in chloroform, and difficult to dissolve in water. Therefore, silymarin is extracted with acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol or methanol currently.

The core efficacy of milk thistle extract focuses on liver protection and repair. Its active component, silymarin, neutralizes free radicals through antioxidant mechanisms, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and reduces liver cell damage. It also stabilizes liver cell membranes, promotes protein synthesis, and accelerates liver cell regeneration. Clinical studies indicate its supportive role in improving conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. Additionally, silymarin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, regulates cholesterol metabolism, mildly lowers blood sugar, and shows potential antitumor activity, demonstrating diverse value in the management of chronic metabolic diseases.

In the food industry, tomato extract serves as a natural pigment and nutritional fortifier, widely used in beverages, sauces, dairy products, and health foods to enhance color and nutritional value. In the health product sector, it is often formulated into capsules, tablets, and other dosage forms for dietary supplements targeting antioxidant support, men’s health, and skin care. The cosmetics industry leverages its antioxidant and photoprotective properties by incorporating it into creams, serums, and other products to delay skin aging. Additionally, exploratory applications exist in animal feed and pharmaceutical research.