Evaluation of quality attributes and antimicrobial characteristics of cold-pressed milk thistle ( Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn) seed oil to ascertain its potential applications

(14.92 mm), which also exhibited the lowest MIC (0.023 mg/L) and minimum fungicidal concentration (0.016 mg/L) values. This study provides not only a physical analysis of cold-pressed MTSO but also a thorough evaluation of its chemical and biological properties. In this study, the potential of oil obtained by cold-pressing - a natural method - the seeds of milk thistles collected from their natural habitat was evaluated, particularly in the food industry and related sectors. The results showed that, in addition to being consumed directly as food, it can also be used as a natural food preservative due to its antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, owing to the beneficial compounds in its composition, it can also be considered a natural raw material suitable for use in the medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.