In recent years, the global demand for natural health supplements and botanical extracts has surged, with milk thistle extract leading the charge. Renowned for its potent liver-supporting properties—thanks to the active compound silymarin—milk thistle has become a staple in everything from dietary supplements to herbal remedies and even skincare products. For businesses and buyers in Ukraine, finding reliable, high-quality milk thistle extract suppliers is key to ensuring the efficacy and safety of their end products. Whether you're a supplement manufacturer, a cosmetic brand, or a wholesaler looking to stock bulk milk thistle extract, the right supplier can make all the difference in consistency, purity, and customer trust.
Ukraine, with its rich agricultural heritage and favorable climate for cultivating medicinal herbs, has emerged as a notable player in the botanical extract market. The country's suppliers and manufacturers are increasingly gaining recognition for their commitment to quality, adherence to international standards, and ability to meet diverse market needs—from small-batch orders to large-scale bulk supply. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Ukraine, highlighting their unique strengths, product offerings, and what sets them apart in a competitive landscape.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the list of suppliers, let's briefly touch on why milk thistle extract is so sought-after. Derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, milk thistle extract is prized for silymarin, a flavonoid complex with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it supports liver health by protecting liver cells from damage, promoting regeneration, and aiding in the detoxification process. Beyond liver support, it's also used in skincare for its anti-aging benefits and in supplements for overall wellness.
When sourcing milk thistle extract, quality is non-negotiable. Factors like silymarin content (typically 70-80% in standardized extracts), cultivation practices (organic vs. conventional), extraction methods (ethanol vs. water-based), and third-party testing all impact the final product's effectiveness. This is why choosing a reputable supplier—one with strict quality control measures and certifications—is critical.
Comparison Table: Top Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Ukraine
| Supplier Name | Established | Key Certifications | Product Range | Minimum Order | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KyivBotanicals Ltd. | 2005 | GMP, ISO 9001, Organic EU | Bulk powder, liquid extract, capsules | 50kg | Organic focus, vertical integration |
| LvivHerb Extracts | 2010 | ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal | Standardized powder (70-80% silymarin) | 100kg | High-purity extracts, global export network |
| Odesa Natural Ingredients | 2012 | GMP, HACCP | Bulk powder, custom formulations | 25kg | Small-batch flexibility, fast delivery |
| Kharkiv Extract Works | 1998 | ISO 14001, GMP | Powder, liquid, oil-based extracts | 200kg | Large-scale production, competitive pricing |
| DniproBotanicals Trading | 2015 | Organic USDA, Non-GMO Project Verified | Organic powder, raw seeds | 10kg | Eco-friendly practices, traceable sourcing |
| Vinnytsia Herbal Solutions | 2008 | ISO 9001, GMP | Standardized powder, encapsulated extracts | 50kg | Pharmaceutical-grade quality, R&D support |
| Zaporizhia Extract Co. | 2018 | ISO 22000, Halal | Bulk powder, water-soluble extracts | 30kg | Innovative extraction methods, quick lead times |
| Mykolaiv BioExtracts | 2003 | GMP, ISO 17025 (testing) | Powder, liquid, standardized extracts | 100kg | In-house lab testing, strict quality control |
| Cherkasy Natural Exports | 2011 | Organic EU, GMP | Organic powder, cold-pressed extracts | 20kg | Sustainable sourcing, artisanal production |
| SumyHerb Traders | 2007 | ISO 9001, HACCP | Bulk powder, private label services | 50kg | Wholesale focus, custom branding |
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Ukraine: Detailed Profiles
1. KyivBotanicals Ltd.
Founded in 2005, KyivBotanicals Ltd. is one of Ukraine's oldest and most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. Based in the capital city, the company has built a reputation for prioritizing organic and sustainable practices, from cultivating its own milk thistle crops in the fertile Kyiv Oblast to operating a state-of-the-art extraction facility.
Product Range: KyivBotanicals offers a diverse lineup, including bulk milk thistle powder (standardized to 70-80% silymarin), liquid extracts (ethanol and water-based), and even pre-encapsulated supplements for brands looking to streamline production. Their organic milk thistle extract, certified by the EU Organic and USDA Organic programs, is particularly popular among health-conscious brands.
Certifications & Quality: The company holds GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, ISO 9001 for quality management, and regularly undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination. Their in-house lab ensures each batch meets silymarin content specifications before release.
Why They Stand Out: Vertical integration is a key strength—KyivBotanicals controls every step from seed to extract, ensuring traceability and reducing supply chain risks. They also offer custom formulations, allowing clients to adjust silymarin levels or add other botanicals to create unique blends.
2. LvivHerb Extracts
Located in western Ukraine's Lviv region, LvivHerb Extracts has been a leading player in the botanical extract market since 2010. Specializing in high-purity extracts, the company caters to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries across Europe and beyond.
Product Range: Their flagship product is standardized milk thistle powder with silymarin content ranging from 60% to 80%, though they also offer custom concentrations for specific client needs. They focus primarily on bulk powder, with options for both conventional and organic sourcing.
Certifications & Quality: LvivHerb holds ISO 22000 (food safety management), Kosher, and Halal certifications, making their extracts suitable for a wide range of dietary and religious requirements. They source milk thistle seeds from trusted Ukrainian farmers and use a proprietary extraction process to maximize silymarin retention.
Why They Stand Out: Their global export network is impressive—they regularly ship to Germany, France, the UK, and the Middle East, with established logistics partners ensuring timely delivery. They also offer technical support, providing clients with detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) and assistance with regulatory compliance.
3. Odesa Natural Ingredients
Odesa Natural Ingredients, founded in 2012, is a relative newcomer but has quickly made a name for itself with its flexibility and customer-centric approach. Based in the port city of Odesa, they leverage their strategic location to offer fast shipping to both European and Asian markets.
Product Range: The company specializes in bulk milk thistle powder (70% silymarin) and is known for accommodating small-batch orders—ideal for startups or brands testing new products. They also offer custom formulations, such as water-soluble extracts for beverage applications or micronized powders for better absorption in supplements.
Certifications & Quality: Odesa Natural Ingredients is GMP-certified and follows HACCP principles to ensure food safety. They source seeds from certified organic farms in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions and conduct third-party testing for all major contaminants.
Why They Stand Out: Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 25kg is lower than many competitors, making them accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. They also pride themselves on fast lead times, with most orders shipping within 5-7 business days, and offer dedicated account managers for personalized service.
4. Kharkiv Extract Works
With roots dating back to 1998, Kharkiv Extract Works is one of Ukraine's oldest extract manufacturers, with a focus on large-scale production and competitive pricing. Located in Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, they have the capacity to process over 500 tons of milk thistle seeds annually.
Product Range: Kharkiv Extract Works offers bulk powder (standardized to 70% silymarin), liquid extracts (both concentrated and ready-to-use), and oil-based extracts for cosmetic applications. Their bulk milk thistle extract is a favorite among wholesalers and large supplement brands due to its affordability and consistent quality.
Certifications & Quality: The company holds ISO 14001 (environmental management) and GMP certifications, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and safety. They use a solvent-free extraction process for some products, appealing to brands looking for clean-label options.
Why They Stand Out: Their production scale allows them to offer some of the lowest prices in the market without compromising on quality. They also have experience working with government contracts and large distributors, making them a reliable partner for high-volume orders.
5. DniproBotanicals Trading
DniproBotanicals Trading, established in 2015, is a family-owned business based in Dnipro, specializing in organic and non-GMO botanical extracts. They've carved a niche by focusing on eco-friendly practices, from using renewable energy in their facility to partnering with small-scale organic farmers.
Product Range: Their core offering is organic milk thistle powder (certified by the Non-GMO Project and EU Organic), with silymarin levels of 70-80%. They also sell raw milk thistle seeds for clients who prefer to extract in-house, as well as organic liquid extracts for natural skincare brands.
Certifications & Quality: In addition to organic certifications, DniproBotanicals is ISO 9001-certified and conducts rigorous testing for mycotoxins and heavy metals. They're transparent about their sourcing, providing clients with farm locations and harvest dates for full traceability.
Why They Stand Out: Sustainability is at the forefront of their mission—they offset carbon emissions from shipping and donate a portion of profits to reforestation projects in Ukraine. Their small-batch, artisanal approach also appeals to brands marketing "ethical" or "green" products.
6. Vinnytsia Herbal Solutions
Vinnytsia Herbal Solutions, founded in 2008, is a pharmaceutical-grade extract manufacturer based in the Vinnytsia region, known for its strict quality control and research-driven approach. They work closely with academic institutions to develop innovative extraction techniques.
Product Range: The company focuses on high-purity milk thistle extract powder (standardized to 80% silymarin), designed for pharmaceutical and premium supplement brands. They also offer microencapsulated extracts for improved bioavailability and shelf stability.
Certifications & Quality: Vinnytsia Herbal Solutions holds GMP certification for pharmaceutical production, ISO 9001, and has been audited by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Their extracts are tested for silymarin isomers (silybin, silydianin, silychristin) to ensure potency.
Why They Stand Out: R&D is a priority—they invest in developing new extraction methods to enhance silymarin bioavailability, such as nanoemulsion technology. They also offer technical support for clinical trials, making them a top choice for pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
7. Zaporizhia Extract Co.
Zaporizhia Extract Co., established in 2018, is a dynamic newcomer leveraging modern extraction technology to produce innovative milk thistle extracts. Located in Zaporizhia, they've quickly gained attention for their water-soluble milk thistle powder, a unique offering in the market.
Product Range: Their standout product is water-soluble milk thistle powder, which dissolves easily in beverages and liquid supplements—a challenge for traditional oil-soluble extracts. They also offer standard bulk powder (70-80% silymarin) and liquid extracts for cosmetics.
Certifications & Quality: Zaporizhia Extract Co. is ISO 22000-certified and Halal-certified, making their products suitable for Muslim-majority markets. They use a patented extraction process that preserves silymarin content while improving solubility, and all batches undergo third-party testing.
Why They Stand Out: Innovation is their hallmark. The water-soluble extract opens up new applications, such as functional drinks, smoothies, and oral care products, where traditional extracts would separate or clump. They also offer fast turnaround times, with custom formulations developed in as little as 2 weeks.
8. Mykolaiv BioExtracts
Mykolaiv BioExtracts, founded in 2003, is a trusted name in the Ukrainian botanical extract industry, known for its rigorous testing protocols and commitment to transparency. Based in Mykolaiv, a major seaport, they have easy access to global shipping routes.
Product Range: The company offers a full suite of milk thistle products, including powder (70-80% silymarin), liquid extracts (ethanol and glycerin-based), and standardized extracts with custom silymarin levels. They also provide raw materials for cosmetic brands, such as milk thistle oil for skincare.
Certifications & Quality: Mykolaiv BioExtracts holds GMP certification and ISO 17025 accreditation for their in-house testing lab, which means their lab results are recognized internationally. They test every batch for silymarin content, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiological purity, providing clients with detailed COAs.
Why They Stand Out: Their in-house lab is a major advantage, allowing for quick testing and quality control without relying on external facilities. They also offer flexible packaging options, from 1kg foil bags to 25kg drums, and have experience exporting to over 30 countries, including the EU, U.S., and Australia.
9. Cherkasy Natural Exports
Cherkasy Natural Exports, established in 2011, is a small-batch, organic-focused supplier based in Cherkasy, central Ukraine. They specialize in cold-pressed and solvent-free milk thistle extracts, appealing to brands prioritizing "clean" and natural ingredients.
Product Range: Their flagship product is cold-pressed milk thistle extract, which uses minimal heat to preserve silymarin and other beneficial compounds. They also offer organic milk thistle powder (70% silymarin) and raw seeds for artisanal extraction.
Certifications & Quality: Cherkasy Natural Exports is certified organic by the EU Organic program and follows biodynamic farming practices. They avoid synthetic solvents, using only food-grade ethanol or water for extraction, and test for contaminants through a third-party lab in Kyiv.
Why They Stand Out: Their commitment to traditional, low-impact extraction methods resonates with eco-conscious brands and consumers. They also work directly with small family farms, ensuring fair prices for farmers and supporting rural communities. With an MOQ of 20kg, they're accessible to small brands and startups.
10. SumyHerb Traders
SumyHerb Traders, founded in 2007, is a wholesale-focused supplier based in Sumy, northern Ukraine, with a strong network of domestic and international clients. They specialize in bulk distribution and private label services for milk thistle extract and other botanicals.
Product Range: SumyHerb offers bulk milk thistle powder (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) in quantities up to 10 tons per order. They also provide private label services, including custom packaging, labeling, and encapsulation, for brands looking to launch their own supplement lines.
Certifications & Quality: The company is ISO 9001-certified and follows HACCP guidelines. They source seeds from verified suppliers in Ukraine and Russia, and conduct third-party testing for all key quality parameters.
Why They Stand Out: Wholesale pricing and private label expertise are their key strengths. They offer volume discounts for large orders, making them a cost-effective choice for distributors and big brands. Their private label services include design support, regulatory compliance assistance, and even help with marketing materials, making it easy for clients to launch new products.
Final Thoughts
Ukraine's milk thistle extract industry is thriving, with suppliers offering everything from organic, small-batch extracts to large-scale, pharmaceutical-grade products. Whether you're a small supplement brand, a cosmetic manufacturer, or a large wholesaler, there's a Ukrainian supplier to meet your needs—from KyivBotanicals' organic focus to SumyHerb Traders' wholesale expertise.
Remember, the best supplier for you depends on your specific goals: quality certifications, production volume, budget, and product requirements. By prioritizing transparency, testing, and alignment with your brand values, you can find a partner that not only delivers high-quality milk thistle extract but also supports your business's long-term success.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the Ukrainian market with confidence. Here's to finding the perfect milk thistle extract supplier—and creating products that support health and wellness for consumers worldwide.
