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

Founded in 2010, Nicaraguan Botanical Solutions (NBS) has grown from a small family farm to one of Nicaragua's leading milk thistle extract manufacturers . What sets NBS apart is its vertically integrated model: the company owns over 200 acres of organic milk thistle farms in the Matagalpa region, where the cool mountain air and nutrient-rich soil create ideal growing conditions. By controlling every step—from planting to extraction—NBS ensures consistency and traceability, a key selling point for clients in the supplement and pharmaceutical industries.

NBS specializes in high-potency milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 90%. Their most popular product is a 80% silymarin powder, favored by supplement brands for its balance of efficacy and affordability. The company's state-of-the-art extraction facility, equipped with CO2 supercritical extraction technology, preserves the integrity of silymarin without using harsh solvents, aligning with their commitment to organic certified botanical extracts .

Certifications are a cornerstone of NBS's reputation: they hold USDA Organic, EU Organic, and GMP certifications, and their labs are ISO 17025 accredited for in-house testing. For businesses needing large volumes, NBS offers bulk milk thistle extract with minimum orders of 500 kg, and they pride themselves on reliable lead times—typically 10–14 days for domestic orders and 21 days for international shipments to markets like the U.S. and Europe.

For businesses that prioritize flexibility and a personal touch, Green Harvest Extracts has been a trusted milk thistle extract wholesaler in Nicaragua since 2015. Unlike large manufacturers, Green Harvest focuses on bridging the gap between small-scale farmers and mid-sized businesses, sourcing milk thistle from a network of 30+ local growers in the Jinotega region. This approach not only supports rural communities but also ensures a steady supply of fresh, high-quality raw material.

Green Harvest's product line includes both standardized powder extracts (60–80% silymarin) and liquid extracts, making them a versatile choice for supplement brands, herbalists, and even cosmetic formulators. Their liquid extract, in particular, has gained popularity among natural skincare companies for its ability to blend seamlessly into serums and creams, thanks to its low viscosity and natural preservative properties.

While they don't own farms directly, Green Harvest maintains strict quality control by conducting third-party testing on every batch for heavy metals, pesticides, and silymarin content. They hold GMP and ISO 9001 certifications, and their minimum order of 200 kg is designed to accommodate growing businesses that need more than small-batch quantities but aren't ready for industrial-scale orders. For clients new to sourcing from Nicaragua, Green Harvest also offers sample kits (500g–1kg) to test product quality before committing to larger purchases.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, Silymarin Naturals is the name that comes up time and again in industry circles. Founded in 2008 by a team of biochemists, this Managua-based manufacturer has built its reputation on precision: their flagship product is a 95% silymarin extract, one of the highest concentrations available on the market. This ultra-pure extract is used primarily by pharmaceutical companies in liver support medications and clinical research, where potency and consistency are non-negotiable.

Silymarin Naturals' facility is a far cry from traditional extract labs. Equipped with HPLC and GC-MS instruments for real-time quality monitoring, the company adheres to strict pharmaceutical standards, including ISO 13485 certification and compliance with the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Their extraction process uses ethanol as a solvent, followed by a multi-step purification process to remove impurities, resulting in a white-to-off-white powder that's free from residual solvents and heavy metals.

Given the specialized nature of their products, Silymarin Naturals caters to large-scale buyers, with a minimum order of 1000 kg. However, they also offer custom formulations for clients with specific needs, such as micronized powders for faster dissolution or enteric-coated granules for targeted delivery. While their prices are higher than standard extracts, clients argue the investment is worth it: the company's extracts have a shelf life of 36 months, longer than the industry average of 24 months, reducing waste and inventory costs.

EcoBotanical Traders isn't your typical extract supplier—instead of manufacturing, they act as a bridge between Nicaragua's rural milk thistle farmers and international buyers, making them a key player in the country's botanical trade ecosystem. Founded in 2012 by a group of environmental scientists, the company's mission is to promote sustainable farming practices while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their crops.

What EcoBotanical offers is raw, unprocessed milk thistle seed and crude extract (with silymarin concentrations of 40–50%), which buyers can then refine further or use in applications like animal feed supplements or herbal teas. For businesses that prefer to control their own extraction process, this is a cost-effective option, as crude extract is priced 30–40% lower than standardized powder.

EcoBotanical works exclusively with farmers who follow organic and regenerative farming practices, and they hold Fair Trade certification to back their commitment to ethical sourcing. Minimum orders start at just 100 kg, making them accessible to small-scale processors and artisanal brands. The company also provides detailed traceability reports, including GPS coordinates of the farms where the milk thistle was grown, a feature that resonates with consumers increasingly interested in the origins of their products.

For brands that prioritize sustainability and storytelling, PureThistle Organics is a standout choice. This small-batch manufacturer, based in the mountain town of Estelí, specializes in organic certified botanical extracts with a focus on transparency. Founded in 2017 by a former environmental activist, PureThistle works with 12 family-owned farms that use biodynamic farming methods—meaning they avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and even use milk thistle byproducts (like stems and leaves) to enrich the soil.

PureThistle's signature product is a 70% silymarin powder extract, made using a water-based maceration process that's gentler on the environment than solvent-based methods. While this process is slower and more labor-intensive, it results in a extract with a subtle, earthy aroma that's popular in natural skincare and herbal supplements. The company also offers limited-edition seasonal batches, which sell out quickly among boutique brands looking for unique, story-driven ingredients.

Certifications include USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, and PureThistle goes the extra mile by publishing annual sustainability reports detailing their environmental impact, from water usage to carbon footprint. With a minimum order of just 50 kg, they're ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, and they offer personalized support, including help with labeling and marketing materials that highlight the organic, small-batch nature of their extracts.

As the name suggests, Bulk Extracts Nicaragua is all about volume. Established in 2005, this industrial-scale manufacturer is Nicaragua's largest producer of milk thistle extract, with a production capacity of 500 metric tons per year. Located in the Pacific lowlands near Chinandega, the company benefits from proximity to major ports, allowing them to ship bulk milk thistle extract to global markets at competitive rates.

Bulk Extracts focuses on standardized extracts with silymarin concentrations of 60–80%, targeting large-scale buyers like multinational supplement companies and food additive manufacturers. Their most popular product is a 60% silymarin powder, sold in 25 kg drums, which is used in everything from multivitamins to functional beverages. The company also offers pelletized extract, which is easier to handle in automated production lines and has a longer shelf life than powder.

While Bulk Extracts doesn't specialize in organic products (though they do offer an organic line), they compensate with aggressive pricing and unmatched scale. Their minimum order of 2000 kg may be steep for small businesses, but for those needing consistent, high-volume supply, the cost savings are significant. The company holds GMP certification and conducts basic quality testing, but they recommend third-party testing for clients with strict regulatory requirements, such as those in the EU or Japan.

Andes Botanical Co. blends tradition with innovation, drawing on Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants while leveraging modern extraction technology. Founded in 2013 by a team of ethnobotanists and chemical engineers, the company sources milk thistle from the highlands of Nueva Segovia, where farmers have grown the plant for generations using techniques passed down through families.

What makes Andes Botanical unique is their focus on skincare-grade extracts. Their flagship product is an oil-soluble milk thistle extract, formulated specifically for use in creams, lotions, and serums. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, this extract is prized by cosmetic brands for its ability to soothe sensitive skin and protect against environmental damage. Andes also offers a water-soluble version for toners and gels, as well as a raw extract for DIY skincare enthusiasts.

The company holds Cosmetic GMP and Ecocert certifications, ensuring their products meet the strict standards of the beauty industry. With a minimum order of 100 kg, Andes caters to both mid-sized cosmetic companies and larger brands looking to add a natural, ethically sourced ingredient to their lines. They also offer custom formulation services, helping clients develop unique extracts tailored to specific skincare concerns, such as anti-aging or acne-prone skin.

BioNica Extracts has made a name for itself as a reliable exporter, connecting Nicaragua's botanical riches with markets across Central America and the Caribbean. Founded in 2008, the company operates out of a modern facility in Managua, where they process milk thistle sourced from partner farms in the Boaco region, known for its high-quality medicinal plants.

BioNica's core product is a standardized 80% silymarin powder extract, which they sell to supplement distributors, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and even veterinary supply companies (milk thistle is increasingly used in liver support supplements for pets). The company prides itself on consistency, with silymarin content varying by no more than 2% between batches, a level of precision that has earned them repeat business from clients in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.

Certifications include ISO 9001 and GMP, and BioNica has invested in a dedicated export team to handle customs documentation, shipping logistics, and compliance with international regulations. Their minimum order of 500 kg is designed for regional distributors, and they offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, to facilitate cross-border transactions. For new clients, BioNica provides free sample testing and technical support to ensure the extract meets their specific formulation needs.

ThistleWell Suppliers is a family-owned milk thistle extract wholesaler that prides itself on old-fashioned customer service. Founded in 2012 by the López family, who have farmed milk thistle in the Carazo region for three generations, ThistleWell offers a personal touch that's rare in the industry. Unlike large corporations, clients work directly with family members, from initial inquiry to order fulfillment, ensuring clear communication and tailored solutions.

ThistleWell specializes in bulk powder extracts with silymarin concentrations of 60–80%, sourced from their own 50-acre farm and a handful of neighboring farms. Their small scale allows them to focus on quality over quantity: each batch is hand-harvested at peak maturity, and extraction is done using a traditional ethanol method that preserves more of the plant's natural compounds, resulting in a extract with a richer profile of flavonoids and antioxidants.

While ThistleWell is in the process of obtaining USDA Organic certification (expected in 2026), they already follow organic practices, avoiding synthetic inputs and using compost from their own farm. With a minimum order of 150 kg, they're a great fit for small to mid-sized supplement brands and herbal product companies that value a direct relationship with their supplier. The López family also offers tours of their farm, giving clients a chance to see firsthand how their milk thistle is grown and processed—a transparency that builds trust and loyalty.

Rounding out our list is Natural Roots Nicaragua, a social enterprise with a mission to empower rural communities through sustainable botanical trade. Founded in 2018 as a cooperative of 150 small-scale farmers, Natural Roots focuses on organic certified botanical extracts , with milk thistle being their top-selling product. By cutting out middlemen, the cooperative ensures farmers receive 70% of the final sale price, compared to the industry average of 30–40%.

Natural Roots offers both crude extract (40–50% silymarin) and standardized powder (60–70% silymarin), with a focus on fair trade and ethical sourcing. Their extracts are popular among eco-conscious brands, particularly in Europe and North America, where consumers increasingly prioritize products with positive social and environmental impacts. The cooperative also produces a small-batch, cold-pressed milk thistle oil, used in natural cooking and skincare.

Certifications include Fair Trade and Organic, and Natural Roots publishes annual impact reports detailing how revenue is reinvested in the community—from building schools to funding healthcare clinics. With a minimum order of 75 kg, they're accessible to small businesses and indie brands, and they offer competitive pricing for bulk orders. For clients looking to align their products with sustainability goals, Natural Roots provides marketing materials, including stories and photos of the farmers who grew the milk thistle, to help tell a compelling brand narrative.