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

With over 15 years in the industry, Kenya Herbal Extracts Ltd. has cemented its reputation as a leading local manufacturer of milk thistle extract. Based in Nairobi's Industrial Area, the company prides itself on controlling every step of the production process—from sourcing raw milk thistle seeds from trusted Kenyan farmers to extracting and testing the final product in its in-house lab. This vertical integration ensures unmatched quality control, making them a go-to for pharmaceutical companies and large supplement brands.

Their flagship product, a pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin, is a hit among clients who prioritize potency. "We test every batch for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants," says John Mbithi, the company's quality assurance manager. "Our GMP-certified facility and ISO 9001 accreditation mean clients never have to second-guess the purity of what they're buying."

What sets Kenya Herbal Extracts apart is its commitment to bulk supply—they regularly fulfill orders of 500kg or more, with lead times as short as 7 days for urgent requests. They also offer technical support, helping clients navigate formulation challenges, which has earned them long-term partnerships with names like Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

• Specializes in high-silymarin extracts (60-80% concentration)
• Offers both powder and liquid extract formats
• Free sample testing for first-time buyers

For brands focused on organic and natural ingredients, East Africa Botanicals is a standout choice. This Mombasa-based wholesaler has built its business around ethically sourced, certified organic milk thistle extract, catering to the growing demand for clean-label products in Kenya's wellness scene. "We work directly with smallholder farmers in Nakuru and Nyeri, ensuring they follow organic farming practices without harmful chemicals," explains Sarah Ochieng, East Africa Botanicals' founder. "It's not just about the extract—it's about supporting sustainable agriculture, too."

Their organic milk thistle extract powder, certified by the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), is a favorite among skincare brands and herbal tea companies. Unlike many competitors, they offer flexible sizing, from 1kg sample packs to 1-ton bulk orders, making them accessible to startups and established businesses alike. "We know not everyone needs a truckload of extract," Sarah adds. "Our goal is to make high-quality organic ingredients available to everyone, regardless of scale."

East Africa Botanicals also prioritizes transparency. Each shipment comes with a detailed certificate of analysis (COA), listing silymarin content, heavy metal levels, and microbiological test results. Their kosher certification has opened doors to international markets, with exports to Tanzania and Uganda on the rise. For clients in Nairobi, they even offer same-day delivery for orders under 50kg—a convenience that has made them a local favorite.

• 100% organic, non-GMO milk thistle extract
• Kosher and halal-certified options available
• Farmer partnerships ensure traceability from seed to extract

Nairobi Nutraceuticals isn't just a supplier—they're a one-stop shop for all things milk thistle extract. Founded in 2010, this company has built an end-to-end supply chain that spans from importing raw milk thistle seeds (sourced from Europe and India) to manufacturing extracts and distributing them across East Africa. This control over the process allows them to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, a balance that has made them a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Their bulk milk thistle extract, available in both powder and liquid forms, is standardized to 70% silymarin, a sweet spot for most supplement formulations. "We've found that 70% silymarin works best for general liver support supplements, which is what most of our clients are making," says Michael Kariuki, Nairobi Nutraceuticals' sales director. "But we can also customize concentrations up to 85% for clients with specific needs."

What really makes Nairobi Nutraceuticals stand out is their focus on customer service. New clients receive a dedicated account manager to guide them through ordering, and the company offers free storage for bulk orders, letting clients pick up smaller quantities as needed to reduce waste. Their halal certification has also made them a key supplier to Kenya's Muslim-owned supplement brands, a niche they've successfully cultivated over the years.

• Competitive bulk pricing (starting at KES 800 per kg)
Flexible payment terms for repeat clients Offers private labeling for small-batch orders

Green Roots Kenya is on a mission to prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. This Nairobi-based manufacturer sources milk thistle seeds from regenerative farms in Laikipia, where farmers use crop rotation and natural pest control to maintain soil health. "We believe the best extracts come from healthy plants, which come from healthy soil," says Grace Wanjiku, Green Roots' sustainability officer. "Our eco-friendly extraction process uses 30% less water than traditional methods, and we recycle 90% of our waste—so clients can feel good about the ingredients they're using."

Their milk thistle extract, while not certified organic, meets strict internal standards for purity and sustainability. It's a hit among eco-conscious brands, including several zero-waste stores in Nairobi and Mombasa. Green Roots also offers a "sustainability report" with each order, detailing the environmental impact of the extract's production—a unique touch that resonates with modern consumers.

Beyond their green credentials, Green Roots delivers on quality. Their extract is standardized to 75% silymarin, and each batch undergoes third-party testing at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). They specialize in bulk orders (200kg+) but are happy to accommodate smaller requests for new clients. "We want to grow with our partners," Grace notes. "Even if you start with 10kg, we'll treat you like a priority."

• Regeneratively sourced milk thistle seeds
• Eco-friendly extraction process
• Transparent sustainability reporting

When it comes to sheer scale, few can match Kenya Bulk Extracts. This logistics-focused wholesaler, based in Kisumu, specializes in moving large quantities of milk thistle extract across East Africa, with a client list that includes major pharmaceutical distributors and multinational supplement brands. "Our sweet spot is orders over 1 ton," says James Mwangi, Kenya Bulk Extracts' operations manager. "We have the warehouse space, the trucks, and the network to deliver on time, every time—even during peak seasons."

Kenya Bulk Extracts sources its extract from trusted international manufacturers, focusing on industrial-grade products with silymarin concentrations of 60-70%. While they don't produce in-house, their rigorous supplier vetting process ensures consistency. "We visit every overseas partner's facility before working with them," James explains. "We check their GMP certifications, test their extracts in our lab, and even audit their quality control procedures. If they don't meet our standards, we walk away."

What makes them indispensable for large buyers is their reliability. They maintain a 98% on-time delivery rate and offer 24/7 customer support for urgent orders. Their HACCP certification is a plus for food and beverage clients, ensuring the extract meets safety standards for edible products. For clients in remote areas like Turkana or Marsabit, they even coordinate with local transporters to avoid delays—a level of service that has earned them a loyal following.

• Specializes in ultra-bulk orders (1 ton+)
• International sourcing with strict supplier audits
• Logistics expertise for East African delivery

AfriHerb Traders bridges the gap between global quality and local accessibility. As an import-export specialist with offices in Nairobi and Dubai, they bring premium milk thistle extract from top manufacturers in Germany and India to Kenyan shores, focusing on high-potency products that meet international standards. "Many Kenyan brands want to compete globally, but they need ingredients that meet FDA or EU requirements," says Ali Hassan, AfriHerb's import manager. "That's where we come in—we handle the paperwork, the shipping, and the testing, so our clients can focus on making great products."

Their star product, a 95% silymarin milk thistle extract, is a game-changer for pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands. It's tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and solvent residues, meeting the strictest EU Pharmacopoeia (EP) standards. "We've had clients use this extract in clinical trials, and the results speak for themselves," Ali adds. "It's not the cheapest option, but for brands that prioritize efficacy, it's worth every shilling."

AfriHerb also offers a "sample program," where clients can order 500g of extract for testing before committing to bulk orders. This has been particularly popular with startups developing new liver-support supplements. For international clients, they handle export documentation, making it easy for Kenyan brands to sell their products abroad using AfriHerb's extracts.

• High-potency extracts (up to 95% silymarin)
• FDA-registered and EU EP-compliant
• Import/export expertise for global clients

Healthy Origins Ltd. knows supplements inside out—and it shows in their milk thistle extract offerings. This Nairobi-based manufacturer has spent a decade working closely with supplement brands, learning exactly what they need: consistency, affordability, and extracts that blend well with other ingredients. "We've tested our milk thistle extract in everything from capsules to gummies to protein powders," says David Ouma, Healthy Origins' R&D lead. "We know how it behaves in different formulations, and we share that knowledge with our clients to help them avoid common pitfalls."

Their standardized milk thistle extract (70% silymarin) is designed specifically for supplements, with a fine powder texture that mixes easily and a neutral taste that won't overpower other flavors. "No one wants a liver supplement that tastes like bitter herbs," David jokes. "Our extract is virtually tasteless, which is a big win for gummy and chewable products."

Healthy Origins holds ISO 17025 accreditation for its in-house lab, one of only a few in Kenya with that distinction. This allows them to conduct advanced testing, including HPLC analysis for silymarin content and FTIR spectroscopy for purity. "Clients can send us their formulations, and we'll test how our extract interacts with other ingredients—for free," David says. "It's our way of building trust and ensuring their products work as intended."

• Supplement-specific formulations
• ISO 17025-accredited lab testing
• Tasteless, easy-to-blend powder

For pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, Kenya Pharma Ingredients is the gold standard. This WHO-GMP-certified manufacturer in Thika produces extracts that meet the strictest pharmaceutical regulations, making them a trusted partner for drug companies and medical suppliers. "Our facility operates under the same standards as a pharmaceutical factory," says Dr. Amina Mohammed, Kenya Pharma Ingredients' quality director. "We have airtight clean rooms, automated extraction equipment, and a quality control team that checks every batch at least five times before release."

Their USP-compliant milk thistle extract is used in prescription liver medications and high-strength supplements, with silymarin concentrations up to 85%. "USP standards are non-negotiable for us," Dr. Amina emphasizes. "That means our extract has consistent potency, low impurities, and meets exacting dissolution requirements—critical for medications that need to be absorbed properly by the body."

Kenya Pharma Ingredients also offers custom formulations, working with clients to develop extracts with specific particle sizes or solubility profiles. "One client needed an extract that dissolves quickly in water for an injectable product," Dr. Amina recalls. "We spent three months adjusting our process to meet their specs, and now it's one of our most requested products." Their ISO 13485 certification further underscores their commitment to medical-grade quality, ensuring compliance with global medical device standards.

• WHO-GMP and ISO 13485 certified
• USP-compliant extracts for pharmaceuticals
• Custom formulation services

Herbal Trade Africa caters to the "little guys" with big ideas. This Nairobi-based trader specializes in small-batch and custom milk thistle extract orders, making them ideal for startups, boutique skincare brands, and herbalists who need unique formulations. "We started because we noticed a gap—most suppliers only want to work with large orders, but there are so many creative entrepreneurs who need just a few kilograms to test their ideas," says Peter Njoroge, Herbal Trade Africa's founder.

What sets them apart is their flexibility. Clients can request custom silymarin concentrations (from 50% to 80%), choose between powder or liquid extract, and even mix milk thistle with other botanicals like turmeric or dandelion for custom blends. "One client wanted a milk thistle and artichoke extract mix for a liver-support tea," Peter says. "We sourced both extracts, tested the blend for consistency, and delivered 5kg—no minimum order, no hassle."

Herbal Trade Africa's non-GMO and organic options appeal to brands targeting the natural products market, and their quick turnaround times (3-5 days for small orders) keep clients coming back. While they don't manufacture in-house, they partner with a network of small-scale extractors in Kenya and Tanzania, ensuring freshness and supporting local businesses. "We're not the biggest supplier, but we're the most adaptable," Peter adds. "If you have a unique request, we'll find a way to make it happen."

• No minimum order requirements
• Custom blends and concentrations
• Supports small-scale local extractors

Kenya Extracts Co-Op is more than a supplier—it's a community. Founded by a group of 200 smallholder milk thistle farmers in Eldoret, this cooperative owns its own extraction facility, allowing farmers to capture more value from their crops and ensuring clients get fresh, traceable extract. "For years, farmers sold raw seeds to middlemen for low prices," explains Daniel Kiprono, the co-op's chairman. "Now, we process the seeds ourselves, create high-quality extract, and sell it directly to clients. The profits go back to the farmers, funding schools and healthcare in our communities."

The co-op's milk thistle extract, while not the highest in silymarin (60-70%), is beloved for its authenticity and story. "Clients love knowing exactly where their extract comes from—they can even visit the farms and meet the farmers," Daniel says. Their fair trade certification ensures farmers receive a living wage, and their organic certification (pending KOAN approval) is expected to boost demand further. The co-op focuses on small to medium orders (10-200kg), prioritizing relationships over volume.

What makes Kenya Extracts Co-Op special is its transparency. They offer farm tours, share farmer stories with clients, and even include a "farmer spotlight" in each shipment—a personal touch that resonates with brands building ethical, community-focused identities. "We're not just selling extract; we're selling a vision of agriculture that empowers people," Daniel adds. "And that's a value no price tag can match."

• Farmer-owned cooperative
• Fair Trade certified, pending organic certification
• Traceable, community-sourced extract