Find HS Code and trade information for milk thistle for dogs

Milk Thistle for Dogs

Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, now found globally. Its seeds contain a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is the active component responsible for its therapeutic effects, particularly its liver-protective properties. Its use in veterinary medicine, specifically for dogs, has gained prominence as a supportive treatment for various liver and kidney conditions.

Material & Composition

The key active constituents are found within the seeds of the milk thistle plant. These include:

• Silymarin: A complex mixture of flavonolignans, including silybin, isosilybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Silybin is considered the most biologically active component.
• Chicoric Acid: A phenolic compound with antioxidant properties.
• Flavonoids: Contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Milk thistle is available in several forms for canine use:

• Seed Powder: The whole crushed seed, less concentrated.
• Extracts: Standardized to contain a specific percentage of silymarin (e.g., 70% or 80%). Extracts offer a more potent and consistent dose.
• Capsules/Tablets: Convenient for administration, often containing standardized extracts.
• Liquid Extracts: Can be easily mixed with food or water.

Purpose & Function

Milk thistle functions primarily as a hepatoprotectant, meaning it protects the liver. Its mechanisms of action include:

• Antioxidant Activity: Silymarin scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and damage to liver cells.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces inflammation within the liver.
• Cellular Regeneration: Promotes the growth of new, healthy liver cells.
• Membrane Stabilization: Strengthens the outer membranes of liver cells, preventing toxins from entering.
• Increased Glutathione Production: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced by the liver; milk thistle can help boost its levels.

Usage Scenarios

Milk thistle is often used as a supportive treatment in dogs for the following conditions:

• Liver Disease: Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other forms of liver dysfunction.
• Toxin Exposure: Protection against liver damage caused by mycotoxins (found in moldy foods), certain medications, or environmental toxins.
• Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Mitigation of liver damage caused by certain pharmaceuticals.
• Pancreatitis: May help support liver function in dogs with pancreatitis, as the liver is often affected.
• Cholestasis: Conditions where bile flow is impaired.
• Age-Related Liver Support: To support liver health in older dogs.

Common Types & Forms

• Standardized Extracts (70% or 80% Silymarin): The most common and recommended form due to consistent potency. Dosage is typically based on silymarin content.
• Milk Thistle Seed Powder: Less concentrated; requires higher doses.
• Liposomal Milk Thistle: Encapsulated in liposomes to enhance absorption.
• Combination Products: Often found in liver support formulas alongside other beneficial ingredients like SAMe, choline, and vitamins.

Administration & Dosage

Dosage varies based on the dog's weight, the severity of the condition, and the form of milk thistle used. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before administering milk thistle to your dog. Typical dosages for standardized extracts range from 5-10 mg of silymarin per pound of body weight, given once or twice daily. It's generally administered with food to improve absorption.

Potential Side Effects & Precautions

Milk thistle is generally considered safe for dogs, but potential side effects are possible:

• Gastrointestinal Upset: Mild vomiting or diarrhea.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare, but possible.
• Drug Interactions: May interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver.
• Pregnancy/Lactation: Use with caution during pregnancy or lactation.
• Diabetes: Monitor blood glucose levels, as milk thistle may have mild hypoglycemic effects.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your dog.

Milk thistle for dogs falls under several potential classifications based on its use and form. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes, based on the provided information:

• 1211908931: Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered: Other: Other: Fresh or dried Substances having anesthetic, prophylactic or therapeutic properties and principally used as medicaments or as ingredients in medicaments: Other. This code applies if the milk thistle is used for its therapeutic properties as a medicinal ingredient for dogs. The tax rate is a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
• 1211908990: Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered: Other: Other: Fresh or dried Other: Other. This code is a broader classification for milk thistle used in pharmacy and has the same tax rate as 1211908931 (55.0%).
• 3003900190: Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of two or more constituents which have been mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale: Other Other. If the milk thistle is processed into a mixed medicament for dogs (not in measured doses or retail packaging), this HS code applies. The tax rate is a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 0.0%, and a tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.

It is important to note that if the milk thistle is formulated into a finished veterinary medicine, put up in measured doses or retail packaging, other HS codes within heading 3004 might be applicable, but those are not explicitly listed in the provided reference material.