Silymarin is a complex extracted from the dried seeds and fruits of the plant Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Silymarin contains a mixture of flavonolignans (silybin, isosilibinin, silichristin, and silidianin) and a flavonoid (taxifolin). Silybin is recognized as the primary bioactive component, constituting 50–70% of the extract, and commercial supplements are often standardized based on its content.[1][2][3][4]
What is silymarin?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Silymarin is a complex derived from the dried seeds and fruits of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum) and consists mainly of flavonolignans and a flavonoid. Silybin is the primary bioactive component and typically makes up 50% to 70% of the extract, and commercial supplements are often standardized based on its concentration.