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

If you've ever dabbled in the world of herbal supplements, skincare, or pharmaceuticals, you've probably heard of milk thistle extract. Renowned for its liver-supporting properties and rich silymarin content, this botanical extract has become a staple in health products worldwide. But here's the thing: not all milk thistle extracts are created equal. The difference between a high-quality, potent extract and a subpar one often comes down to the supplier behind it. For businesses—whether you're crafting supplements, formulating skincare lines, or developing pharmaceuticals—finding a reliable partner is non-negotiable. It's about consistency, purity, and trust. That's why today, we're diving into the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in North Korea. From family-run operations with decades of herbal expertise to large-scale manufacturers equipped for bulk orders, we'll explore the best of the best to help you find your perfect match.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters—And Why Your Supplier Does Too
Before we jump into the list, let's take a quick moment to appreciate why milk thistle extract has become such a hot commodity. At the heart of its popularity are its milk thistle extract benefits : loaded with silymarin, an antioxidant compound, it's celebrated for supporting liver health, aiding detoxification, and even promoting healthy skin. This versatility has made it a favorite in everything from daily supplements to premium skincare serums. But to unlock these benefits, the extract must be sourced from high-quality milk thistle plants and processed using methods that preserve its active ingredients. That's where a trusted milk thistle extract manufacturer or milk thistle extract supplier comes in. They're the gatekeepers of quality, ensuring that what ends up in your products is pure, potent, and safe for your customers.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in North Korea
1. Pyongyang Herbal Extracts Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1985, Pyongyang Herbal Extracts Co., Ltd. is a household name in North Korea's botanical extract scene. Nestled in the outskirts of the capital, this milk thistle extract manufacturer prides itself on blending traditional herbal knowledge with modern extraction technology. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own and operate organic milk thistle farms just outside Pyongyang, ensuring full control over the growing process—from seed to harvest. This means they can guarantee the absence of pesticides and heavy metals, a big plus for brands prioritizing clean ingredients.

Specializing in both standard and high-silymarin extracts (ranging from 70% to 80% silymarin content), they cater to a wide range of clients. Whether you need small batches for R&D or milk thistle extract bulk orders for mass production, they've got you covered. Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) for bulk powder starts at 50kg, with discounts for orders over 200kg. They're also GMP-certified, a must for pharmaceutical and supplement companies, and export to markets in East Asia and Europe. Fun fact: Their extraction facility uses cold-press technology to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients, making their extracts a top choice for premium supplement brands.

2. Hamhung Bulk Extract Traders

If bulk supply is your top priority, Hamhung Bulk Extract Traders should be on your radar. Based in Hamhung, North Korea's second-largest city and a hub for agricultural trade, this wholesaler has built its reputation on efficiency and scalability. Unlike some manufacturers, they focus solely on trading, partnering with over 10 local farms and 3 extraction facilities to source the best milk thistle extract in the region. This network allows them to offer competitive pricing and flexible MOQs—starting at just 20kg for powder extracts and 100L for liquid formulations.

Hamhung Bulk Extract Traders specializes in standardized extracts (60-70% silymarin) and is known for its quick turnaround times. Most bulk orders ship within 5-7 business days, a boon for businesses with tight production schedules. They also offer custom packaging, from 1kg foil bags to 25kg drums, and can assist with logistics for international shipping. While they don't own farms directly, they conduct rigorous third-party testing on every batch, ensuring heavy metal and microbial levels meet international standards. Their client base includes food supplement manufacturers and cosmetic brands, particularly those in Southeast Asia looking for cost-effective yet reliable sources.

3. Nampo Natural Ingredients Factory

Nampo Natural Ingredients Factory is a hidden gem for brands focused on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Located in Nampo, a coastal city with fertile farmland, this manufacturer has been producing herbal extracts since 1992, with a strict focus on eco-friendly practices. Their milk thistle is grown using crop rotation and natural fertilizers, and their extraction process relies on water-based methods (no harsh solvents), making their extracts ideal for organic-certified products.

What makes Nampo stand out is their commitment to transparency. They provide full traceability reports for every batch, including soil test results from their farms and extraction process documentation. Their product line includes organic milk thistle extract powder (70% silymarin), liquid extract, and even encapsulated extracts for supplement brands looking to skip a production step. MOQs are higher here—starting at 100kg for powder—but the quality justifies the investment. They're certified by the Korean Organic Certification Authority (KOCA) and have recently expanded into the European market, where demand for organic botanical extracts is booming.

4. Kaesong Botanical Trading House

Kaesong, a city with a long history of herbal medicine, is home to Kaesong Botanical Trading House, a milk thistle extract supplier that bridges the gap between traditional and modern. Founded by a family of herbalists, this trader has deep roots in North Korea's botanical community, giving them access to some of the finest milk thistle crops in the country. They work with small-scale farmers in the Kaesong region, many of whom have been growing milk thistle for generations, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw material.

Kaesong Botanical Trading House specializes in "whole-plant" extracts, which include not just the seeds but also the leaves and stems of the milk thistle plant, believed to contain additional beneficial compounds. While this makes their extracts slightly less concentrated in silymarin (around 50-60%), many natural product brands prefer this full-spectrum approach for its holistic benefits. They offer both powder and liquid extracts, with MOQs as low as 10kg for trial orders. What clients love most? Their personalized service—they're happy to adjust extraction parameters (like solvent type or concentration) to meet specific formulation needs. They primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses in Asia and the Middle East.

5. Sinuiju Extract Manufacturing Plant

For pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, look no further than Sinuiju Extract Manufacturing Plant. Located near the border with China, this state-of-the-art facility is one of North Korea's largest milk thistle extract manufacturers , equipped with ISO 9001 and GMP certifications. Their focus is on precision: using advanced CO2 extraction technology, they produce ultra-pure silymarin isolates (up to 95% purity) that meet the strict standards of pharmaceutical companies.

While their primary product is high-purity silymarin powder, they also offer standardized extracts for supplements and cosmetics. What's impressive about Sinuiju is their production capacity—they can churn out up to 500kg of extract per day, making them a go-to for large-scale milk thistle extract bulk orders. They also provide comprehensive analytical reports with every shipment, including HPLC results for silymarin content and microbial testing. Their client list includes major pharmaceutical firms in China and Russia, and they're expanding into the US market with FDA-compliant products. If your business requires pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, Sinuiju is worth a closer look.

6. Wonsan Herbal Wholesale Co.

Wonsan Herbal Wholesale Co. is all about accessibility. Based in the port city of Wonsan, this wholesaler focuses on making milk thistle extract available to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands. They source their extract from a network of verified manufacturers across North Korea, curating a selection of high-quality options at competitive prices. Whether you need a small 5kg batch for a new product launch or a 500kg bulk order, they can accommodate.

What makes Wonsan unique is their "one-stop shop" approach. In addition to milk thistle extract, they offer a range of other botanical extracts (like ginseng and rehmannia), making them convenient for brands that need multiple ingredients. They also handle logistics, including customs clearance for international shipments, which can save businesses time and hassle. Their extracts come in standard concentrations (60-70% silymarin) and are tested for heavy metals and pesticides. While they don't produce the extract themselves, their strict supplier vetting process ensures quality. They're particularly popular with small supplement brands in Australia and Canada looking for reliable, budget-friendly sources.

7. Kanggye Natural Extracts Ltd.

Kanggye Natural Extracts Ltd. is a family-run milk thistle extract manufacturer with a focus on traditional extraction methods. Located in Kanggye, a mountainous region known for its pristine environment, they believe in "slow extraction" to preserve the plant's natural compounds. Using water and ethanol as solvents, they produce extracts with a rich, earthy profile that's favored by natural skincare brands.

While their production capacity is smaller than some larger manufacturers (they max out at 100kg per month), they make up for it with attention to detail. Each batch is tested in-house by a team of herbalists who've studied under generations of practitioners. They specialize in organic milk thistle extract (certified by the North Korean Organic Board) and offer custom formulations, like alcohol-free extracts for sensitive skincare lines. MOQs start at 5kg, making them a great fit for small businesses or brands testing new products. Their clientele includes boutique skincare brands in Europe and North America, who appreciate the artisanal touch in their extracts.

8. Chongjin Bulk Botanicals

Chongjin Bulk Botanicals is the go-to for businesses that need milk thistle extract bulk —and lots of it. Based in Chongjin, a major industrial city in the northeast, this wholesaler has built a reputation for high-volume, low-cost supply. They partner with large-scale farms in the region, which allows them to negotiate lower prices for raw milk thistle, passing the savings on to their clients.

Specializing in standard milk thistle extract powder (60% silymarin), they offer MOQs starting at 100kg, with prices dropping significantly for orders over 500kg. They also provide flexible packaging options, including 25kg drums and 1000kg super sacks for industrial-scale production. While they don't offer organic or pharmaceutical-grade extracts, their standard products are tested for purity and potency, making them ideal for budget-conscious brands in the food supplement and animal feed industries. They primarily export to China, Vietnam, and Thailand, where demand for bulk botanical extracts is high.

9. Haeju Herbal Innovations

Haeju Herbal Innovations is where tradition meets innovation. This milk thistle extract supplier combines age-old herbal wisdom with cutting-edge extraction techniques to create unique, high-performance extracts. Located in Haeju, a city with a rich history of herbal medicine, they've developed a proprietary extraction method that enhances the bioavailability of silymarin, making their extracts more easily absorbed by the body.

Their flagship product is a "micronized" milk thistle extract powder, which has a finer particle size than standard extracts, making it ideal for dissolvable supplements and liquid formulations. They also offer a range of flavored extracts (like lemon and mint) for use in functional beverages—a hit with beverage brands looking to add a health boost without compromising taste. While their prices are slightly higher than average, clients rave about the results: better absorption, faster onset of benefits, and unique formulation options. They're GMP-certified and export to markets in Europe and North America, with a growing presence in the health drink sector.

10. Sariwon Extract Traders

Rounding out our list is Sariwon Extract Traders, a trusted name in North Korea's botanical export industry. With over 30 years of experience, this trader has built a global network of clients, from small health food stores to multinational corporations. What sets them apart is their focus on customer education—they don't just sell extract; they help their clients understand the ins and outs of milk thistle, from sourcing to formulation.

Offering a full range of milk thistle products (powder, liquid, encapsulated, and silymarin isolates), they cater to every industry, including supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even pet health. They're known for their rigorous quality control: every batch undergoes testing at three independent labs before shipment, ensuring consistency and safety. Their MOQs are flexible (starting at 15kg), and they offer sample packs for businesses wanting to test the product before committing to a bulk order. With clients in over 20 countries, Sariwon Extract Traders is a reliable partner for brands looking to go global.

At a Glance: Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers Comparison
Supplier Name Location Key Products MOQ (Bulk Powder) Certifications Target Industries
Pyongyang Herbal Extracts Co., Ltd. Pyongyang 70-80% silymarin extract, organic options 50kg GMP, Organic Supplements, Skincare, Pharmaceuticals
Hamhung Bulk Extract Traders Hamhung 60-70% silymarin powder/liquid 20kg Third-party tested Supplements, Cosmetics
Nampo Natural Ingredients Factory Nampo Organic 70% silymarin powder/liquid 100kg KOCA Organic, GMP Organic Supplements, Premium Skincare
Kaesong Botanical Trading House Kaesong Full-spectrum extract (50-60% silymarin) 10kg Herbal Association Certified Natural Products, Small Brands
Sinuiju Extract Manufacturing Plant Sinuiju 95% silymarin isolate, pharmaceutical-grade 100kg ISO 9001, GMP Pharmaceuticals, High-Purity Supplements
Wonsan Herbal Wholesale Co. Wonsan Standard 60-70% silymarin extract 5kg Third-party tested Startups, Multi-Ingredient Brands
Kanggye Natural Extracts Ltd. Kanggye Organic artisanal extract 5kg North Korean Organic Board Boutique Skincare, Small Supplements
Chongjin Bulk Botanicals Chongjin 60% silymarin bulk powder 100kg Basic purity testing Budget Supplements, Animal Feed
Haeju Herbal Innovations Haeju Micronized extract, flavored extracts 25kg GMP Functional Beverages, High-Absorption Supplements
Sariwon Extract Traders Sariwon Full range (powder, liquid, isolates) 15kg ISO, GMP Global Brands, All Industries
How to Choose the Right Milk Thistle Extract Partner
With so many great options, how do you narrow it down? Here are a few tips to help you find your perfect supplier:
  • Know your needs. Are you looking for organic certification? Pharmaceutical-grade purity? Bulk quantities? Start by defining your must-haves.
  • Ask for samples. Most suppliers offer sample packs—test the extract in your formulations to ensure it meets your standards.
  • Check certifications. For pharmaceuticals or organic products, certifications like GMP, ISO, or organic labels are non-negotiable.
  • Consider logistics. If you're importing, look for suppliers with experience in international shipping and customs clearance.
  • Build a relationship. The best suppliers act as partners, offering support and guidance as your business grows.
Finding the right milk thistle extract supplier or manufacturer is more than just a transaction—it's an investment in your brand's quality and reputation. Whether you prioritize organic ingredients, bulk pricing, or cutting-edge extraction technology, North Korea's top 10 suppliers offer something for every business. From Pyongyang Herbal Extracts' vertically integrated farms to Sariwon Extract Traders' global expertise, these partners are ready to help you unlock the full potential of milk thistle extract. So take your time, do your research, and don't hesitate to reach out—your perfect supplier is just a conversation away.
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