FlavScents AInsights Entry for Silybum Marianum Seed Extract (CAS: 84604-20-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Milk Thistle Seed Extract
- CAS Number: 84604-20-6
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant.
- Source: The extract is obtained from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region but now found worldwide.
- Key Constituents: Typically includes silymarin (a complex of flavonolignans), silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin. Composition may vary based on origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: The extract has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty aroma. It is not typically used for its flavor or fragrance properties but rather for its functional benefits.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
- Typical Sensory Role: Primarily used for its health benefits rather than as a flavor or fragrance component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, is the primary source.
- Formation Pathways: The extract is obtained through solvent extraction of the seeds, which contain the active compounds.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: While it can be labeled as a natural product, its use in flavors and fragrances is limited due to its primary application in health supplements.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Rarely used in flavor applications due to its primary role in health supplements.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Not applicable.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found.
- Stability Considerations: Generally stable under typical storage conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not commonly used in fragrance formulations.
- Functional Role: Not applicable.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Data not found.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not applicable.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Major Constituents: Silymarin complex, including silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin.
- Composition Variability: Varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not listed as GRAS for flavor use.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed for flavor use.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Limited data available; typically regulated as a health supplement.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Limited data available; typically regulated as a health supplement.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Primarily used in dietary supplements; generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data; not typically used in topical applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not applicable due to limited use in fragrances.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.
- Typical Synergies: Often combined with other herbal extracts in dietary supplements.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Over-reliance on its health claims without sufficient scientific backing.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Overused in supplements without clear evidence of efficacy.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-established Data: Known for its health benefits, particularly in liver protection.
- Industry-typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in supplements is widespread despite limited regulatory approval for specific health claims.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of comprehensive safety data for non-supplement uses.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present.
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section.
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges: Not applicable due to limited use.
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation.
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America.
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material.
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-03-25 06:32:09 GMT (p2)