In recent years, Nigeria's natural health and wellness scene has been booming, with more people turning to herbal supplements to support their wellbeing. Among these, milk thistle extract has emerged as a standout—renowned for its liver-supporting properties and a range of other health benefits. Whether you're a small-scale supplement brand, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, or a business looking to source bulk ingredients, finding a reliable milk thistle extract supplier is key to ensuring product quality and customer trust. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Nigeria, highlighting their strengths, product offerings, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
First, let's quickly recap why milk thistle extract has become so popular. Derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, it's rich in silymarin, a compound celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. From supporting liver detoxification to aiding digestion and even promoting skin health, the milk thistle extract benefits are hard to ignore. As demand grows, Nigeria's suppliers have stepped up, offering everything from raw powder to encapsulated extracts, catering to diverse industries like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
At a Glance: Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Nigeria
| Rank | Company Name | Core Business | Key Products | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GreenNaturals Nigeria Ltd | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | Bulk milk thistle extract powder, encapsulated extracts | GMP, ISO 9001, NAFDAC Approved |
| 2 | Silymarin Supply Co. | Specialized Trader & Exporter | Organic milk thistle extract, standardized silymarin (80%) | Organic Certified, Halal |
| 3 | PharmaHerb Industries | Pharmaceutical-Grade Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, liquid extracts | WHO-GMP, ISO 13485 |
| 4 | BulkExtracts NG | Wholesaler & Distributor | Bulk milk thistle extract (raw powder), blended extracts | NAFDAC Registered, HACCP |
| 5 | NaturalRoots Traders | Import-Export Trader | Imported milk thistle extract (EU-sourced), local raw material sourcing | EU Organic, NAFDAC Certified |
| 6 | HerbalEssence Manufacturing | End-to-End Manufacturer | Custom-formulated milk thistle extracts, private label options | GMP, ISO 22000 |
| 7 | GlobalHerb Nigeria | International Supplier & Wholesaler | High-purity milk thistle extract (silymarin 90%), bulk packaging | FDA Registered, Kosher |
| 8 | PureThistle Distributors | Regional Wholesaler | Affordable bulk milk thistle extract, small MOQ options | NAFDAC Approved, Local Sourcing |
| 9 | WellnessExtracts Ltd | Specialty Supplier for Cosmetics & Supplements | Milk thistle extract for skincare, dietary supplement blends | ISO 9001, Cruelty-Free |
| 10 | AgroHerb Traders | Raw Material Trader & Processor | Crude milk thistle extract, seed processing, bulk powder | Local Quality Certifications, Sustainable Sourcing |
Detailed Profiles: Who Are These Suppliers?
1. GreenNaturals Nigeria Ltd (Manufacturer & Wholesaler)
Founded in 2012, GreenNaturals Nigeria has grown to become one of the most trusted names in herbal extract manufacturing in the country. Based in Lagos, their state-of-the-art facility is GMP-certified, ensuring strict quality control from raw material intake to final packaging. What sets them apart? They specialize in bulk milk thistle extract production, with a focus on consistency—their silymarin content is standardized to 80%, a figure they back up with third-party lab reports.
Whether you need 50kg or 500kg of milk thistle extract powder, GreenNaturals can handle large orders with quick turnaround times (typically 5–7 business days for in-stock items). They also offer custom formulations, such as blending milk thistle with other extracts like dandelion or turmeric for specialized supplements. Their client base includes major pharmaceutical companies and emerging supplement brands, thanks to their competitive pricing and commitment to transparency—they're happy to share sourcing details and certification documents upfront.
2. Silymarin Supply Co. (Specialized Trader & Exporter)
If you're prioritizing organic and ethically sourced ingredients, Silymarin Supply Co. should be on your radar. This Lagos-based trader focuses exclusively on high-quality, organic milk thistle extract, sourced from sustainable farms in Europe and the Middle East. Their flagship product is a standardized organic milk thistle extract with 80% silymarin, certified by the EU Organic label and Halal-compliant—perfect for brands targeting health-conscious and faith-based markets.
What makes Silymarin Supply Co. unique is their niche expertise. They don't just sell extract; they educate their clients on best practices for formulation and storage, ensuring the product retains its potency. They also export to neighboring West African countries, making them a great partner if you're looking to scale regionally. While their prices are slightly higher than non-organic alternatives, the premium is justified by their rigorous testing (every batch undergoes heavy metal and pesticide screening) and commitment to eco-friendly packaging.
3. PharmaHerb Industries (Pharmaceutical-Grade Manufacturer)
For pharmaceutical companies and medical supplement brands, PharmaHerb Industries is the go-to manufacturer for pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract. Based in Abuja, their facility is WHO-GMP certified, meaning they adhere to the strictest international standards for drug production. Their product line includes both powder and liquid milk thistle extracts, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 70% to 95%—catering to everything from over-the-counter liver supplements to prescription medications.
PharmaHerb's strength lies in their research and development capabilities. They work closely with local universities to optimize extraction methods, ensuring maximum bioavailability of silymarin. They also offer contract manufacturing services, helping brands develop custom dosages (capsules, tablets, or liquids) under their own label. While their minimum order quantities (MOQs) are higher (starting at 100kg), the investment is worth it for businesses prioritizing pharmaceutical-grade quality and regulatory compliance.
4. BulkExtracts NG (Wholesaler & Distributor)
Smaller businesses or startups looking to test the waters with milk thistle extract should consider BulkExtracts NG. As a leading wholesaler in Ibadan, they specialize in making bulk ingredients accessible, with MOQs as low as 10kg—ideal for brands just starting out. Their core product is raw milk thistle extract powder (silymarin 70–80%), sourced from verified international suppliers and repackaged locally to keep costs down.
BulkExtracts NG prides itself on affordability without compromising on quality. They're NAFDAC registered and follow HACCP guidelines for food safety, ensuring their extracts are safe for use in supplements, functional foods, and even cosmetics. They also offer blended extracts, such as milk thistle with artichoke or ginger, for brands looking to create unique formulations. Their customer service is another highlight—they provide quick quotes and flexible payment terms, making them a favorite among small-scale entrepreneurs.
5. NaturalRoots Traders (Import-Export Trader)
NaturalRoots Traders bridges the gap between international quality and local accessibility. With offices in Lagos and Kano, they import high-grade milk thistle extract from Europe (primarily Germany and Poland) and also source raw milk thistle seeds locally for small-batch processing. This dual approach allows them to offer both imported premium extracts and more affordable locally processed options, depending on your budget and needs.
What's impressive about NaturalRoots is their supply chain agility. They maintain strong relationships with European suppliers, ensuring steady stock even during global shortages, and their local processing facility lets them cater to urgent orders with shorter lead times. They're also EU Organic certified for their imported extracts, making them a versatile choice for brands that want to toggle between premium and budget-friendly product lines. Their clients range from herbal tea companies to skincare brands, thanks to their wide range of extract forms (powder, liquid, and even encapsulated options).
6. HerbalEssence Manufacturing (End-to-End Manufacturer)
HerbalEssence Manufacturing is all about convenience. Based in Port Harcourt, this manufacturer offers end-to-end services: from sourcing raw milk thistle seeds to extracting, formulating, and packaging the final product. If you're a brand that wants to outsource the entire production process, they'll handle it—whether you need bulk extract powder, pre-filled capsules, or even finished supplement bottles with your label.
Their milk thistle extract is standardized to 80% silymarin, and they use a cold-press extraction method to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients. They also specialize in private labeling, with low MOQs for custom packaging (starting at 500 bottles). For businesses new to the supplement space, HerbalEssence provides free consultation on branding and regulatory compliance, helping you navigate NAFDAC registration and product claims. Their prices are competitive, especially when bundling manufacturing and packaging, making them a one-stop shop for growing brands.
7. GlobalHerb Nigeria (International Supplier & Wholesaler)
GlobalHerb Nigeria lives up to its name, with connections to extract manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As a major wholesaler in Lagos, they import high-purity milk thistle extract (up to 90% silymarin) from top-tier suppliers in China and India, offering it at wholesale prices that undercut many local manufacturers. Their bulk packaging options (25kg drums, 50kg bags) are perfect for large-scale operations, such as food and beverage companies adding milk thistle to functional drinks or snacks.
While they don't manufacture in-house, GlobalHerb's strict vetting process ensures quality. They only partner with ISO 9001 and FDA-registered facilities, and every shipment undergoes testing at an independent Nigerian lab before delivery. They also offer flexible payment terms, including letter of credit (LC) options for international-style transactions, which is a plus for businesses used to global sourcing. If you need a reliable, cost-effective partner for high-volume orders, GlobalHerb delivers.
8. PureThistle Distributors (Regional Wholesaler)
For businesses in the northern states, PureThistle Distributors is a convenient and affordable option. With warehouses in Kano and Kaduna, they specialize in regional distribution, ensuring faster delivery times (2–3 days) to clients in Sokoto, Maiduguri, and beyond. Their focus is on bulk milk thistle extract powder with 70–80% silymarin, sourced from both local and international suppliers, and they pride themselves on keeping prices low by cutting out middlemen.
PureThistle is particularly popular among small herbal shops and traditional medicine practitioners, thanks to their small MOQs (as low as 5kg) and cash-on-delivery payment options. While they don't offer organic or pharmaceutical-grade options, their standard extract is NAFDAC approved and suitable for general wellness supplements. They also provide basic marketing support, such as product flyers and dosage guidelines, which is helpful for businesses with limited resources.
9. WellnessExtracts Ltd (Specialty Supplier for Cosmetics & Supplements)
WellnessExtracts Ltd caters to two booming industries: skincare and dietary supplements. This Lagos-based supplier offers a unique range of milk thistle extracts tailored to each sector. For cosmetics, they provide a water-soluble milk thistle extract ideal for serums, creams, and masks, known for its anti-aging and soothing properties. For supplements, their oil-soluble powder extract (80% silymarin) is a favorite for capsules and softgels.
What makes WellnessExtracts stand out is their focus on versatility. They work with beauty brands to create custom extract concentrations for specific skin concerns (e.g., acne-prone or mature skin) and with supplement brands to develop blends that target liver health or detox programs. They're ISO 9001 certified and cruelty-free, aligning with the values of modern beauty and wellness consumers. While they're a smaller player compared to some of the larger manufacturers, their niche expertise and personalized service make them a gem for brands with specific needs.
10. AgroHerb Traders (Raw Material Trader & Processor)
Rounding out our list is AgroHerb Traders, a Kano-based company with deep roots in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Unlike most suppliers on this list, AgroHerb focuses on raw material trading and basic processing—they source milk thistle seeds from local farmers (yes, milk thistle is grown in small quantities in Nigeria's northern states!) and process them into crude extract powder. While their silymarin content is lower (around 60–70%), their prices are unbeatable, making them a great option for budget-conscious brands or those looking to support local agriculture.
AgroHerb's biggest advantage is their commitment to sustainability. By sourcing locally, they reduce carbon footprints and support smallholder farmers, a story that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. They also offer custom processing services, such as grinding seeds into powder or creating crude liquid extracts, for businesses that want to handle the final purification in-house. While they don't have international certifications, they're NAFDAC registered and happy to provide sample batches for testing before large orders.
How to Choose the Right Milk Thistle Extract Supplier for Your Business
With so many options, selecting the best milk thistle extract supplier can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Certifications: If you're targeting pharmaceutical or organic markets, prioritize GMP, organic, or Halal certifications.
- Order Size: Small brands may prefer suppliers with low MOQs (like BulkExtracts NG or PureThistle), while large manufacturers will need bulk capabilities (GreenNaturals, GlobalHerb).
- Product Specialization: Cosmetic brands should look for water-soluble extracts (WellnessExtracts), while pharma companies need high-purity options (PharmaHerb).
- Sustainability: For eco-friendly or locally focused brands, AgroHerb (local sourcing) or Silymarin Supply Co. (organic) are strong picks.
Ultimately, the best supplier is one that aligns with your brand values, budget, and quality standards. Don't hesitate to request samples, ask for lab reports, and visit facilities if possible—trust is key in the extract sourcing business.
As Nigeria's demand for natural supplements continues to grow, these 10 suppliers are leading the way in providing high-quality milk thistle extract. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, partnering with one of these trusted names will help you create products that stand out and keep your customers coming back.
