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

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where cypress trees line winding roads and olive groves stretch to the horizon, Verdura Botanica S.r.l. is a family-run business with deep roots in herbalism. Founded in 1998 by Maria and Giovanni Rossi, third-generation farmers, the company started as a small operation selling dried herbs before expanding into extracts in 2005. Today, they're one of Italy's most trusted names for organic certified botanical extracts, with milk thistle extract as their crown jewel.

What sets Verdura Botanica apart is their unwavering commitment to organic farming. They source milk thistle seeds from a network of 12 local farms in Tuscany and Umbria, all of which follow EU Organic standards—no synthetic pesticides, no GMOs, just sun, rain, and regenerative soil practices. "Our farmers rotate milk thistle with legumes to naturally enrich the soil," explains Giovanni. "It's slower, but the difference in the extract's potency is clear."

Their milk thistle extract is a favorite among natural cosmetic and supplement brands. Available in 80% and 90% silymarin concentrations, it's cold-pressed to preserve delicate compounds, resulting in a light yellow powder with a subtle, earthy aroma. For cosmetic formulators, this means an extract that blends easily into serums, creams, and masks, delivering silymarin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits directly to the skin.

Verdura Botanica caters to small and medium businesses, with a minimum order quantity of 50kg—flexible enough for startups while still supporting larger brands. They also offer custom services, like adjusting particle size for better solubility or creating liquid extracts for tincture makers. "A client once asked for a water-soluble version for their detox shots," Maria recalls. "We spent two months testing methods, and now it's one of our bestsellers."

Certifications? They've got you covered: EU Organic, ISO 9001 for quality management, and they're currently pursuing COSMOS certification to expand their reach in the clean beauty market. Every batch comes with a detailed COA, and their transparent supply chain lets customers trace their extract back to the specific farm and harvest season. For brands that prioritize story and sustainability, Verdura Botanica isn't just a supplier—it's a partner in purpose.

High in the Italian Alps, where crisp mountain air and mineral-rich soil create ideal conditions for herbal growth, Alpine Extracts Italia has built its reputation on precision and pharmaceutical-grade excellence. Founded in 2001 as a spin-off from a university research lab, this Piedmont-based manufacturer specializes in extracts for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and veterinary industries—with milk thistle extract leading their portfolio.

"We don't just make extracts; we engineer them," says Dr. Elena Moretti, the company's head of R&D. Alpine Extracts uses supercritical CO2 extraction, a method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull silymarin from milk thistle seeds without heat or solvents. The result? A pure, standardized extract with silymarin concentrations up to 95%—among the highest in the industry. "Pharmaceutical companies demand consistency, and CO2 extraction gives us that," Dr. Moretti adds. "Every batch varies by less than 2% in silymarin content. That's the level of precision they need for clinical trials."

As a pharmaceutical-focused supplier, Alpine Extracts adheres to strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and holds ISO 13485 certification, a rare distinction for extract manufacturers. Their facility is audited annually by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), ensuring compliance with EU pharmaceutical regulations. For clients in the drug development space, this means an extract that meets the rigorous requirements for inclusion in liver support medications and clinical studies.

Bulk capabilities are another strength. With a production capacity of 500kg per week, Alpine Extracts handles large orders with ease, making them a go-to for wholesalers and multinational supplement brands. Their minimum order quantity for standard milk thistle extract is 100kg, but they're flexible for repeat clients, offering discounted rates for orders over 500kg. "We recently supplied a German pharmaceutical company with 2 tons for their new liver supplement line," notes sales director Marco Bianchi. "They needed it in six weeks, and we delivered ahead of schedule."

Beyond pharmaceuticals, their extract finds its way into high-end supplements and even veterinary products (think liver support for show horses). And while they're known for industrial-scale production, Alpine Extracts hasn't lost sight of customer service. Their technical team provides ongoing support, helping clients with formulation challenges, stability testing, and regulatory documentation. "We don't just ship a powder and disappear," Marco says. "We're with you from R&D to market launch."

When it comes to bulk milk thistle extract, few can match the scale and global reach of Mediterranean Herbs & Extracts. Based in Catania, Sicily, this wholesaler and trader has been connecting Italian extract producers with international buyers since 1985. "We're the bridge between Italy's best extract makers and the world," says founder Antonio Greco. "Whether you're in Canada, Australia, or Brazil, we make sure you get high-quality milk thistle extract at competitive prices."

Mediterranean Herbs & Extracts doesn't produce extracts in-house; instead, they partner with 15+ certified manufacturers across Italy, curating a portfolio of bulk extracts that meet their strict quality criteria. For milk thistle, they work with three GMP-certified producers in Lombardy and Tuscany, ensuring a steady supply of standardized extract (80% silymarin) year-round. "We test every batch ourselves before shipping," Antonio explains. "Our lab in Catania checks for heavy metals, pesticides, and silymarin content. If it doesn't meet our specs, it doesn't leave Italy."

True to their wholesale focus, they thrive on large orders. The minimum order quantity for milk thistle extract is 500kg, but they've handled shipments as large as 10 tons for multinational supplement brands. Their prices are competitive, too—by buying in bulk from manufacturers and negotiating volume discounts, they pass savings on to clients. "A client in the U.S. once told us we were 15% cheaper than their previous supplier in China," Antonio laughs. "Quality, price, and reliability—you can have all three."

Global export is their specialty. They handle all logistics, from customs documentation to shipping, with experience navigating regulations in the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and beyond. "Exporting can be a headache—different certifications, language barriers, shipping delays," says logistics manager Sofia Lorenzi. "We take that stress off our clients. We know what paperwork Canada requires for natural health products, or what Australia's TGA expects for supplements. It's why 80% of our business is repeat clients."

Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety management) and Kosher, making their milk thistle extract suitable for a wide range of applications, from dietary supplements to functional foods. They also offer organic options, sourced from partners with EU Organic certification, for brands targeting the natural products market. "Organic demand is growing, especially in North America and Europe," Antonio notes. "We're expanding our organic milk thistle line to keep up."

For businesses that need reliable, bulk milk thistle extract without the hassle of sourcing directly from manufacturers, Mediterranean Herbs & Extracts is the ultimate time-saver. As Sofia puts it: "We speak your language, we know your market, and we deliver on time. What more could you ask for?"

In the industrial heartland of Lombardy, where innovation meets efficiency, Lombardy Bioactives has carved a niche as Italy's go-to supplier for custom-formulated milk thistle extracts. Founded in 2010 by a team of chemical engineers, the company prides itself on turning client ideas into tangible products—no request is too specific.

"Most suppliers offer one-size-fits-all extracts," says CEO Luca Bertelli. "We ask, 'What problem are you trying to solve?'" Whether a client needs a water-soluble milk thistle extract for their sports drink, a micronized powder for faster absorption in supplements, or a standardized blend with other herbs (like dandelion or artichoke for liver support), Lombardy Bioactives delivers. Their in-house lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including HPLC for silymarin testing and particle size analyzers, allowing them to tweak formulations until they meet exact specifications.

Take, for example, a recent project with a UK-based cosmetic brand. "They wanted a milk thistle extract that could be added to a leave-on serum without causing greasiness," Luca recalls. "Standard extracts are oil-soluble, which can leave a residue. We developed a water-dispersible version using a natural emulsifier, tested it in their formula, and now it's a key ingredient in their 'Liver for Skin' line."

While custom formulations are their specialty, they also offer standard milk thistle extract (80% silymarin) for clients who don't need bells and whistles. Minimum order quantities vary: 25kg for custom projects (to allow for testing) and 100kg for standard extracts. They're also flexible on lead times—rush orders for small batches can be turned around in as little as two weeks, though standard lead times are 3–4 weeks.

Quality is non-negotiable. Lombardy Bioactives holds ISO 9001 certification and follows GMP guidelines for supplement ingredients. They source milk thistle seeds primarily from northern Italy, where cooler climates yield higher silymarin content, and work with a third-party lab to test for contaminants. "We once rejected a batch because the heavy metal levels were just above our internal limit—even though they were still within EU standards," Luca says. "Our clients trust us to be stricter than regulations require."

For businesses that want an extract tailored to their unique product, Lombardy Bioactives is more than a supplier—it's an R&D partner. "We don't just sell you a product," Luca adds. "We help you create something that stands out in the market."

In a region famous for its commitment to "slow living" and sustainable agriculture, Tuscan Herbal Solutions takes eco-conscious sourcing to the next level. Founded in 2008 by environmental scientist Clara Moretti, this small-batch manufacturer specializes in milk thistle extract sourced from regenerative farms, with a focus on reducing environmental impact at every step.

"Sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword for us—it's how we operate," Clara explains. The company partners with 8 family farms in Tuscany that use crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest control to maintain soil health. "Milk thistle is a hardy plant, but it thrives when the soil is alive," she says. "Our farmers don't just grow plants; they nurture ecosystems." Even the extraction process is green: they use ethanol from organic sugarcane (a renewable resource) and recycle 95% of their water. Their facility runs on solar power, and waste from extraction is composted and returned to the farms as fertilizer.

The result is an organic certified botanical extract that appeals to brands with strong sustainability values. Their flagship product is an 80% silymarin milk thistle extract, certified EU Organic and Fair Trade (ensuring farmers receive a living wage). It's available in powder and liquid forms, with a minimum order quantity of 75kg—small enough for boutique brands but scalable for growing businesses.

What really resonates with customers, though, is the story behind the extract. Tuscan Herbal Solutions offers "farm-to-bottle" tours for clients, inviting them to meet the farmers and see the extraction process firsthand. "A Canadian supplement brand brought their entire marketing team here last year," Clara recalls. "They filmed the farms, interviewed the farmers, and used the footage in their product launch campaign. Consumers want to know where their products come from, and we give them that transparency."

Applications span supplements, teas, and natural cosmetics. Their extract is particularly popular in detox supplements and "clean" skincare lines, where its organic credentials and sustainable backstory add value. "We had a client tell us their customers were willing to pay 20% more for a supplement that used our extract, just because of our sustainability practices," Clara says with pride.

Certifications include EU Organic, Fair Trade, and ISO 14001 (environmental management). They're also a member of the Italian Association for Organic Agriculture (AIAB), advocating for stricter sustainability standards in the botanical extract industry. For brands that want to align their products with their values, Tuscan Herbal Solutions is proof that you don't have to choose between quality and conscience.

Nestled in the Apennine Mountains of Emilia-Romagna, Apennine Botanicals is a small-batch manufacturer with a passion for premium, high-potency extracts. Founded in 2012 by herbalist and chemist Dr. Matteo Rossi, the company focuses on quality over quantity, producing just 5–10 tons of milk thistle extract annually—enough to serve niche markets that demand the very best.

"We're not for everyone," Dr. Rossi admits. "But for brands that want the highest silymarin content and the purest extract, we're the right choice." Apennine's flagship product is a 95% silymarin milk thistle extract, made using a proprietary cold-extraction method that preserves not just silymarin, but also other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols. "Most suppliers strip out everything but silymarin to hit high percentages," he explains. "We keep the 'entourage effect'—the idea that compounds work better together. Our extract has silymarin, but also the natural co-factors found in milk thistle seeds. The result is a more effective product, especially for liver support."

This attention to detail makes their extract a favorite among high-end supplement brands and naturopathic clinics. It's pricier than standard extracts, but clients say the results justify the cost. "A naturopath in Milan told us her patients reported better liver enzyme levels using our extract compared to others," Dr. Rossi notes. "That's the feedback that keeps us going."

Small-batch production means flexibility. Apennine Botanicals offers minimum order quantities as low as 10kg for new clients, allowing them to test the extract before committing to larger orders. For established clients, bulk orders (50kg+) are available, with custom packaging options (foil-lined bags, drum containers) to suit storage needs. They also offer liquid extracts for tincture makers and herbalists, a rarity in the industry.

Certifications include COSMOS (for cosmetic ingredients) and EU Organic, with plans to pursue USP (United States Pharmacopeia) certification to expand into the U.S. market. Every batch is tested for purity, potency, and contaminants by an independent lab in Bologna, and Dr. Rossi personally reviews each COA before it's sent to clients. "I sign off on every batch," he says. "That's my name on it, and I take that responsibility seriously."

For brands that prioritize efficacy and are willing to invest in premium ingredients, Apennine Botanicals is a hidden gem. As Dr. Rossi puts it: "We don't make extracts for the masses. We make them for people who care about what goes into their bodies—and demand the best."

While many milk thistle extract suppliers focus on supplements and pharmaceuticals, Sicilian Extract Co. has carved a unique niche: functional foods and beverages. Based in Palermo, this manufacturer specializes in extracts designed to blend seamlessly into everything from energy bars to fruit juices, bringing silymarin's benefits to everyday foods.

"Consumers want health benefits without taking pills," says founder Salvatore Fiore. "Why not add milk thistle extract to a breakfast cereal or a sports drink? That's where we come in." Sicilian Extract Co. develops extracts with specific properties for food applications: water-soluble versions for beverages, heat-stable powders for baked goods, and even oil-soluble extracts for nut butters and chocolates.

Take their "Beverage-Ready" milk thistle extract. Unlike standard oil-soluble extracts, which can cloud drinks or separate, this version is water-dispersible, mixing into juices, smoothies, and teas without altering taste or texture. "We worked with a Sicilian juice company to develop a 'Liver Detox' orange juice," Salvatore explains. "Our extract adds silymarin without changing the juice's flavor—consumers can't even tell it's there."

Food safety is paramount. Sicilian Extract Co. holds FSSC 22000 certification (a global food safety standard) and is EFSA-approved, meaning their extracts meet the European Food Safety Authority's strict criteria for use in functional foods. They also comply with EU regulations on maximum silymarin levels in food, ensuring their extracts are safe for daily consumption.

Bulk capabilities are key for food manufacturers, and Sicilian Extract Co. delivers. With a production capacity of 1 ton per month, they can handle large orders, with a minimum order quantity of 200kg. They also offer private labeling for clients who want to market the extract as a standalone ingredient (e.g., "Sicilian Milk Thistle Extract for Food Formulations").

Innovation is part of their DNA. The R&D team is constantly experimenting with new applications: recent projects include a milk thistle extract for pasta (to boost fiber and add liver support) and a powdered extract for protein bars. "We're not just selling an ingredient—we're helping food companies innovate," Salvatore says. "A client in Germany used our extract in a line of 'Functional Snack Bars,' and they're now the top-selling bars in their category."

For food and beverage brands looking to tap into the wellness trend, Sicilian Extract Co. is the ideal partner. As Salvatore puts it: "We turn milk thistle extract into something consumers can enjoy every day—not just when they're feeling unwell."

In the fashion and beauty capital of Italy, Veneto Natural Ingredients has become a trusted supplier of milk thistle extract for the cosmetic industry. Based in Padua, this manufacturer understands that cosmetic ingredients need to do more than work—they need to feel luxurious, blend easily, and meet the clean beauty standards that modern consumers demand.

"Cosmetic formulators have unique needs," says cosmetic scientist Dr. Laura Bortolotti, who leads the company's R&D team. "An extract for a serum needs to be lightweight; for a cream, it needs to moisturize; for a mask, it needs to absorb quickly. We tailor our milk thistle extract to fit each application." Their portfolio includes oil-soluble extracts for rich creams, water-soluble versions for serums and toners, and even encapsulated extracts for time-release delivery in skincare products.

One of their most popular products is "Silymarin-Clear," a micronized milk thistle extract with a particle size of less than 10 microns. "Standard extracts can feel gritty in formulations," Dr. Bortolotti explains. "Micronizing creates a silky-smooth powder that blends into creams and serums, leaving no texture on the skin. Our clients love it for high-end face masks and eye creams."

Clean beauty certifications are a priority. Veneto Natural Ingredients holds COSMOS certification (the gold standard for natural cosmetic ingredients) and ISO 16128 compliance, which verifies that their extract is at least 95% natural origin. They also avoid common cosmetic irritants: their extracts are free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive skin formulations.

Minimum order quantities are flexible: 30kg for standard cosmetic extracts, with smaller samples (1kg) available for testing. They also offer custom color and scent options, though Dr. Bortolotti advises caution: "Milk thistle has a natural earthy scent, which many brands embrace as 'botanical.' Adding fragrances can mask that, but we always recommend keeping it natural when possible—consumers are savvy."

Clients include luxury Italian cosmetic brands, as well as international names looking to add a touch of "Made in Italy" quality to their lines. "A French skincare company recently launched a 'Tuscany Herb' collection, and our milk thistle extract is the star ingredient," Dr. Bortolotti says. "They wanted something that spoke to Italian herbal tradition, and we delivered."

For cosmetic brands that want an extract that's as luxurious as it is effective, Veneto Natural Ingredients is the perfect match. As Dr. Bortolotti puts it: "Skincare is about self-care. Our extract helps brands create products that nourish the skin—and the soul."

In Emilia-Romagna, a region renowned for its culinary traditions and herbal medicine heritage, Emilia-Romagna Herbals is keeping old-world herbalism alive while embracing modern quality standards. Founded in 1975 by herbalist Giuseppe Conti, the company has been producing milk thistle extract using traditional methods for nearly 50 years, earning a reputation for authenticity and reliability.

"My grandfather taught me to extract herbs using a copper still and sun-dried seeds," says current owner Anna Conti, Giuseppe's daughter. "Today, we use stainless steel equipment and modern testing, but the core process—slow extraction to preserve compounds—remains the same. There's wisdom in tradition."

The company sources milk thistle seeds from local farms that have been growing the plant for generations. "These farmers know milk thistle inside out," Anna explains. "They harvest when the seeds are fully ripe, not a day earlier, because they know that's when silymarin levels peak. You can't rush that." The seeds are air-dried (never machine-dried) to preserve oils and delicate compounds, then ground and extracted using cold-pressed ethanol—a method that's gentler than heat-based extraction.

The result is a traditional milk thistle extract with a rich, golden color and a full spectrum of compounds, not just silymarin. "We don't standardize to 80% or 95% silymarin," Anna notes. "We let the plant speak for itself. Our extract has whatever silymarin the seeds naturally contain—usually around 70–75%—plus the other flavonoids and nutrients that make milk thistle effective. It's how herbalists have used it for centuries."

This traditional approach appeals to herbal supplement brands, naturopaths, and tea companies. The extract is available in powder, liquid, and encapsulated forms, with a minimum order quantity of 50kg. They also offer "herbal tea blends" that combine milk thistle with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion and burdock, a popular option for tea companies.

Certifications include Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) in the EU, which recognizes the extract's long history of safe use. They also hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring consistent quality despite their traditional methods. "We respect the past, but we also embrace science," Anna says. "Every batch is tested for contaminants, and we document everything—my grandfather would be proud."

For brands that value tradition and authenticity, Emilia-Romagna Herbals is a link to Italy's herbal heritage. As Anna puts it: "We don't just sell extract—we sell 50 years of family knowledge. That's something no machine can replicate."

Rounding out our list is Piedmont Pure Extracts, a powerhouse in industrial-scale bulk milk thistle extract supply. Based in Turin, this manufacturer caters to the largest players in the supplement, pharmaceutical, and food industries, with a focus on reliability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness.

"When a client needs 10 tons of milk thistle extract in a month, they call us," says operations director Carlo Russo. With a state-of-the-art facility spanning 50,000 square feet and a production capacity of 5 tons per month, Piedmont Pure Extracts is equipped to handle even the most demanding orders. They source milk thistle seeds from across Europe (Italy, Hungary, and France) to ensure a steady supply, and their extraction process—optimized for efficiency—allows them to offer competitive pricing for bulk orders.

Their standard milk thistle extract is standardized to 80% silymarin, the most requested concentration in the industry. It's available in powder form, with options for different mesh sizes (fine powder for tablets, coarser powder for capsules) and packaging (25kg bags, 500kg drums, or bulk tanker shipments for the largest clients). "We recently supplied a multinational supplement company with 20 tons for their global liver support line," Carlo recalls. "They needed it in three weeks, and we delivered on time—no exceptions."

While industrial scale is their strength, quality isn't compromised. Piedmont Pure Extracts holds ISO 9001 certification and follows GMP guidelines, with in-house labs testing every batch for silymarin content, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. They also offer Halal certification for clients in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, a key market for bulk supplements.

Customer service is focused on efficiency. They have a dedicated logistics team that handles shipping, customs, and documentation, ensuring orders reach clients on schedule. For repeat clients, they offer "just-in-time" delivery, storing extract in warehouses across Europe to reduce lead times. "A client in Germany can place an order on Monday and have it by Wednesday," Carlo says. "That's the kind of reliability industrial buyers need."

While they don't offer custom formulations or small batches, Piedmont Pure Extracts excels at what they do: delivering high-quality, consistent bulk milk thistle extract at scale. "We're not the right fit for startups or boutique brands," Carlo admits. "But for companies that need to keep production lines running and shelves stocked, we're indispensable."

For industrial buyers and large wholesalers, Piedmont Pure Extracts is the backbone of Italy's milk thistle extract supply chain. As Carlo puts it: "We don't chase trends—we deliver results. Every. Single. Time."