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

Lesotho Natural Extracts Co. (LNE) is a trailblazer in Lesotho's botanical extract scene, operating out of Maseru since 2010. What makes them stand out? Their commitment to local sourcing. LNE partners with small-scale farmers in the lowlands of Berea and Mafeteng, where milk thistle thrives in the region's mild climate and nutrient-dense soil. By sourcing locally, they reduce carbon footprints and ensure fresher raw materials—resulting in milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations consistently hitting 75-80%, a mark of high quality milk thistle extract.

Their product line caters to diverse needs: organic and conventional extracts in powder and liquid forms, with bulk options starting at 5kg (ideal for large manufacturers) and smaller 1kg packs for startups. All batches undergo third-party testing for purity and contaminants, with COAs readily available upon request. Customers praise their transparency—"LNE walked us through their extraction process, from seed to powder," shares a local supplement brand owner. "It's reassuring to know exactly where our ingredients come from."

Certifications include ISO 9001 and GMP, and they're currently pursuing EU Organic certification to expand their reach. For businesses looking to buy milk thistle extract in Lesotho, LNE's combination of local roots, quality, and flexibility makes them a top choice.

For businesses needing flexibility and variety, Basotho Botanicals Wholesale (BBW) delivers. Based in Butha-Buthe, BBW imports premium milk thistle extract from established producers in Germany and Poland, known for their strict quality controls. This global network allows them to offer an impressive range: standardized extracts (70% silymarin for budget-friendly options), oil-soluble variants (popular in cosmetics), and even microencapsulated powder (ideal for functional foods, as it masks bitterness).

What sets BBW apart is their focus on small to medium businesses. They offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs)—just 500g for most products—making them accessible to startups. "As a new skincare brand, we couldn't afford large bulk orders," says a Maseru-based formulator. "BBW let us start small, and now that we're growing, their bulk discounts keep costs low."

Delivery is another strong suit. BBW maintains a warehouse in Maseru stocked with fast-moving products, ensuring 24-48 hour turnaround for local orders. International certifications include EU Organic and Kosher, and their customer service team is bilingual (English and Sesotho), easing communication for local businesses. For those new to buying milk thistle extract, BBW's free sample program (covering shipping within Lesotho) is a game-changer.

Sotho Health Traders (SHT) bridges Lesotho to global markets, operating out of Mafeteng with a focus on bulk milk thistle extract. While they import from top manufacturers in India and Hungary, SHT also exports locally sourced botanical extracts to South Africa and Botswana, making them a key player in regional trade. Their milk thistle extract lineup includes high-potency options (85% silymarin) for pharmaceutical use and organic variants certified by India's NPOP (National Program for Organic Production).

SHT's strength lies in scalability. They handle orders from 10kg to 5000kg, with dedicated account managers for large clients. "We needed 200kg of organic extract for our liver support supplement line," recalls a Johannesburg-based manufacturer. "SHT not only met the deadline but also helped navigate Lesotho-South Africa customs—something no other supplier offered."

Certifications include GMP and Halal, and they offer fixed-price contracts to shield clients from market fluctuations. For businesses scaling up or exporting, SHT's logistical expertise and bulk capabilities make them a reliable partner.

Nestled in the Maloti Mountains near Morija, Mountain View Extracts (MVE) is for businesses prioritizing craftsmanship. Founded by a team of botanists, MVE uses cold-press extraction and ethanol distillation to preserve milk thistle's delicate compounds, resulting in extracts with enhanced bioavailability. Their signature product? A "whole-plant" extract that includes not just silymarin but also flavonoids and fatty acids, beloved by natural skincare brands for its nourishing properties.

While MVE's MOQs are higher (starting at 2kg), customers say the quality justifies it. "Their whole-plant extract gives our serums a luxurious texture and subtle herbal scent," notes a organic skincare brand owner. "Clients notice the difference." MVE also offers raw milk thistle seeds for businesses with in-house extraction setups, sourced from wild-harvested plants in the mountains (sustainably collected with local community partnerships).

Though not certified organic, MVE adheres to biodynamic farming principles, avoiding synthetic inputs. Their small-batch approach and focus on sustainability make them a favorite among eco-conscious brands.

As the name suggests, Lesotho Bulk Botanicals (LBB) specializes in large-scale orders, catering to pharmaceutical companies and multinational supplement brands. Based in the Maseru Industrial Zone, LBB imports milk thistle extract in bulk from Hungary and Slovenia, leveraging economies of scale to offer competitive pricing. Their product line is streamlined but powerful: standardized 70% and 80% silymarin powder, available in 25kg drums or 500kg bulk bags.

LBB's edge is reliability. They maintain 3-month inventory buffers to avoid stockouts and offer "just-in-time" delivery for clients with tight production schedules. "We've never had a delayed order in five years," says a production manager at a Lesotho-based pharmaceutical firm. "Their consistency is unmatched."

Certifications include ISO 13485 (medical device standard) and FDA registration, ensuring compliance with global pharmaceutical regulations. For businesses needing bulk milk thistle extract without compromising on quality, LBB is the go-to.

Thaba-Tseka Wildcraft Traders (TWT) celebrates Lesotho's natural heritage, focusing on wild-harvested milk thistle from the remote Thaba-Tseka district. Here, milk thistle grows wild in rocky, unpolluted areas, and TWT works with local communities to harvest sustainably—ensuring plants are not overcollected and seeds are replanted. The result? A unique, terroir-rich extract with a complex phytochemical profile, popular in premium herbal supplements.

TWT offers both crude extract (for small-scale processors) and standardized powder (60-70% silymarin). Their small-batch production (limited to 50kg/month) means products sell out fast, so pre-ordering is essential. "The wild-harvested extract has a loyal following," says a natural health store owner in Maseru. "Customers associate it with authenticity and tradition."

While not certified, TWT provides detailed harvesting reports and partners with the Lesotho National Environment Authority to ensure sustainability. For brands storytelling around "wildcrafted" or "indigenous" ingredients, TWT is irreplaceable.

Maseru Pharma Ingredients (MPI) is Lesotho's premier supplier of pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract. With a state-of-the-art facility in Maseru, MPI produces extracts with silymarin concentrations up to 90%, meeting the strictest standards for drug formulations. Their R&D team also develops custom blends, such as slow-release silymarin for extended liver support or water-soluble extracts for liquid medications.

MPI holds WHO GMP certification and is audited annually by the Lesotho Ministry of Health. Their quality control lab is equipped with HPLC and GC-MS instruments, ensuring every batch meets potency and purity specs. "MPI's documentation is flawless," says a regulatory affairs manager at a regional pharma company. "Their dossiers make FDA and EMA submissions straightforward."

While their prices are premium, MPI's reliability and compliance make them indispensable for pharmaceutical clients. They also offer technical support, helping clients optimize formulations for stability and bioavailability.

For brands targeting the organic market, Lesotho Organic Botanicals (LOB) is a must. Based in Qacha's Nek, LOB imports certified organic milk thistle extract from Austria and New Zealand, where farms adhere to strict organic standards (no synthetic pesticides, GMO-free). They also partner with 12 local organic farmers in Lesotho to grow milk thistle, though this supply is limited (available seasonally, October-March).

LOB's product line includes USDA and EU Organic certified extracts (70-80% silymarin) and cold-pressed milk thistle oil (rich in linoleic acid, popular in organic skincare). All products come with full traceability, including soil test reports and farmer profiles. "Our customers care about ethics," says an organic supplement brand owner. "LOB's transparency helps us tell that story."

MOQs start at 1kg, and they offer discounts for pre-ordering seasonal local organic extract. For businesses prioritizing certifications and sustainability, LOB delivers.

Riverside Global Trading (RGT) simplifies global sourcing for Lesotho businesses, importing milk thistle extract from over 10 countries, including hard-to-source regions like Canada and Australia. Based in Mohale's Hoek, RGT specializes in niche products: low-heavy-metal extracts (for pediatric supplements), alcohol-free tinctures (for halal markets), and even freeze-dried powder (preserves heat-sensitive compounds).

Their key offering? Logistics support. RGT handles customs clearance, documentation, and shipping, making international sourcing hassle-free. "We wanted to import from Canada but worried about red tape," shares a health food manufacturer. "RGT took care of everything—we just received the extract at our door."

RGT also offers market insights, advising clients on emerging trends (e.g., "demand for Australian organic extract is rising in Southern Africa"). With a network spanning 20+ countries, they're a valuable partner for businesses seeking global variety.

Lesotho Extracts Cooperative (LEC) is a social enterprise empowering rural communities, with 150+ farmer-members across Lesotho. Based in Leribe, LEC operates a community-owned extraction facility, processing milk thistle grown by its members into affordable, mid-grade extract (65-70% silymarin). Their mission? Make botanical extracts accessible to small businesses while uplifting farmers.

LEC's extract is competitively priced (20% below market average) and available in 1kg and 5kg bags. While they don't hold international certifications, they follow organic practices and conduct regular internal testing. "LEC helps us keep costs low, which we pass to customers," says a local herbalist. "It feels good to support a cooperative that invests in communities."

For businesses prioritizing social impact and affordability, LEC is a inspiring choice. They also offer tours of their facility, allowing clients to meet the farmers behind their ingredients.