Buyer summary: Milk thistle extract powder 80% silymarin and milk thistle fruit extract 10:1 are different procurement specifications. The 80% grade sets a measurable silymarin target, while 10:1 describes an extraction ratio and does not guarantee an 80% silymarin content.
Two milk thistle grades compared
| Grade | Specification meaning | Primary verification |
|---|---|---|
| 80% silymarin extract | Standardized to a declared silymarin assay | Actual assay, method, basis and marker profile |
| 10:1 fruit extract | Ratio-defined extract based on botanical input and extract output | Ratio basis, solvent, carrier, identity and yield definition |
Why 80% and 10:1 are not interchangeable
A percentage specification answers how much of a declared marker is measured. An extract ratio describes the manufacturing relationship between raw botanical material and extract under a defined process. A 10:1 grade cannot be assumed to contain a particular silymarin percentage, and an 80% silymarin grade should not be described only by an extract ratio.
When to choose 80% silymarin
Select the standardized grade when the formula, customer specification or finished-product documentation requires a defined silymarin input. Confirm the assay method, numerical batch result, reporting basis and any required constituent profile. Calculate formulation input using the agreed specification rather than only the product name.
When a 10:1 fruit extract may fit
A 10:1 grade may suit projects that specify a conventional ratio extract instead of a guaranteed silymarin assay. Confirm the botanical identity and plant part, the input-to-extract ratio definition, extraction solvent, native extract content, carrier or excipient and physical properties.
COA and sample checks
- Match the botanical name, fruit or seed terminology and exact grade.
- For 80% silymarin, check the actual result, unit, method and basis.
- For 10:1, verify how the ratio is calculated and documented.
- Review extraction solvent, carrier, moisture, particle size and density.
- Align heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents and microbiology with the target market.
- Make sure the sample label and COA show the same batch.
Use LongBio’s COA buyer checklist and quality and certification information during qualification.
RFQ checklist
State the required grade, assay method or ratio definition, intended application, target market, quantity, carrier restrictions, physical-property needs, contaminant limits, packaging and documentation. Request the current specification and a recent or sample COA for the exact grade. Send the requirement through the contact page if method alignment or grade selection needs discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Does 10:1 mean 10% silymarin?
No. A ratio does not establish the silymarin percentage.
Is 80% silymarin automatically suitable for every formula?
No. Suitability also depends on method, composition, dosage calculation, carrier, physical properties and market requirements.
Should buyers compare the two grades by price per kilogram?
Only after the required specification is aligned. Otherwise the prices represent different materials.
What documents should accompany a sample?
Request the current specification, sample or batch COA and relevant declarations for the exact grade.