Poor absorption can be a major challenge in nutritional science, particularly for fat-soluble compounds that do not dissolve well in water. Even ingredients with strong research can have difficulty reaching sufficient concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing their potential effectiveness. This issue is particularly relevant to silymarin, a milk thistle extract widely used for liver support but characterized by poor bioavailability and limited absorption.

As liver and metabolic health gain increasing attention, ingredients such as silymarin are likely to become more relevant. However, addressing its known absorption challenges remains essential. A new two-phase study shows that PL+ Silymarin significantly improves silybin absorption compared to silymarin alone.

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Trial Method, Doses and Results  

A multi-experiment study evaluated PL+Silymarin, an optimally formulated composition of krill oil phospholipids and milk thistle extract, designed to enhance its absorption and bioavailability by improving intestinal transport and cellular delivery.

This study used a two-step sequential experimental design to assess how PL+ affects silymarin bioavailability. It measured intestinal transport, overall absorption, peak blood levels, and uptake kinetics using both in vitro and human clinical models.

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Phase 1: INVITRO (24-hour timeframe)

·     Intestinal absorption was tested using an in vitro model that simulates the human intestinal lining.

·     The study compared PL+Silymarin vs. standard silymarin (plus a control group).

·     Multiple formulations were created using different amounts of milk thistle extract (standardized to 80%silymarin).

·     All samples underwent simulated gastrointestinal digestion to mimic real human digestion conditions.

·     After digestion, the samples were placed on intestinal cell models to test absorption.

·     Absorption was measured usingsilybin, the main active compound of silymarin.

Results:

·     Results showed that PL+Technology increased silybin transport across intestinal cells compared to standard milk thistle in all formulations.

·     The effect was dose-dependent: higher extract levels led to greater silybin absorption in PL+ formulations.

Phase 2: HUMAN CLINICAL TRIAL

·     A randomized, two-way crossover with 18 total subjects.

·     Dose: 1,140 mg Krill Oil &100 mg Milk Thistle Extract.

·     Participants fasted for at least 10 hours overnight to reduce variability from food intake.

·     A baseline blood sample was taken before dosing, and after dosing, blood samples were collected over 8hours at multiple times.

·     Participants stayed under controlled fasting conditions during the early absorption phase to keep conditions consistent.

Results:

·     Results were used to compare how much and how quickly silybin was absorbed between the PL+Silymarin group versus the silymarin exclusive group.

·     The PL+ Silymarin group had approximately a 15× increase in the blood than Silymarin alone.

·     The speed of absorption was faster with the PL+ Silymarin group.

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The Power of PL+ and Why it’s Important for Formulation

This two-phase study showed that PL+Silymarin significantly improved the absorption and bioavailability of silybin compared with silymarin alone. For brands looking to formulate with silymarin, this is crucial.

PL+ Silymarin enhances nutrient absorption at the same dose, enabling faster delivery to target tissues while improving formulation performance and systemic exposure, all supported by a clinically validated phospholipid delivery platform designed for poorly soluble compounds.

PL+ Silymarin stands apart from synthetic delivery systems by harnessing the natural properties of krill oil phospholipids. This creates a healthier delivery platform that offers advantages extending beyond enhanced absorption. By pairing the liver-supporting properties of silymarin with the broad health benefits of krill oil (including its own support for liver health), PL+ Silymarin delivers a comprehensive approach designed to promote liver health through multiple pathways.