What is silymarin’s bioavailability?

Silybinin, silymarin’s main bioactive component, exhibits low bioavailability, and several factors influence its absorption. The concentration of the extract, the choice of capsule material in the supplement formulation, and the presence of other substances (e.g., flavonoids, phenolics, amino acids, proteins, and tocopherol) can impact silybin’s solubility. Manufacturers often enhance solubility by incorporating solubilizing substances or carriers into the supplement formulation. However, studies have found significant variations in the content, solubility, and bioavailability of silybin among different brands and preparations. These variations may not always align with the information provided by manufacturers.^[1]