| Supplier Name | Established | Product Focus | Certifications | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moldova Botanicals Ltd. | 2005 | Bulk milk thistle extract, pharmaceutical grade | ISO 9001, GMP, EU Organic | Large-scale production, 99% purity, fast EU delivery |
| GreenField Extracts | 2010 | Organic milk thistle extract, cosmetic formulations | USDA Organic, Ecocert, ISO 22000 | Sustainable sourcing, small-batch quality, skincare expertise |
| Balkan Herb Traders | 2008 | Wholesale milk thistle extract, botanical blends | GMP, HACCP | Competitive pricing, flexible MOQs, global shipping |
| PharmaExtract Moldova | 2012 | Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, silymarin isolates | EMA-compliant, GMP, ISO 13485 | Strict testing protocols, clinical research partnerships |
| Nature's Bounty Moldova | 2003 | Bulk and retail milk thistle extract, dietary supplements | ISO 9001, Halal, Kosher | Vertical integration, from farm to extract, in-house lab |
| EcoBotanica SRL | 2015 | Organic milk thistle extract, cold-pressed oils | EU Organic, Demeter, GMP | Biodynamic farming, zero-waste production, premium pricing |
| Global Extract Trading | 2007 | Import/export of milk thistle extract, global sourcing | GMP, FSSAI, FDA-registered | International network, multi-region certifications, logistics support |
| BioActive Ingredients | 2018 | High-potency milk thistle extract, nano-formulations | ISO 9001, GMP, REACH compliant | Innovative extraction tech, high bioavailability, R&D focus |
| Herbal Roots Moldova | 2001 | Traditional milk thistle extract, herbal teas | Organic EU, GMP | Heritage methods, local farmer partnerships, cultural sustainability |
| Allied Botanicals Group | 2014 | Contract manufacturing, custom milk thistle extracts | ISO 9001, GMP, OHSAS 18001 | OEM/ODM services, technical support, flexible formulations |
1. Moldova Botanicals Ltd.
Founded in 2005 in the bustling capital city of Chisinau, Moldova Botanicals Ltd. has grown from a modest family-run operation to one of the country's most trusted names in bulk milk thistle extract production. Walk through their 15,000-square-meter facility, and you'll find a seamless blend of traditional botanical knowledge and cutting-edge technology—from climate-controlled seed storage rooms to state-of-the-art CO2 extraction units. What really sets them apart, though, is their obsession with purity. "We source 100% of our milk thistle seeds from local organic farms within a 50-kilometer radius," explains CEO Mihai Rusu. "That way, we can trace every batch back to the soil it grew in, ensuring no pesticides or heavy metals sneak into the final product."
Specializing in pharmaceutical-grade extract, Moldova Botanicals prides itself on delivering silymarin concentrations ranging from 70% to 95%, with a standard purity guarantee of 99%. Their bulk orders start at 500kg, but they're also known for accommodating urgent requests—"We once shipped 2 tons to a German pharmaceutical client in 48 hours," Rusu laughs. With certifications like ISO 9001 and GMP, plus regular audits by EU regulatory bodies, they've become a staple supplier for supplement brands and drug manufacturers across Europe. If your business needs reliable, high-volume milk thistle extract with zero compromises on quality, this is a name to remember.
2. GreenField Extracts
For brands that prioritize organic credentials and sustainability, GreenField Extracts—founded in 2010 in the rural town of Orhei—checks all the boxes. This small-batch manufacturer focuses exclusively on organic milk thistle extract, grown on their own 200-acre biodynamic farm. "We believe the best extracts start with the healthiest plants," says founder Ana Popescu, who left a career in environmental science to start the company. "Our milk thistle grows without synthetic fertilizers, and we use rainwater harvesting and crop rotation to keep the soil thriving. It's slower, but the difference in the extract's potency is undeniable."
GreenField's claim to fame? Their cold-press extraction method, which preserves heat-sensitive compounds like silymarin and antioxidants—making their extract a favorite among natural skincare brands. "Milk thistle extract is incredible for calming irritated skin and supporting collagen production," Popescu notes. "We've worked with cosmetic companies in France and Italy to create serums and creams that truly deliver results." Certified by USDA Organic, Ecocert, and ISO 22000, they offer both powdered and liquid extracts, with minimum orders as low as 50kg for small businesses. While their prices lean premium, Popescu argues it's worth it: "You're not just buying an extract—you're buying a promise that no shortcuts were taken, for your customers or the planet."
3. Balkan Herb Traders
If you're in the market for wholesale milk thistle extract that balances quality and cost, Balkan Herb Traders is a solid bet. Established in 2008 in Chisinau, this family-owned wholesaler has built a reputation for sourcing top-tier extract from Moldova's best manufacturers and reselling it at competitive prices. "We don't produce the extract ourselves," admits manager Ionut Gheorghe, "but we visit every facility we partner with, test every batch, and negotiate bulk discounts so our clients don't have to." Their sweet spot? Flexible minimum order quantities (starting at 100kg) and a knack for blending milk thistle with other botanicals like dandelion, artichoke, or turmeric—perfect for supplement brands looking to create unique formulations.
Balkan Herb Traders serves a global clientele, from small health food stores in Canada to large supplement chains in Australia. "We handle all the logistics, including customs paperwork and shipping," Gheorghe says. "Last year, we shipped 50 tons to a distributor in Brazil—they loved that we could mix milk thistle with their existing herbal blends." With GMP and HACCP certifications, they ensure consistency across batches, and their in-house lab offers third-party testing reports on request. For businesses that need a reliable middleman with a pulse on the global market, Balkan Herb Traders is more than a supplier—they're a strategic partner.
4. PharmaExtract Moldova
When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, PharmaExtract Moldova (founded in 2012) is in a league of its own. Located in the industrial zone of Balti, this state-of-the-art facility specializes in producing silymarin isolates and highly purified extract for use in prescription medications and clinical trials. "We work closely with universities and research institutions to ensure our extract meets the strictest standards," says head of R&D Dr. Elena Cojocaru. "Our silymarin is 98% pure, and we can even isolate specific isomers like silybin A and B for targeted pharmaceutical applications."
What makes PharmaExtract stand out? Their rigorous testing protocols. Every batch undergoes HPLC, GC-MS, and microbiological testing, with results shared with clients and stored in a digital database for 10 years—critical for compliance with EMA and FDA regulations. "A German pharmaceutical company approached us last year to supply extract for a liver disease trial," Dr. Cojocaru recalls. "They needed consistent silymarin levels within 0.5%—we delivered, and the trial is now in Phase III." With certifications like ISO 13485 (medical device quality) and EMA compliance, they cater to a niche but vital market. If your business is in pharmaceuticals or clinical research, PharmaExtract's expertise is invaluable.
5. Nature's Bounty Moldova
Nature's Bounty Moldova has been a cornerstone of the country's botanical extract industry since 2003, and for good reason: they control every step of the process, from growing milk thistle on their 500-acre farm to bottling the final extract. "Vertical integration is our secret," says operations director Vasile Petrov. "We don't rely on third-party farmers or extractors—we grow the seeds, harvest them, extract the oil, and test the product all in-house. That means we can keep costs low and quality high."
While they're best known for bulk milk thistle extract (with orders up to 10 tons per month), Nature's Bounty also produces private-label dietary supplements for small and medium brands. "A lot of our clients are startups that don't have the budget for their own manufacturing," Petrov explains. "We help them design labels, choose packaging, and create formulas—all with our milk thistle extract as the star." Certified by ISO 9001, Halal, and Kosher, they're able to serve diverse markets, from the Middle East to North America. And with an in-house lab that tests for everything from heavy metals to microbial contamination, they guarantee safety and consistency. For businesses that want a one-stop shop, Nature's Bounty delivers.
6. EcoBotanica SRL
EcoBotanica SRL, founded in 2015 in the eco-conscious city of Cahul, is for the brands that want to tell a story of sustainability and luxury. This small but mighty manufacturer specializes in biodynamic milk thistle extract, grown using Demeter-certified practices that align with lunar cycles and soil health. "Biodynamics isn't just organic—it's about treating the farm as a living organism," says founder Maria Lazăr. "Our milk thistle plants are grown with compost made from our own cow manure, and we even play classical music in the fields to 'stimulate growth'—it sounds quirky, but the plants thrive!"
EcoBotanica's extract is cold-pressed to retain maximum nutrients, and they pride themselves on zero-waste production: leftover seed husks are turned into animal feed, and extraction water is filtered and reused for irrigation. "We only produce 500kg of extract per month," Lazăr notes, "so we can focus on quality over quantity." Their clients are mostly high-end cosmetic brands and boutique supplement companies that market "slow beauty" or "conscious wellness." With certifications like EU Organic, Demeter, and GMP, they command premium prices, but Lazăr says customers are happy to pay: "They know they're supporting a system that respects the earth and the people who tend it."
7. Global Extract Trading
For businesses that need milk thistle extract from around the world, Global Extract Trading is the go-to. Founded in 2007 in Chisinau, this import-export company sources extract not just from Moldova, but also from top manufacturers in Germany, Poland, and Hungary, then resells it to clients globally. "We act as a bridge between small producers and international buyers," says CEO Andrei Moraru. "A company in Brazil might want Moldovan milk thistle for its purity, but they don't have the contacts here—we handle the sourcing, testing, and shipping."
Global Extract Trading's strength lies in its certifications: they ensure all extract meets the target market's standards, whether that's FDA registration for the US, FSSAI for India, or TGA for Australia. "Last year, we helped a Canadian supplement brand navigate Health Canada's strict regulations," Moraru recalls. "We provided batch test reports, origin certificates, and even arranged for a third-party audit—they got approved in half the time." With minimum orders starting at 200kg and competitive pricing, they're a favorite among mid-sized businesses looking to expand their supply chain. If you need flexibility and global expertise, Global Extract Trading delivers.
8. BioActive Ingredients
BioActive Ingredients is the new kid on the block, founded in 2018, but they're already making waves with their innovative milk thistle extract. Located in Chisinau's tech park, this research-driven company uses ultrasonic extraction—a method that uses sound waves to break down plant cells, resulting in higher silymarin yields and better bioavailability. "Traditional extraction methods can leave up to 30% of silymarin locked in the seeds," explains lead scientist Dr. Ionela Vasilescu. "Our ultrasonic process gets that number down to 5%, so clients get more active ingredient per kilogram."
BioActive also specializes in nano-formulated milk thistle extract, which dissolves faster in water and is easier for the body to absorb—perfect for liquid supplements and skincare serums. "We're working with a US-based sports nutrition brand to create a liver support shot that works in 30 minutes instead of 2 hours," Dr. Vasilescu says. With certifications like ISO 9001 and REACH compliance, they're focused on innovation but never at the expense of quality. For brands that want to market "next-gen" milk thistle products, BioActive is worth a conversation.
9. Herbal Roots Moldova
Herbal Roots Moldova has been around since 2001, and they've stayed true to their roots: traditional herbalism. Located in the village of Călărași, this family-owned business grows milk thistle using methods passed down for generations, with a focus on preserving local biodiversity. "We grow 12 different varieties of milk thistle, some of which are native to Moldova and hard to find elsewhere," says owner Dumitru Ciobanu. "Each variety has unique properties—some are higher in silymarin, others in antioxidants. We let our clients choose based on their needs."
Herbal Roots uses a simple, time-tested extraction method: cold maceration in organic ethanol, followed by gentle evaporation. "No fancy machines, just patience," Ciobanu says. "This method preserves the full spectrum of compounds in the plant, not just silymarin. We believe that's why our extract works so well for herbal teas and tinctures." Certified organic by the EU, they're a favorite among small herbalists and natural product brands that value tradition. While they don't do large bulk orders (max 200kg per month), they offer personalized service—Ciobanu even gives farm tours to clients. "We want people to see where their extract comes from," he says. "Trust is everything in this business."
10. Allied Botanicals Group
Rounding out our list is Allied Botanicals Group, a contract manufacturing powerhouse founded in 2014. Unlike other suppliers, they don't just sell extract—they help businesses create finished products. "If you have a formula in mind, we'll source the milk thistle extract, blend it with other ingredients, and package it under your brand," explains sales director Loredana Mihalache. "We do powders, capsules, liquids, even gummies—whatever your market demands."
Allied Botanicals has a 10,000-square-meter facility with GMP certification, allowing them to handle everything from R&D to production to quality control. "A skincare brand came to us last year wanting a milk thistle face serum," Mihalache recalls. "They had the idea but no lab—we developed the formula, tested it for stability, and now it's selling in Sephora." With OHSAS 18001 certification (occupational health and safety), they prioritize their team's well-being, too. For businesses that want to outsource manufacturing and focus on marketing, Allied Botanicals is a game-changer.
