Milk Thistle PS, 60 capsules

The milk thistle (also Marian thistle or Silybum marianum)

The name “milk thistle” derives from the legend that the white spots on the leaves come from the milk of the Virgin Mary. In the production of milk thistle dietary supplements, the seeds (fruits) are typically used for extraction. The black seed coat contains flavonolignans (including silymarin with the main component silybin), flavonoids and phenolic derivatives. Silybin is the main component. Vitals’ milk thistle-PS contains the patented ingredient Siliphos®, a silybin-standardised milk thistle extract whose bioavailability is greatly increased by combining it with phosphatidylcholine (Phytosome® technology).

Enhanced bioavailability thanks to Phytosome® technology

The use of the patented Phytosome® technology from the Italian company Indena has significantly increased the bioavailability of milk thistle-PS. The word “phytosome” is composed of the Greek terms phuton (plant) and soma (body, particle). The patented process reduces the natural clumping of certain poorly absorbable phytonutrients (such as those from milk thistle) and combines them with phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine) from sunflower lecithin. The active substances are not encapsulated in capsules like liposomes; instead a homogeneous mixture of small, easily absorbable particles is formed. Milk thistle contains active compounds that are both hydrophilic (flavonoids, phenolic derivatives) and lipophilic (flavonolignans). Phospholipids have lipophilic properties on one side and hydrophilic properties on the other. Phytonutrients therefore often bind to phospholipids and form so-called phytosomes, which allows particularly good absorption. Cell membranes (such as those of intestinal cells) are composed of a phospholipid bilayer to enable good uptake of active substances (see Figure 1). Research has shown that the bioavailability of silybin from Siliphos® is increased tenfold by the use of this phytosome technology compared with a standard milk thistle extract.

Different from liposome technology

In a liposome the active substance is located in the centre of a little vesicle with a double layer of phospholipids. Phytosome® technology produces a truly homogeneous mixture and the active substance is not encapsulated. Therefore far fewer phospholipids are required than with liposomes.

About Indena

Indena is an Italian manufacturer with offices around the world and an expert in the field of phytonutrients. Through extensive research and technological developments they deliver high-quality products with a solid basis and excellent bioavailability.

Active ingredients

* No reference intake is specified according to the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
Siliphos® is a combination of milk thistle extract with phospholipids from lecithin, produced using Phytosome® technology. Siliphos® and Phytosome® are registered trademarks of Indena S.p.A., Italy.

Ingredients

Emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum, fruit), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), rice starch (Oryza sativa).

Recommended intake

Take 2–3 capsules per day with water at a meal.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place protected from light (do not refrigerate).

Legal notice

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.