If you've ever picked up a liver support supplement, a natural skincare serum, or even a herbal tea blend, there's a good chance you've encountered milk thistle extract. This humble herb, known scientifically as Silybum marianum , has been cherished for centuries for its potent active compound, silymarin—a flavonoid complex celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, milk thistle extract is a staple in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, cosmetics, and even functional foods, making it a highly sought-after ingredient in global markets. And when it comes to sourcing high-quality milk thistle extract, Tanzania is emerging as a key player, thanks to its rich agricultural heritage, stringent quality standards, and growing network of trusted suppliers. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Tanzania, helping you navigate the market with confidence and find the perfect partner for your business needs.
Why Choose Tanzanian Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers?
Tanzania's rise in the herbal extract industry isn't accidental. The country boasts favorable climatic conditions for growing milk thistle, with fertile soils and ample sunlight supporting robust plant growth. Beyond natural resources, Tanzanian suppliers are increasingly investing in modern extraction technologies, adhering to international certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO, and organic standards. This commitment to quality ensures that the milk thistle extract leaving Tanzanian facilities is pure, potent, and consistent—whether you're buying in small batches for a startup or bulk quantities for a large-scale production line. Additionally, Tanzania's strategic location in East Africa offers logistical advantages, with well-established trade routes connecting to global markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For businesses prioritizing sustainability, many Tanzanian suppliers also focus on eco-friendly farming and extraction practices, aligning with the growing global demand for responsibly sourced ingredients.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Tanzania
| Company Name | Location | Key Products | Certifications | Minimum Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania Herbal Extracts Ltd. | Dar es Salaam | Bulk milk thistle extract, silymarin 80-95% | GMP, ISO 9001, Organic Certified | 50kg |
| East African Botanicals | Arusha | Standardized milk thistle extract, herbal blends | ISO 22000, Kosher | 25kg |
| Green Harvest Extracts | Mwanza | Organic milk thistle extract, wholesale powder | USDA Organic, EU Organic | 100kg |
| TZ Natural Ingredients | Dodoma | Milk thistle extract for pharmaceuticals, supplements | GMP, Halal | 10kg |
| African Botanicals Trading Co. | Zanzibar | Bulk liquid milk thistle extract, powder | ISO 14001, GMP | 500kg |
| Serengeti Extracts Ltd. | Morogoro | High-silymarin milk thistle extract, custom formulations | ISO 9001, HACCP | 30kg |
| Tanzania Bulk Herbs | Bagamoyo | Wholesale milk thistle extract, raw herb material | Organic Certified, GMP | 200kg |
| Equator Natural Products | Mbeya | Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, silymarin isolate | WHO GMP, ISO 17025 | 5kg |
| Karibu Extracts | Tanga | Organic milk thistle extract for cosmetics, supplements | ECOCERT, USDA Organic | 10kg |
| Victoria Extracts & Traders | Mwanza | Bulk milk thistle extract, export-focused | ISO 9001, GMP | 100kg |
1. Tanzania Herbal Extracts Ltd. (Dar es Salaam)
Founded in 2005, Tanzania Herbal Extracts Ltd. (THEL) has established itself as a pioneer in the East African herbal extract industry, with milk thistle extract being one of its flagship products. Based in Dar es Salaam, the company operates a state-of-the-art extraction facility equipped with cold-press and solvent-free extraction technologies, ensuring that the silymarin content in its extracts remains intact and potent. THEL prides itself on sourcing milk thistle from organic-certified farms in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, where the plants are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This commitment to organic farming has earned them USDA and EU Organic certifications, making their products popular among health-conscious brands in Europe and North America.
What sets THEL apart is its focus on bulk supply. With a production capacity of over 500kg of milk thistle extract per month, the company caters to large-scale manufacturers in the pharmaceutical and supplement industries. Their product range includes standardized milk thistle extract (silymarin 80-95%), as well as custom blends tailored to specific client needs, such as water-soluble extracts for beverages or micronized powders for skincare formulations. For businesses looking to buy milk thistle extract in bulk, THEL offers competitive wholesale pricing and flexible payment terms, along with comprehensive documentation, including COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), to ensure compliance with global regulations.
2. East African Botanicals (Arusha)
Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, East African Botanicals (EAB) leverages Arusha's cool, mountainous climate to grow some of the highest-quality milk thistle in Tanzania. Since 2010, EAB has specialized in producing standardized herbal extracts, with a particular focus on milk thistle and other liver-support herbs. The company's manufacturing facility is ISO 22000 certified, a testament to its rigorous food safety management system, and it also holds Kosher certification, making its products suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements.
EAB's milk thistle extract is known for its consistent silymarin content, typically ranging from 70-85%, which is achieved through careful testing at every stage of production—from seed selection to final extraction. The company works closely with local farmers to ensure a steady supply of fresh milk thistle, and its extraction process uses ethanol as a solvent, which is then removed to leave a pure, solvent-free extract. This attention to detail has made EAB a trusted milk thistle extract supplier for small to medium-sized businesses, with a minimum order quantity of just 25kg, making it accessible for startups and niche brands. Additionally, EAB offers herbal blend services, allowing clients to combine milk thistle extract with other ingredients like turmeric or dandelion for custom supplement formulations.
3. Green Harvest Extracts (Mwanza)
For businesses prioritizing organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, Green Harvest Extracts in Mwanza is a top choice. Established in 2012, the company has built its reputation on eco-friendly practices, from using solar-powered extraction equipment to implementing a zero-waste policy in its facilities. Green Harvest's milk thistle is grown on family-owned farms around Lake Victoria, where the rich volcanic soil and regular rainfall create ideal growing conditions. The company is certified by both USDA Organic and EU Organic, ensuring that its milk thistle extract is free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic additives, and harmful residues.
Green Harvest specializes in bulk milk thistle extract wholesale, with a minimum order quantity of 100kg, making it a favorite among large-scale manufacturers and distributors. Their product line includes both powder and liquid extracts, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60-90%. What makes Green Harvest stand out is its commitment to transparency: clients can request farm visits to see the milk thistle cultivation process firsthand, and each batch of extract comes with a detailed COA that includes heavy metal testing, microbial analysis, and silymarin content verification. The company also offers private labeling services, allowing businesses to brand the extract as their own, and provides fast shipping options to global destinations, with most orders delivered within 10-14 days.
4. TZ Natural Ingredients (Dodoma)
Dodoma-based TZ Natural Ingredients is a versatile player in the Tanzanian herbal extract market, catering to both pharmaceutical and supplement industries with its high-quality milk thistle extract. Founded in 2008, the company has a strong focus on research and development, investing in cutting-edge testing equipment to ensure that its extracts meet the strictest purity standards. TZ Natural Ingredients holds GMP certification, which is mandatory for pharmaceutical-grade products, and also offers Halal-certified milk thistle extract, making it a popular choice for clients in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
One of TZ Natural's key strengths is its flexibility. With a minimum order quantity of just 10kg, the company is ideal for small businesses or those looking to test new product lines before scaling up. Their milk thistle extract is available in various forms, including fine powder, granular, and liquid, and can be standardized to specific silymarin levels (typically 70-95%) based on client requirements. The company also provides technical support, helping clients navigate regulatory hurdles in their target markets, such as FDA registration in the U.S. or CE marking in the EU. For businesses seeking a reliable milk thistle extract manufacturer that balances quality with affordability, TZ Natural Ingredients is a strong contender.
5. African Botanicals Trading Co. (Zanzibar)
African Botanicals Trading Co. (ABTC) is a Zanzibar-based wholesaler and exporter with a focus on bulk herbal extracts, including milk thistle. Established in 2015, ABTC has quickly made a name for itself by offering competitive pricing and large-scale supply capabilities, with a production capacity of over 2,000kg of milk thistle extract per month. The company sources its milk thistle from farms in mainland Tanzania and uses a water-based extraction method, which is preferred by clients looking for natural, solvent-free ingredients.
ABTC's milk thistle extract is available in bulk quantities starting from 500kg, making it suitable for industrial-scale manufacturers in the food, beverage, and supplement sectors. The company holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, reflecting its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and GMP certification for quality control. ABTC also offers logistics support, handling all aspects of shipping from Tanzania to global ports, including customs clearance and documentation. For businesses that need a steady, large-volume supply of milk thistle extract at wholesale prices, ABTC's combination of scale, reliability, and eco-friendly practices makes it a top choice.
6. Serengeti Extracts Ltd. (Morogoro)
Serengeti Extracts Ltd., located in Morogoro, is known for its high-silymarin milk thistle extract, which consistently tests at 90-95% silymarin content—among the highest in the Tanzanian market. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in producing premium extracts for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries, where potency is a key selling point. Serengeti's facility is ISO 9001 certified, and it follows HACCP principles to ensure food safety, making its products suitable for use in dietary supplements and functional foods.
What makes Serengeti unique is its focus on custom formulations. The company works closely with clients to develop milk thistle extract blends tailored to specific applications, such as liver support supplements, anti-aging serums, or energy drinks. For example, they can create a water-soluble milk thistle extract for beverage manufacturers or a micronized powder for skincare products that absorbs easily into the skin. With a minimum order quantity of 30kg, Serengeti caters to both medium and large businesses, offering technical assistance to help clients optimize their formulations. The company also provides samples upon request, allowing clients to test the extract's quality before placing a full order.
7. Tanzania Bulk Herbs (Bagamoyo)
Tanzania Bulk Herbs, based in the coastal town of Bagamoyo, is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to source both raw milk thistle herb and finished extract. With over 15 years of experience in the herbal trade, the company has built a vast network of local farmers, ensuring a steady supply of fresh milk thistle at competitive prices. Tanzania Bulk Herbs is certified organic by the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) and holds GMP certification for its extraction facility, which uses a combination of ethanol and cold-press extraction methods to preserve the herb's active compounds.
The company's milk thistle extract wholesale program is designed for large buyers, with a minimum order quantity of 200kg. However, they also offer smaller quantities of raw herb material for businesses that prefer to extract the active ingredients in-house. Tanzania Bulk Herbs prides itself on its customer service, with a dedicated sales team that responds to inquiries within 24 hours and provides detailed product specifications, including harvest dates and storage recommendations. For businesses looking to source both raw materials and finished extract from a single supplier, Tanzania Bulk Herbs offers convenience and cost savings.
8. Equator Natural Products (Mbeya)
Equator Natural Products in Mbeya is a pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract manufacturer that caters to the most demanding clients, including drug companies and research institutions. Founded in 2003, the company has a long history of producing high-purity extracts, with its milk thistle extract boasting silymarin concentrations of up to 98%. Equator holds WHO GMP certification, which is the gold standard for pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ISO 17025 certification for its in-house testing laboratory, ensuring that every batch of extract meets the strictest quality criteria.
Equator's milk thistle extract is used in a range of pharmaceutical applications, from liver medications to anti-cancer research, and the company also produces silymarin isolates for use in high-potency supplements. With a minimum order quantity of just 5kg, Equator is accessible for small-scale research projects and specialty manufacturers. The company offers custom packaging options, including vacuum-sealed bags and drum containers, to ensure product stability during shipping, and provides detailed technical documentation, including HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) reports, for regulatory compliance. For businesses that require the highest purity milk thistle extract, Equator Natural Products is a trusted partner.
9. Karibu Extracts (Tanga)
Karibu Extracts, located in the coastal city of Tanga, is a niche supplier specializing in organic milk thistle extract for the cosmetics and natural skincare industries. Since 2018, the company has focused on producing gentle, skin-friendly extracts that are free from harsh chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin formulations. Karibu holds ECOCERT and USDA Organic certifications, ensuring that its milk thistle extract is grown and processed according to strict organic standards, and its facility is powered by renewable energy, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable beauty ingredients.
Karibu's milk thistle extract is rich in antioxidants, making it a popular addition to anti-aging serums, moisturizers, and facial masks. The company offers both liquid and powder extracts, with silymarin concentrations of 60-80%, and can customize the particle size of the powder for different applications (e.g., fine powder for serums, coarser powder for exfoliating products). With a minimum order quantity of 10kg, Karibu is ideal for small to medium-sized cosmetic brands, and it offers private labeling services to help clients build their brand identity. The company also provides sample kits, allowing skincare formulators to test the extract's compatibility with other ingredients before placing a full order.
10. Victoria Extracts & Traders (Mwanza)
Rounding out our list is Victoria Extracts & Traders, a Mwanza-based exporter with a focus on bulk milk thistle extract for the global market. Established in 2010, the company has built strong relationships with buyers in Europe, Asia, and North America, thanks to its competitive pricing, reliable supply, and commitment to quality. Victoria Extracts holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management and GMP certification for its extraction facility, which has a production capacity of 1,500kg of milk thistle extract per month.
Victoria Extracts specializes in export, handling all aspects of international shipping, including documentation, customs clearance, and logistics. The company's milk thistle extract is available in bulk quantities starting from 100kg, with silymarin concentrations of 70-90%, and it offers flexible payment terms to accommodate international clients. Victoria Extracts also provides post-sales support, with a team available to assist with any issues that may arise during shipping or customs. For businesses looking to source high-quality milk thistle extract from Tanzania and export it globally, Victoria Extracts & Traders is a trusted partner with a proven track record.
Choosing the Right Milk Thistle Extract Supplier in Tanzania
With so many reputable milk thistle extract suppliers in Tanzania, finding the right one for your business comes down to your specific needs. Start by considering your order size: if you're a small business or startup, suppliers like TZ Natural Ingredients (10kg MOQ) or East African Botanicals (25kg MOQ) may be the best fit, while large manufacturers will benefit from the bulk capabilities of African Botanicals Trading Co. (500kg MOQ) or Green Harvest Extracts (100kg MOQ). Next, think about certifications: pharmaceutical clients will need WHO GMP or ISO 17025 certification (Equator Natural Products), while organic brands should prioritize USDA or EU Organic certifications (Green Harvest Extracts, Karibu Extracts). Finally, don't overlook customer service—suppliers that offer technical support, sample testing, and flexible shipping options (like Tanzania Herbal Extracts or Victoria Extracts) can save you time and money in the long run.
Tanzania's milk thistle extract market is thriving, driven by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you're looking for bulk quantities, organic ingredients, or pharmaceutical-grade purity, the suppliers on this list have the expertise and resources to meet your needs. By partnering with a trusted Tanzanian supplier, you can ensure that your milk thistle extract is pure, potent, and ethically sourced—setting your products apart in a competitive global market.
