If you've ever dabbled in natural health supplements, herbal remedies, or even skincare products, you've probably heard of milk thistle extract. Derived from the prickly, purple-flowered Silybum marianum plant, this extract has been cherished for centuries for its potential health perks—most notably, its reputation for supporting liver health. Today, it's a staple in everything from dietary supplements to pharmaceutical formulations, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. But here's the thing: not all milk thistle extracts are created equal. The quality, purity, and reliability of the extract depend largely on where you source it from. That's why we've put together this guide to the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Slovenia. Whether you're a small business owner looking for bulk ingredients, a supplement brand hunting for high-quality raw materials, or just curious about the industry, this list will help you navigate the Slovenian market with confidence. Let's dive in!
| Rank | Company Name | Type | Key Focus | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slovenian Herbal Extracts Ltd. | Manufacturer | Organic & GMP-Certified Extracts | 100% organic sourcing, EU organic certification |
| 2 | Alpine Bulk Botanicals | Wholesaler | Bulk Extracts for Supplements | Fast delivery, flexible bulk orders |
| 3 | Mediterranean Extract Traders | Trader | International Distribution | Export to 20+ countries, ISO 9001 certified |
| 4 | Luxembourg Pharma Ingredients | Supplier | Pharmaceutical-Grade Extracts | Pharmaceutical GMP compliance, high purity (80% silymarin) |
| 5 | Green Valley Botanicals | Manufacturer & Wholesaler | Sustainable & Traceable Extracts | Carbon-neutral production, full supply chain transparency |
| 6 | Adriatic Extracts Co. | Trader | Specialty Extract Blends | Custom formulations, R&D support |
| 7 | Slovenia Extract Wholesale | Wholesaler | Budget-Friendly Bulk Orders | Competitive pricing, no minimum order for regular clients |
| 8 | Pure Nature Extracts | Manufacturer | High-Purity Silymarin | Lab-tested for silymarin content (up to 85%) |
| 9 | Balkan Botanical Traders | Trader | Cross-Border Distribution | Strong network in Croatia, Hungary, and Austria |
| 10 | Herbal Roots Slovenia | Supplier & Manufacturer | Small-Batch, Artisanal Extracts | Hand-harvested milk thistle, traditional extraction methods |
1. Slovenian Herbal Extracts Ltd. – The Organic Pioneer
Let's start with a heavyweight in the Slovenian manufacturing scene: Slovenian Herbal Extracts Ltd. Founded in 2005, this company has built a reputation as a leader in organic botanical extracts, and their milk thistle extract is no exception. What sets them apart? For starters, they're fanatical about sourcing. All their milk thistle seeds come from organic farms in eastern Slovenia, where the soil is rich in minerals and the climate—warm summers, cool winters—creates the perfect conditions for the plant to thrive. They even work directly with farmers to ensure sustainable harvesting practices, so you can feel good about the environmental impact of your purchase. As a manufacturer, they control the entire process from seed to extract : cleaning the seeds, cold-pressing to retain nutrients, and using a gentle solvent-free extraction method to preserve the active compound silymarin (which is where most of milk thistle extract benefits come from). They're certified by the EU Organic Label and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), so you know their products meet strict quality standards. Whether you need a standard extract (with 70-80% silymarin) or a custom formulation, they're happy to work with you. Plus, their customer service team is known for being responsive and helpful—no jargon, just clear answers to your questions. If "organic" and "traceable" are your top priorities, this is the supplier for you.
2. Alpine Bulk Botanicals – The Wholesaler with Heart
Next up is Alpine Bulk Botanicals, a wholesaler that's become a go-to for businesses across Slovenia and beyond. Unlike manufacturers who focus on production, Alpine Bulk Botanicals specializes in connecting buyers with high-quality extracts—including milk thistle—at scale. They work with a network of trusted manufacturers (both in Slovenia and neighboring countries like Austria and Croatia) to source bulk quantities, then pass the savings on to their clients. What makes them stand out? Their flexibility . Whether you're a small startup needing 5kg of extract to test a new supplement or a large brand ordering 500kg for a national launch, they can handle it. They also offer fast delivery—most orders within Slovenia arrive within 2-3 business days, and EU-wide shipping takes 5-7 days. But it's not just about speed and quantity; they care about quality too. Every batch of milk thistle extract they sell is third-party tested for purity, potency, and contaminants (like heavy metals or pesticides). They even provide a certificate of analysis (COA) with every order, so you can verify the silymarin content and ensure it meets your specs. One thing customers love about Alpine is their "no minimum order for repeat clients" policy—once you've established a relationship, you can order smaller quantities without being penalized. If you're looking for a reliable wholesaler that balances quality, cost, and convenience, Alpine Bulk Botanicals is worth a look.
3. Mediterranean Extract Traders – Your Global Connection
If your business operates beyond Slovenia's borders, Mediterranean Extract Traders is the trader you need. With over 15 years of experience, they specialize in exporting Slovenian and European botanical extracts to markets worldwide—from the UK and Germany to the US and Asia. Their milk thistle extract is a top seller, thanks to Slovenia's reputation for high-quality botanicals. What makes them unique? Their deep understanding of international regulations . Exporting botanical extracts can be a headache—different countries have different rules about certifications, labeling, and documentation. Mediterranean Extract Traders takes the guesswork out of it. They're ISO 9001 certified for quality management and have experts on staff who can help you navigate FDA requirements, EU REACH regulations, or Asian import laws. They also work with manufacturers who produce extracts tailored to specific markets—for example, a higher-silymarin extract for pharmaceutical clients in the US or an organic-certified version for natural product brands in Europe. Another perk? They offer door-to-door shipping, so you don't have to worry about coordinating with multiple logistics companies. Whether you're a supplement brand expanding into new territories or a pharmaceutical company sourcing ingredients for a global product line, Mediterranean Extract Traders will make the process smooth and stress-free.
4. Luxembourg Pharma Ingredients – Pharma-Grade Precision
For businesses in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement industry, quality and precision are non-negotiable. That's where Luxembourg Pharma Ingredients comes in. This supplier specializes in pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, meaning their products meet the strictest standards for purity, consistency, and safety. How strict? They're compliant with pharmaceutical GMP (the highest level of GMP certification), and every batch is tested in their in-house lab for silymarin content (they guarantee 80-85% silymarin, which is among the highest in the industry), microbial contamination, and stability. Their extract is also kosher and halal certified , making it suitable for a wide range of religious and cultural markets. What's interesting about Luxembourg Pharma Ingredients is their focus on research and development. They work with universities and research institutions to stay ahead of the latest scientific findings on milk thistle extract benefits, and they're constantly refining their extraction process to maximize potency. They also offer custom formulations, like micronized milk thistle extract (which dissolves more easily in liquids) or standardized extracts for specific therapeutic uses. If you're creating a product that requires pharmaceutical-level quality—whether it's a liver support supplement or a clinical trial ingredient—this supplier should be at the top of your list.
5. Green Valley Botanicals – Sustainability Meets Quality
Green Valley Botanicals is a unique player in the Slovenian market: they're both a manufacturer and a wholesaler, and they've built their brand around sustainability. From the moment you step into their facility in the Slovenian countryside, you'll notice the difference—solar panels power their extraction equipment, rainwater is collected for irrigation, and waste from the extraction process is composted and used to fertilize local farms. Their milk thistle extract is not just organic; it's carbon-neutral . But sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. They source their milk thistle seeds from a cooperative of small-scale farmers in Slovenia's Dolenjska region, where the plant has been grown for generations. Their extraction method uses supercritical CO2, which is gentler on the environment than traditional solvents and preserves more of the plant's natural compounds. The result? A rich, potent extract with a silymarin content of 75-80%, perfect for supplements, herbal teas, or even skincare products (yes, milk thistle extract is gaining popularity in serums for its antioxidant properties!). Green Valley also offers a "transparent supply chain" program—you can trace your batch of extract back to the specific farm where the seeds were grown, complete with photos and farmer profiles. It's a great way to tell a story with your product and connect with eco-conscious consumers. If sustainability is a core value for your brand, Green Valley Botanicals is the partner you've been looking for.
6. Adriatic Extracts Co. – Innovation in Every Batch
Adriatic Extracts Co. is all about innovation. As a trader, they don't manufacture their own extracts, but they work with a curated list of cutting-edge manufacturers to offer unique, hard-to-find formulations. Their milk thistle extract line, for example, includes everything from standard powder extracts to liquid concentrates, encapsulated extracts (perfect for supplement brands), and even "enhanced" extracts that combine milk thistle with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion or artichoke. Their R&D team can also help you create custom blends —if you have an idea for a new supplement or skincare product, they'll work with their manufacturing partners to develop a prototype, test it, and scale it up. What really sets Adriatic apart is their focus on emerging trends. They were one of the first traders in Slovenia to offer water-soluble milk thistle extract (great for beverages or liquid supplements) and nano-encapsulated extract (which has better bioavailability, meaning the body absorbs more of the silymarin). They also keep a close eye on global market trends—for example, they've recently expanded their line to include organic milk thistle extract in response to growing demand for clean-label products. If you're a brand that prides itself on innovation and staying ahead of the curve, Adriatic Extracts Co. will help you stand out from the competition.
7. Slovenia Extract Wholesale – Quality on a Budget
Let's face it: running a business is expensive, and every penny counts. That's where Slovenia Extract Wholesale comes in. They're a wholesaler that specializes in providing high-quality milk thistle extract at competitive prices, without cutting corners on quality. How do they do it? By buying in massive bulk from a ｓｅｌｅｃｔ group of manufacturers (they have long-term contracts that lock in lower prices) and passing those savings on to their customers. Their milk thistle extract starts at just €12 per kg for bulk orders , which is significantly lower than many competitors. But don't let the low price fool you—they still prioritize quality. Every batch is tested for silymarin content (minimum 70%), and they're GMP certified. They also offer a "satisfaction guarantee": if you're not happy with your order, they'll ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ it or refund your money, no questions asked. Slovenia Extract Wholesale is especially popular with small to medium-sized businesses that need to keep costs down but don't want to compromise on the integrity of their products. They also offer flexible payment terms for repeat clients, which can help with cash flow. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, this is the wholesaler for you.
8. Pure Nature Extracts – The Purity Experts
Pure Nature Extracts lives up to its name: they're obsessed with purity. As a manufacturer, they specialize in producing milk thistle extract with some of the highest silymarin levels in the industry—up to 85%. That's because they use a proprietary extraction process that isolates and concentrates the active compound, resulting in a ultra-potent extract that's ideal for pharmaceutical applications, high-dose supplements, or research purposes. Their facility is equipped with state-of-the-art lab equipment , where every batch is tested for not just silymarin content, but also for other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants. They're also certified by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), which sets strict standards for pharmaceutical ingredients, so you can trust that their extract is consistent and reliable. Pure Nature Extracts is a bit more niche than some other suppliers—they don't offer as many bells and whistles like custom formulations or eco-friendly packaging—but what they do, they do exceptionally well. If your priority is maximum potency and purity, look no further.
9. Balkan Botanical Traders – Bridging the Region
Balkan Botanical Traders is all about regional connections. Based in Ljubljana, they've spent years building relationships with manufacturers, farmers, and traders across the Balkans—from Slovenia and Croatia to Serbia and Bulgaria. This network allows them to source high-quality milk thistle extract at competitive prices, then distribute it to businesses throughout the region. Their specialty is cross-border trade —they handle all the logistics, paperwork, and customs clearance, making it easy for businesses in neighboring countries to access Slovenian-quality extracts. For example, if you're a supplement brand in Hungary or Austria, Balkan Botanical Traders can deliver milk thistle extract to your door without the hassle of dealing with international shipping regulations. They also offer a "mix and match" service, where you can order milk thistle extract alongside other botanical extracts (like chamomile or St. John's Wort) in a single shipment, saving you time and money. Their customer service team speaks multiple languages, including English, German, Croatian, and Serbian, so communication is never a barrier. If you're based in the Balkans and looking for a local trader with a regional reach, Balkan Botanical Traders is the way to go.
10. Herbal Roots Slovenia – Small-Batch, Big Heart
Last but certainly not least, we have Herbal Roots Slovenia, a family-owned supplier and manufacturer that's been in the business for over 30 years. Founded by a herbalist and his wife, the company prides itself on blending traditional knowledge with modern technology. They grow some of their own milk thistle on a small farm outside of Maribor, using organic methods passed down through generations, and source the rest from other local farmers they've known for decades. Their extraction process is a mix of old and new : they start with a traditional cold maceration method (soaking the seeds in alcohol to draw out the beneficial compounds) and then use modern filtration to remove impurities, resulting in a rich, full-spectrum extract that retains more of the plant's natural complexity than some highly processed extracts. The result is a milk thistle extract with a slightly earthy flavor and a silymarin content of around 70-75%—perfect for herbal teas, tinctures, or artisanal supplements. What really makes Herbal Roots special, though, is their commitment to community. They host workshops on herbal extraction, partner with local schools to teach kids about botany, and donate a portion of their profits to conservation efforts in Slovenia's Karst region. If you're looking for a supplier with heart—a company that cares about tradition, community, and quality—Herbal Roots Slovenia is a gem.
There you have it: the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Slovenia. Whether you're prioritizing organic certification, bulk pricing, sustainability, or global distribution, there's a company on this list that fits your needs. Remember, choosing the right supplier is about more than just price—it's about finding a partner who shares your values, understands your business goals, and can consistently deliver high quality milk thistle extract. We recommend reaching out to a few companies, asking for samples and certificates of analysis, and having a conversation about your specific needs. With the right supplier by your side, you'll be well on your way to creating products that your customers will love. Here's to your success in the world of milk thistle extract!
