Agricultural phenotype and silymarin content variations of cultivated milk thistle in Korea

Investigating agricultural traits and silymarin content variations in the domestic cultivation environment is necessary since the interest in milk thistle has increased as a high-income cash crop or plant capable of crop rotation. Therefore, this study selected six varieties cultivated for three years in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, and one year in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, to analyze agricultural phenotypes and silymarin content variations. Among the varieties, M05 and M03 expressed the highest silybin and silymarin contents, maintaining a silybin ratio of over 15%. In addition, M03 and M05 exhibited no or minimal silydianin content in both regions, likely due to genetic factors. However, silydianin content tended to increase in most Haenam varieties, excluding M03 and M05. Compared to other varieties, M06 had a notably higher silydianin content and was further accumulated in Haenam, indicating a potential environmental influence.