For centuries, milk thistle has been celebrated as a powerhouse of herbal wellness, cherished most for its ability to support liver health and overall vitality. At the heart of this ancient remedy lies milk thistle extract, a concentrated form of the plant's active compounds—most notably silymarin, which has been studied for its antioxidant and liver-protective properties. Today, this extract is a staple in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, skincare, and even functional foods, making the search for a reliable supplier more critical than ever.
Liechtenstein, though small in size, has carved a niche in the global botanical extract market, thanks to its strict quality standards, commitment to sustainability, and proximity to European markets with rigorous regulatory demands. Whether you're a pharmaceutical manufacturer in need of high-purity raw materials, a supplement brand sourcing bulk ingredients, or a small business seeking organic-certified options, Liechtenstein's network of suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders offers something for every need. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 players in the country, each bringing unique strengths to the table—from artisanal small-batch producers to large-scale bulk suppliers.
At a Glance: Key Details of Liechtenstein's Top Milk Thistle Extract Providers
| Company Name | Core Business | Key Certifications | Minimum Order Quantity | Star Milk Thistle Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Botanicals Ltd. | Organic Manufacturer | EU Organic, GMP, ISO 9001 | 50kg | Organic milk thistle extract (80% silymarin), liquid extract |
| Liechtenstein Extracts Co. | Pharma-Grade Manufacturer | GMP, Kosher, Halal | 100kg | 95% silymarin powder, bulk milk thistle extract for pharmaceuticals |
| Vaduz Naturals | Wholesaler & Trader | Organic, Fair Trade | 25kg | Bulk organic milk thistle extract, custom herbal blends |
| Schaan Herbals | Pharmaceutical Supplier | GMP, ISO 13485 | 200kg | Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, standardized silymarin |
| Princely Pharma Ingredients | Premium Small-Batch Producer | EU Organic, USDA Organic, GMP | 10kg | Organic certified botanical extracts, 85% silymarin powder |
| Triesen Organics | Sustainable Manufacturer | Organic, Carbon Neutral | 50kg | Eco-friendly milk thistle extract, bulk powder |
| Balzers Botanical Supply | International Trader | GMP, ISO 22000 | 100kg | Bulk milk thistle extract (Austrian/Italian sourcing), variable silymarin levels |
| Eschen Extract Works | Innovative Extraction Specialist | GMP, Non-GMO Project Verified | 30kg | Cold-pressed milk thistle extract, liquid and powder forms |
| Ruggell Raw Materials | Bulk Industrial Supplier | GMP, ISO 9001 | 500kg | Bulk milk thistle extract powder, industrial-grade quantities |
| Mauren MediHerbs | Cosmetics & Nutraceutical Supplier | Organic, Ecocert | 20kg | Milk thistle extract for skincare, organic powder for supplements |
1. Alpine Botanicals Ltd. – The Organic Pioneers
Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Vaduz, Alpine Botanicals Ltd. has been a cornerstone of Liechtenstein's herbal extract scene since the Meier family founded it in 1995. What began as a small farm growing milk thistle, chamomile, and lavender has evolved into a leading producer of organic certified botanical extracts, with milk thistle extract as its crown jewel. "We started with a simple mission: to bring the purity of the Alps to herbal extracts," says Anna Meier, the company's current CEO and daughter of the founders. "Milk thistle was our first love because of its incredible versatility—supporting liver health, aiding digestion, even soothing skin. We wanted to ensure that every bottle, bag, or drum of our extract lived up to that potential."
Today, Alpine Botanicals prides itself on traceability. Every batch of milk thistle seeds they process is sourced from partner farms in Austria and southern Germany, where strict organic farming practices have been in place for generations. "We visit each farm twice a year to walk the fields, check soil health, and meet the farmers," Anna explains. "It's not just about certifications—though we hold EU Organic, GMP, and ISO 9001—it's about trust. Our customers deserve to know exactly where their milk thistle comes from." The company's extraction process uses cold water and ethanol to preserve silymarin content, resulting in a powder with 80% silymarin concentration, ideal for nutraceuticals and organic supplements. They also offer a liquid extract for herbal teas and tinctures, with a minimum order of 50kg—flexible enough for small brands and scalable for larger buyers.
2. Liechtenstein Extracts Co. – The Tech-Driven Manufacturer
When Liechtenstein Extracts Co. opened its doors in Schaan in 2008, it set out to redefine what a milk thistle extract manufacturer could be. Founded by a team of biochemists and engineers, the company leans into technology to push the boundaries of purity and potency. "Traditional extraction methods can leave behind impurities or degrade active compounds," says Dr. Klaus Berger, the company's head of R&D. "We invested in state-of-the-art supercritical CO2 extraction technology to avoid that. It allows us to isolate silymarin with pinpoint precision, resulting in a 95% pure powder that's become a favorite among pharmaceutical companies."
Specializing in high-purity milk thistle extract for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, Liechtenstein Extracts Co. has built a reputation for consistency. Their facility operates under GMP guidelines, and every batch undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination. "Pharmaceutical clients can't afford variability," Dr. Berger notes. "Our silymarin content never fluctuates more than 0.5%, which is why brands trust us for their liver support supplements and prescription adjuvants." The company also caters to international markets, holding Kosher and Halal certifications to meet diverse demand. While their minimum order is 100kg—targeting larger buyers—they offer sample sizes for testing, ensuring clients are confident before committing. For those in need of bulk milk thistle extract with pharmaceutical-grade quality, this Schaan-based manufacturer is a top contender.
3. Vaduz Naturals – The Wholesaler with a Human Touch
Walking into Vaduz Naturals' cozy office in downtown Vaduz, you'll find shelves lined with glass jars of herbal powders, from milk thistle and ashwagandha to echinacea and turmeric. Founded in 2010 by Maria and Thomas Roth, the company started as a small health food store before pivoting to wholesale and trading—becoming a vital link between local and European milk thistle growers and businesses across Liechtenstein and beyond. "We saw a gap," Maria says. "Small supplement brands, herbalists, and even cafes needed access to high-quality milk thistle extract, but many manufacturers required huge minimum orders. We wanted to make it easier for them."
As a milk thistle extract supplier, Vaduz Naturals prides itself on flexibility. They work with a network of organic and conventional farms in Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary, allowing them to offer both organic and standard milk thistle extract options. Their bulk organic milk thistle extract is a bestseller, with a minimum order of just 25kg—perfect for startups or businesses testing new products. "We also do custom blends," Thomas adds. "A local skincare brand came to us wanting milk thistle extract mixed with chamomile and calendula for a soothing serum—we sourced, blended, and delivered it in three weeks. That's the advantage of being small enough to care but connected enough to deliver." With certifications in Organic and Fair Trade, Vaduz Naturals ensures that both farmers and buyers are treated fairly, making them a favorite among ethical brands.
4. Schaan Herbals – The Pharma-Grade Specialist
For businesses in the pharmaceutical industry, Schaan Herbals is often the first name that comes to mind when sourcing milk thistle extract. Established in 2005, this Schaan-based supplier has built its reputation on meeting the strictest regulatory standards, holding ISO 13485 certification—a mark of quality reserved for medical device and pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers. "Our focus is on precision," says Dr. Petra Kaiser, the company's quality control director. "Pharmaceutical companies need more than just a pure extract; they need documentation, consistency, and compliance with global pharmacopeias like the USP and EP. That's where we excel."
Schaan Herbals' milk thistle extract is standardized to contain 80–90% silymarin, with each batch tested via HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) to verify potency. The company sources seeds from GMP-certified farms in France and Italy, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw material. "We also offer granulated forms for tablet compression and micronized powder for faster dissolution in liquid formulations," Dr. Kaiser explains. With a minimum order quantity of 200kg, Schaan Herbals primarily serves large pharmaceutical firms and nutraceutical giants, but they're known for their responsive customer service. "A client once needed a rush order for a clinical trial—we rearranged production schedules and delivered in 10 days," Dr. Kaiser recalls. "In pharma, timing is everything, and we don't cut corners."
5. Princely Pharma Ingredients – Royalty in Small Batches
With a name that nods to Liechtenstein's royal family, Princely Pharma Ingredients has a legacy of excellence dating back to the 1980s. Originally a supplier to the principality's royal household apothecary, the company has since expanded to serve luxury supplement and skincare brands worldwide, specializing in small-batch, high-end organic certified botanical extracts. "We cater to clients who prioritize quality over quantity," says Karl Schmid, the company's sales director. "Many of our customers are boutique brands that want to tell a story of craftsmanship—and our milk thistle extract fits that narrative perfectly."
Princely Pharma's milk thistle extract is a labor of love. The seeds are hand-harvested from a single organic farm in the Swiss Alps, then cold-extracted using spring water from the company's own mountain well. The result is a golden-hued powder with 85% silymarin content, free from solvents or preservatives. "We're one of the few suppliers in Liechtenstein with both EU Organic and USDA Organic certifications," Karl notes. "That opens doors for clients selling in the U.S. and Europe." With a minimum order of just 10kg, the company is ideal for small brands or those launching premium lines. "A luxury skincare brand in Paris uses our extract in their anti-aging serum, marketing it as 'Alpine-grown, royal-approved,'" Karl laughs. "It's a niche, but it's our niche—and we love it."
6. Triesen Organics – Sustainability at Its Core
In the quiet town of Triesen, Triesen Organics is making waves with its eco-friendly approach to milk thistle extract production. Founded in 2015 by environmental scientists Lena and Markus Ziegler, the company runs entirely on solar power, uses rainwater for extraction, and offsets 150% of its carbon emissions through reforestation projects in the Alps. "We believe that herbal extracts shouldn't cost the Earth," Lena says. "From seed to powder, every step of our process is designed to minimize environmental impact—without sacrificing quality."
Their milk thistle extract is a testament to that mission. Sourced from organic farms in Slovenia that use crop rotation to maintain soil health, the seeds are processed in a facility that generates zero waste—even the leftover plant material is composted and returned to the farms. "Our customers love that they can market their products as both effective and sustainable," Mark adds. "We provide a full sustainability report with every order, detailing carbon footprint, water usage, and farmer compensation." Triesen Organics offers bulk milk thistle extract in powder form (80% silymarin) with a minimum order of 50kg, and they're expanding into liquid extracts for eco-friendly skincare lines. "Sustainability isn't a trend for us—it's the only way forward," Lena emphasizes.
7. Balzers Botanical Supply – Bridging Borders
For businesses looking to source milk thistle extract from across Europe, Balzers Botanical Supply is the go-to trader in Liechtenstein. Founded in 2012 by import-export veteran Hans Müller, the company has built a network of trusted milk thistle extract manufacturers in Austria, Italy, and Hungary, then distributes their products to buyers in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond. "We're not a manufacturer, but we're experts at finding the right match," Hans says. "A client might need a low-silymarin extract for animal feed, while another needs pharmaceutical-grade—we know which supplier in our network can deliver exactly that."
Balzers Botanical Supply offers a range of milk thistle extract options, from conventional bulk powder (minimum order 100kg) to organic liquid extracts. What sets them apart is their focus on transparency. "We provide full documentation for every batch, including certificates of analysis from the original manufacturer," Hans explains. "We also handle logistics, so clients don't have to worry about customs or shipping delays—we get the extract from the farm to their door." The company holds GMP and ISO 22000 certifications, ensuring that all products meet food safety standards. "Our sweet spot is mid-sized businesses that need reliable supply but don't have the bandwidth to manage international sourcing themselves," Hans adds. "We're the bridge between great manufacturers and great brands."
8. Eschen Extract Works – Innovation in Every Batch
Eschen Extract Works, based in the town of Eschen, is proof that new players can make a big impact. Founded in 2018 by a team of young chemists, the company has quickly gained a reputation for innovative extraction methods—most notably, their cold-press technology, which they claim preserves 15% more silymarin than traditional ethanol extraction. "We were tired of hearing that 'good enough' was the standard," says co-founder Lisa Wagner. "Milk thistle has so much potential—why not unlock every bit of it?"
Their cold-press process uses high pressure instead of heat or solvents to extract silymarin from milk thistle seeds, resulting in a darker, more aromatic powder with a silymarin concentration of 90%. "It's gentler on the compounds, so the extract retains more of its natural benefits," Lisa explains. Eschen Extract Works also offers liquid milk thistle extract, which they've optimized for stability—"no refrigeration needed, which is a game-changer for skincare brands," Lisa notes. With a minimum order of 30kg, the company caters to both small and medium brands, and they're certified Non-GMO Project Verified and GMP-compliant. "We're not here to follow the rules—we're here to rewrite them," Lisa. "And so far, the response has been incredible."
9. Ruggell Raw Materials – Bulk Supply, No Compromises
When it comes to bulk milk thistle extract, Ruggell Raw Materials is the heavyweight in Liechtenstein. Located in the northern town of Ruggell, near the Swiss border, the company has been supplying industrial quantities of herbal extracts since 2000, with a focus on reliability and competitive pricing. "Our clients are big players—food manufacturers, animal supplement producers, even cosmetic giants that need tons of extract per month," says CEO Peter Braun. "We built our facility to handle scale without sacrificing quality."
Ruggell Raw Materials sources milk thistle seeds from conventional farms in Eastern Europe, where they can secure large volumes at stable prices. Their extraction facility runs 24/7, producing up to 5,000kg of milk thistle extract powder per week, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80%. "We offer bulk pricing that's hard to beat, but we never cut corners on testing," Peter emphasizes. "Every batch is checked for heavy metals and pesticides, and we provide a COA with every order." The company's minimum order is 500kg, but they offer discounts for annual contracts. "For businesses that need consistent, large-scale supply, we're the partner they can count on," Peter says. "We've never missed a delivery in 23 years—that's our promise."
10. Mauren MediHerbs – Where Skincare Meets Wellness
Mauren MediHerbs, based in the town of Mauren, has carved a unique niche: milk thistle extract tailored for cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Founded in 2013 by skincare formulator Elena Fritz, the company recognized that milk thistle's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties made it a star ingredient for topical products—think serums, creams, and masks—while its liver-supporting benefits remained a hit in supplements. "We wanted to create extracts that work equally well in a capsule and a facial oil," Elena says. "That meant adjusting particle size, solubility, and purity to fit both uses."
Their cosmetic-grade milk thistle extract is micronized to ensure it absorbs easily into skin, while their supplement-grade powder is standardized to 80% silymarin for consistent efficacy. Both are organic-certified and Ecocert-compliant, appealing to clean beauty and wellness brands. "A local skincare line uses our extract in their 'Liver-Loving Facial Oil,' marketing it as 'inner wellness, outer glow,'" Elena shares. "It's a fun way to bridge the two worlds." With a minimum order of 20kg, Mauren MediHerbs is ideal for small to medium brands looking to innovate. "We also offer custom formulations—like adding vitamin E to our milk thistle extract for extra skin benefits," Elena adds. "At the end of the day, it's all about helping brands tell a story of holistic health."
Liechtenstein may be small, but its milk thistle extract scene is surprisingly diverse—offering everything from artisanal organic powders to industrial-scale bulk supply, and from pharmaceutical-grade precision to eco-friendly innovation. Whether you're a startup crafting the next big liver support supplement, a skincare brand hunting for clean, effective ingredients, or a pharmaceutical company in need of regulatory-compliant raw materials, there's a supplier in this tiny Alpine nation ready to meet your needs. The key is to align with your priorities: Do you value small-batch craftsmanship, or large-scale reliability? Organic certifications, or cutting-edge extraction tech? No matter what, Liechtenstein's top milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders prove that quality and passion can thrive in even the smallest of spaces.
