In recent years, the global shift toward natural health solutions has put botanical extracts in the spotlight—and milk thistle extract, with its centuries-old reputation for liver support, has emerged as a standout. Derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, this extract is prized for silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect liver cells and promote detoxification. For businesses in supplements, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, sourcing high-quality milk thistle extract is non-negotiable. And when it comes to reliable, ethically produced extracts, Sri Lanka has quietly become a hub worth exploring.
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's fertile soil and favorable climate create ideal conditions for cultivating milk thistle, ensuring extracts rich in potency and purity. But with so many options available, how do you find a supplier that balances quality, affordability, and consistency? Whether you're a small business needing wholesale quantities or a large manufacturer seeking bulk raw materials, the right partner can make all the difference. In this guide, we're breaking down the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Sri Lanka—each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters: A Quick Look at the Benefits
Before diving into the suppliers, let's revisit why milk thistle extract is in such high demand. Beyond its well-known liver benefits—supporting liver function, aiding in recovery from damage, and boosting detox pathways—it's also gaining traction for skin health (thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties) and even as an antioxidant in supplements. For brands, this versatility means milk thistle extract can cater to multiple markets, from wellness supplements to natural skincare lines. But none of these benefits matter if the extract is impure or inconsistently sourced. That's why choosing a trusted supplier is critical.
The Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Sri Lanka
1. LankaBotanicals Extracts Pvt. Ltd.
Founded in 2005, LankaBotanicals Extracts Pvt. Ltd. is a pioneer in Sri Lanka's botanical extract industry, and their milk thistle extract has become a gold standard for many international buyers. Based in Colombo, this family-run manufacturer prides itself on vertical integration—from cultivating milk thistle on their own 50-acre farm in the Central Province to processing seeds in a state-of-the-art GMP-certified facility. What sets them apart? Their commitment to bulk production without compromising quality. They offer milk thistle extract in powder and liquid forms, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 70% to 80%, and minimum orders starting at 50kg for wholesale clients.
Certifications: ISO 22000, Organic EU, and Kosher. Their extracts are tested in-house and by third-party labs in Germany, ensuring heavy metal and pesticide levels are far below global limits. Clients praise their reliability—98% of orders ship within 48 hours—and their willingness to customize packaging, from drum-sized bulk orders to smaller wholesale batches for startups.
2. GreenHerb Industries
If organic certification is your top priority, GreenHerb Industries in Kandy should be on your shortlist. Specializing in organic botanical extracts, this manufacturer has built a reputation for milk thistle extract that's 100% free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Their process starts with organic milk thistle seeds sourced from small-scale farmers in the Uva Province, who follow biodynamic farming practices. The extract is then cold-pressed to preserve silymarin content, resulting in a product that's not just pure but also rich in bioactive compounds.
GreenHerb caters to both wholesale and bulk buyers, with options for private labeling—a boon for brands looking to launch their own milk thistle supplements. Their minimum order is 25kg for wholesale, and they offer flexible payment terms for repeat clients. Certifications include USDA Organic, EU Organic, and Fair Trade, making them a favorite among eco-conscious businesses in Europe and North America.
3. Sri Lanka Extract Traders
For traders and exporters, Sri Lanka Extract Traders (SLET) is a name that needs no introduction. Based in the port city of Hambantota, this wholesale-focused company has built a global network spanning 20+ countries, including the US, Australia, and Canada. SLET doesn't just stop at milk thistle—their portfolio includes over 50 botanical extracts—but their milk thistle line stands out for its competitive pricing and large-scale production capacity. They source seeds from trusted local farms and process them in a ISO 9001-certified facility, capable of producing up to 500kg of extract per day.
What makes SLET ideal for bulk buyers? Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 200kg, with discounts for orders over 1 ton. They also offer door-to-door shipping, handling all customs and documentation, which is a huge relief for international clients. Recent upgrades to their lab mean they can now provide real-time silymarin testing results, ensuring transparency from order to delivery.
4. PureMilk Thistle Co.
As the name suggests, PureMilk Thistle Co. is laser-focused on doing one thing and doing it well: producing premium milk thistle extract. Founded in 2012 in Galle, this niche manufacturer has carved a niche for itself by specializing in high-silymarin extracts (up to 85%), making them a top choice for pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands. Their secret? A proprietary extraction method that uses supercritical CO2, which preserves more silymarin isomers than traditional solvent-based processes.
While their prices are slightly higher than general suppliers, clients argue the investment is worth it. PureMilk Thistle Co. offers small-batch production (MOQ 10kg) for businesses testing new products, alongside bulk options for scaling. They're also one of the few Sri Lankan suppliers with a dedicated R&D team, constantly innovating to improve extract stability and bioavailability. Certifications include GMP and Halal, and they're currently pursuing FDA registration to tap into the US pharmaceutical market.
5. HerbalEssence Manufacturers
HerbalEssence Manufacturers, based in Kurunegala, is a one-stop shop for businesses needing a variety of botanical extracts—including milk thistle—under one roof. With over 30 years of experience, this family-owned business has a deep understanding of Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape, allowing them to source milk thistle seeds at peak ripeness for maximum potency. Their milk thistle extract is available in both standard (70% silymarin) and organic (65% silymarin) versions, with options for powder, liquid, or encapsulated forms.
What makes HerbalEssence a favorite for wholesalers? Their flexible pricing tiers: the more you order, the lower the per-kilogram cost. For example, 50kg orders start at $85/kg, while 500kg orders ｄｒｏｐ to $70/kg. They also offer private labeling services, helping small brands build their own product lines without the hassle of in-house production. With ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, they're also a great fit for businesses prioritizing sustainability.
6. BioNature Lanka
BioNature Lanka, located in Matara, is on a mission to prove that "green" business practices and profitability can go hand in hand. This B Corp-certified manufacturer uses 100% renewable energy in its facility (solar panels and hydropower) and offsets 150% of its carbon emissions through reforestation projects. Their milk thistle extract, available in bulk and wholesale, is a hit with eco-conscious brands, thanks to its organic certification and plastic-free packaging options (recyclable drums or biodegradable bags).
Beyond sustainability, BioNature delivers on quality. Their extracts are tested for silymarin content via HPLC, with results shared with clients upfront. They also offer a "traceability portal," where buyers can track their order from seed sourcing to shipment via a unique QR code. MOQs start at 25kg, and they provide free samples (up to 500g) for testing—a small touch that goes a long way for new clients.
7. ThistleHarvest Exports
If speed is your top concern, ThistleHarvest Exports in Negombo is the supplier for you. Specializing in fast-turnaround bulk orders, this export-focused trader can fulfill orders of up to 1 ton in as little as 72 hours, thanks to their strategic location near Colombo Port. They source milk thistle seeds from a network of 200+ local farmers, ensuring a steady supply year-round, and process them in a GMP-certified facility optimized for high-volume production.
ThistleHarvest's client base includes major supplement brands in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, drawn to their competitive pricing and reliable delivery. They offer both standard (70% silymarin) and low-silymarin (40-50%) extracts, the latter being a cost-effective option for cosmetic formulations (e.g., liver-support creams or serums). Certifications include ISO 22000 and HACCP, and they provide comprehensive COA (Certificate of Analysis) with every order.
8. NaturalExtracts Sri Lanka
Small businesses and startups, take note: NaturalExtracts Sri Lanka, based in Ratnapura, is all about flexibility. Unlike many suppliers with high MOQs, this family-run wholesaler caters to small orders, with minimums as low as 5kg for milk thistle extract. Their product range includes both powder and liquid extracts, with silymarin concentrations from 60% to 80%, and they offer personalized support—including help with formulation or regulatory compliance—for first-time buyers.
While they may not have the production capacity of larger manufacturers, NaturalExtracts makes up for it with attention to detail. Every batch is tested in their in-house lab, and they're happy to adjust extract specifications (e.g., particle size for powders) to meet client needs. They also offer competitive pricing for repeat orders, with a loyalty program that rewards bulk purchases over time.
9. HealthBotanica Suppliers
For pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, HealthBotanica Suppliers in Colombo is a leader. This ISO 13485-certified manufacturer specializes in extracts for medicinal use, meeting strict standards for purity, potency, and stability. Their milk thistle extract is used in liver support medications and clinical supplements, with silymarin concentrations guaranteed at 80% (±2%) and low heavy metal levels (<0.1ppm for lead and arsenic).
HealthBotanica's facility includes a cleanroom for sterile processing and a stability testing lab, ensuring extracts maintain efficacy for up to 36 months. They work closely with clients to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., EU Pharmacopoeia or US USP), providing detailed documentation for drug approval. MOQs are higher (100kg), but for pharmaceutical companies, the investment in quality is non-negotiable.
10. AgroExtract Industries
Rounding out our list is AgroExtract Industries, a vertically integrated giant with roots in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector. With over 1,000 acres of farmland across the country, AgroExtract controls every step of the process—growing, harvesting, and processing milk thistle—ensuring unmatched consistency. Their bulk milk thistle extract is a favorite for large-scale food and beverage manufacturers, used in everything from functional teas to energy drinks, thanks to its neutral taste and high solubility.
AgroExtract's claim to fame? Their ability to produce extract at scale (up to 2 tons per week) without sacrificing quality. They offer custom formulations, including water-soluble and oil-soluble variants, and provide technical support for integrating extract into new products. Certifications include ISO 22000 and Kosher, and they're currently expanding their organic line to meet growing demand in Europe.
Comparing the Top 10: Key Details at a Glance
| Supplier Name | Location | Specialty | Certifications | MOQ (Minimum Order) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LankaBotanicals Extracts Pvt. Ltd. | Colombo | Bulk, vertical integration | ISO 22000, Organic EU, Kosher | 50kg |
| GreenHerb Industries | Kandy | Organic extracts | USDA Organic, EU Organic, Fair Trade | 25kg |
| Sri Lanka Extract Traders | Hambantota | Global exports, bulk | ISO 9001 | 200kg |
| PureMilk Thistle Co. | Galle | High-silymarin extracts (85%) | GMP, Halal | 10kg |
| HerbalEssence Manufacturers | Kurunegala | Multi-botanical, wholesale | ISO 14001 | 50kg |
| BioNature Lanka | Matara | Sustainable, eco-friendly | B Corp, Organic | 25kg |
| ThistleHarvest Exports | Negombo | Fast-turnaround bulk | ISO 22000, HACCP | 100kg |
| NaturalExtracts Sri Lanka | Ratnapura | Small-batch, startups | GMP | 5kg |
| HealthBotanica Suppliers | Colombo | Pharmaceutical-grade | ISO 13485 | 100kg |
| AgroExtract Industries | Nationwide farms | Large-scale, food/beverage | ISO 22000, Kosher | 500kg |
Choosing the Right Supplier: What to Keep in Mind
With so many strong options, selecting the best milk thistle extract supplier in Sri Lanka comes down to your specific needs. For small businesses or startups, NaturalExtracts Sri Lanka or GreenHerb Industries (with low MOQs) might be the way to go. If you're a large manufacturer needing bulk, Sri Lanka Extract Traders or AgroExtract Industries offer the scale and pricing to match. And for brands prioritizing sustainability or organic certification, BioNature Lanka or GreenHerb are standouts.
Regardless of your choice, always ask for third-party lab reports, check certifications, and request samples before committing to a large order. Sri Lanka's milk thistle extract industry is growing fast, driven by a commitment to quality and innovation—and with the right supplier, your business can tap into that growth, too.
Here's to sourcing extracts that not only meet your standards but exceed them—because when it comes to natural health, quality should never be compromised.
