Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Ethiopia

When it comes to vertically integrated milk thistle extract manufacturing in Ethiopia, Ethiopia Natural Extracts Ltd. (ENE) is a name that comes up time and again. Founded in 2010, ENE started as a small farm in the Oromia region, where the cool, fertile highlands provide ideal conditions for growing milk thistle. Today, they've expanded into a full-scale manufacturer, controlling every step of the process—from planting organic-certified seeds to extracting silymarin in their state-of-the-art facility.

What sets ENE apart is their commitment to purity. They specialize in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 70% to 80%—a level that's hard to find among local suppliers. Their facility is GMP-certified, and they regularly conduct third-party lab tests to ensure heavy metal and pesticide levels are below international standards. If you're in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement industry, ENE's bulk milk thistle extract is a solid choice, with minimum order quantities (MOQs) starting at 50kg for powdered extract and 100L for liquid formulations.

Beyond manufacturing, ENE also acts as a supplier for smaller businesses, offering smaller batches (as low as 10kg) for startups or those testing new products. They've built a reputation for reliability, with most orders shipping within 5–7 business days. International clients praise their clear communication and willingness to provide custom formulations, such as standardized extracts for specific silymarin content.

If bulk is your priority, Green Thistle Wholesale Trading is the go-to wholesaler for milk thistle extract in Ethiopia. Based in Addis Ababa, they've built a network of small-scale farmers and extractors across the country, aggregating large volumes of milk thistle extract to offer competitive prices. Unlike manufacturers who grow their own plants, Green Thistle sources from verified partners, ensuring consistency by providing farmers with training on sustainable harvesting and post-processing techniques.

Green Thistle's sweet spot is bulk supply—they specialize in powdered milk thistle extract with silymarin levels of 60%–70%, which is ideal for dietary supplements, animal feed additives, and cosmetic formulations. Their MOQ is 200kg, but they offer discounts for orders over 500kg, making them popular with large-scale supplement brands and international exporters. They also stock organic and conventional options, so whether your brand is focused on natural ingredients or cost-effectiveness, they've got you covered.

What customers love most about Green Thistle is their flexibility. They're willing to negotiate payment terms for long-term clients and can arrange shipping to neighboring countries like Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti within 3–5 days. For businesses looking to scale quickly without compromising on quality, Green Thistle's bulk milk thistle extract is a reliable, budget-friendly option.

Himalayan Herbals Ethiopia may have a name that evokes mountainous regions, but their focus is firmly on Ethiopia's unique botanical heritage. As a supplier and trader, they specialize in high-quality, organic-certified extracts, and their milk thistle extract is no exception. Sourced from smallholder farms in the Bale Mountains, where the plants thrive in the clean, high-altitude air, their extract is prized for its rich silymarin content and low environmental impact.

Himalayan Herbals caters to the premium end of the market, with a focus on natural and organic skincare and supplement brands. Their milk thistle extract is cold-pressed to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients, resulting in a darker, more aromatic powder that's popular with formulators looking for "clean label" ingredients. They're certified by the EU Organic and USDA Organic programs, which is a big plus for brands exporting to Europe or North America.

While their MOQ is higher than some suppliers (starting at 25kg), Himalayan Herbals makes up for it with personalized service. They offer sample packs (500g–1kg) for testing, and their team of botanists is available to answer technical questions about extraction methods or shelf-life. If your brand values sustainability and organic certification, this is the supplier for you.

EthioBulk Extracts is a relative newcomer to the scene, but they've quickly made a name for themselves as a reliable milk thistle extract supplier with a focus on affordability. Founded in 2018, they partner with established manufacturers in the Amhara region to source high-quality extract, then resell it to local and regional clients at competitive prices. Their business model cuts out the middleman, allowing them to offer lower rates than many larger manufacturers.

EthioBulk specializes in standard milk thistle extract (silymarin 60%) and offers both powdered and liquid forms. They're particularly popular with small to medium-sized supplement brands and cosmetic companies that need consistent supply without the high MOQs of bigger wholesalers. Their minimum order is just 10kg, and they offer free delivery within Addis Ababa for orders over 50kg. For startups or businesses on a tight budget, EthioBulk is a great option to test the waters without committing to large quantities.

One thing to note: EthioBulk doesn't grow or process the extract themselves, so they rely on their partners for quality control. However, they're transparent about their sourcing and provide COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for every batch, giving clients peace of mind. If you're looking for a no-fuss supplier with fast turnaround times, EthioBulk is worth considering.

As the name suggests, Silymarin Solutions Ethiopia is all about milk thistle extract—and they do it exceptionally well. A dedicated manufacturer, they focus solely on producing high-silymarin extracts, making them experts in the field. Their facility in Hawassa is equipped with advanced extraction technology, including supercritical CO2 extraction, which results in a purer, more concentrated product than traditional solvent-based methods.

Silymarin Solutions offers extracts with silymarin levels from 70% up to 90%, targeting pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that require ultra-pure ingredients. Their strict quality control process includes testing each batch for silymarin content, microbial contamination, and heavy metals, with results available on request. They're also ISO 9001 certified, which speaks to their commitment to consistent quality.

While their focus is on high-end clients, Silymarin Solutions is willing to work with smaller businesses on custom projects. For example, they recently partnered with a local skincare brand to develop a milk thistle extract with added antioxidants for anti-aging creams. If you need a specialized, high-purity extract, this manufacturer has the expertise to deliver.

Oromia Botanical Traders is a family-owned business with deep roots in Ethiopia's herbal medicine traditions. For over 20 years, they've been trading in medicinal herbs, and in the last decade, they expanded into extracts—including milk thistle. Based in Adama, they work directly with farmers in the Oromia region, providing training and fair prices to ensure a steady supply of high-quality milk thistle seeds and leaves.

What makes Oromia Botanical Traders unique is their focus on traditional extraction methods, combined with modern quality testing. They use water-based extraction for their liquid milk thistle extract, which is popular with natural remedy brands and herbal tea companies. Their powdered extract, meanwhile, uses ethanol extraction, balancing tradition with efficiency to achieve silymarin levels of 65%–75%.

They're a great choice for businesses that value ethical sourcing and community impact. Oromia Botanical Traders is certified by Fair Trade Ethiopia, ensuring farmers receive a fair share of profits. Their MOQ is 15kg for powder and 50L for liquid extract, and they offer flexible payment plans for local businesses. If you want to support sustainable, community-driven supply chains, this trader is an excellent fit.

Addis Extracts & Exports PLC is one of Ethiopia's leading exporters of botanical extracts, and milk thistle is one of their flagship products. With a focus on international markets, they've built a reputation for meeting strict import standards in Europe, Asia, and North America. Their facility in Bishoftu is GMP and ISO 22000 certified, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality regulations.

Addis Extracts offers a range of milk thistle products, including standardized powder (60%–80% silymarin), liquid extract, and even raw milk thistle seeds for clients who prefer to process their own extract. Their bulk milk thistle extract is particularly popular with international supplement brands, thanks to their competitive pricing and reliable shipping. They work with major logistics companies to ensure timely delivery, with most orders reaching European ports within 10–14 days.

For businesses looking to export, Addis Extracts is a valuable partner. They handle all the paperwork, including phytosanitary certificates and customs documentation, making the process seamless. Their team also stays up-to-date on changing import regulations, so you don't have to worry about compliance issues. If global distribution is part of your plan, this exporter should be on your shortlist.

Nestled along the banks of the Blue Nile in Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Herbals is a small but mighty milk thistle extract supplier with a focus on quality over quantity. Founded by a team of botanists, they specialize in wild-harvested milk thistle from the surrounding forests, where the plants grow naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. This "wildcrafted" approach gives their extract a unique profile, with higher levels of secondary antioxidants than farm-grown varieties.

Blue Nile Herbals caters to niche markets, such as organic skincare brands, herbalists, and small-batch supplement makers. Their milk thistle extract is available in small batches (starting at 5kg), making it ideal for businesses that want to offer a premium, artisanal product. They also offer custom blends, such as milk thistle extract combined with other Ethiopian botanicals like neem or moringa, for clients looking to create unique formulations.

While their prices are higher than mass-produced extract, Blue Nile Herbals' customers say the quality is worth it. Their extract has a distinct earthy aroma and deep green color, which stands out in natural skincare products. If your brand values authenticity and storytelling, partnering with a supplier that emphasizes wild-harvested, local ingredients could be a major selling point.

The Ethiopian Extracts Cooperative is a unique player in the industry—a collective of over 500 smallholder farmers and extractors working together to bring high-quality botanical extracts to market. Founded in 2015, the cooperative was established to empower rural communities and ensure fair prices for their crops. Today, they're one of the largest suppliers of organic milk thistle extract in Ethiopia, with a focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing.

The cooperative's milk thistle extract is grown using organic practices, with farmers avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. After harvesting, the plants are processed in a shared facility in Jimma, where the cooperative invests in training and equipment to ensure consistent quality. Their extract has silymarin levels of 60%–70%, and they're certified by both the National Organic Program (NOP) and the European Organic Certification (EOC).

Working with the Ethiopian Extracts Cooperative isn't just about buying extract—it's about supporting a community. A portion of their profits goes back into rural development projects, such as building schools and healthcare clinics. Their MOQ is 20kg, and they offer discounts for repeat orders. If social responsibility is a core value for your brand, this cooperative is an excellent partner.

Rounding out our list is Thistle & Co. Trading, a versatile supplier that offers a little bit of everything—including top-notch milk thistle extract. Based in Addis Ababa, they source extract from a network of trusted manufacturers across Ethiopia, then repackage and distribute it to local and regional clients. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt to different needs, whether you're a startup needing 5kg of extract or a large company ordering 500kg.

Thistle & Co. prides itself on transparency. They provide detailed information about each extract's source, including the farm location and extraction method, so clients know exactly what they're getting. They offer both organic and conventional milk thistle extract, with silymarin levels ranging from 50% to 80%, and they're happy to arrange third-party testing for clients who want extra assurance.

What really sets Thistle & Co. apart is their customer service. Their team is responsive and knowledgeable, often going above and beyond to help clients find the right product. For example, they recently helped a local brewery source milk thistle extract for a limited-edition "liver-friendly" beer, providing samples and technical advice to ensure the extract integrated well with the brewing process. If you value a personal touch and flexibility, Thistle & Co. is a great choice.