If you've ever picked up a liver support supplement or a natural skincare product, there's a good chance you've come across silymarin. This powerful compound, derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum), has been celebrated for centuries for its liver-protective properties, and today, it's a staple in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and even cosmetics. But where does the best silymarin come from? For businesses and brands looking to source high-quality, reliable silymarin, Bosnia and Herzegovina might just be the hidden gem you've been searching for.
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich tradition of herbal medicine and botanical extraction. Its fertile valleys and moderate climate provide ideal conditions for growing milk thistle, and in recent years, the country has emerged as a hub for ethical, science-backed botanical extract production. From family-run farms to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Bosnia's silymarin suppliers are gaining recognition for their commitment to purity, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you're a pharmaceutical company needing pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract, a supplement brand seeking bulk botanical extracts, or a cosmetic formulator hunting for clean, potent ingredients, Bosnia's suppliers have something to offer.
To help you navigate this growing market, we've rounded up the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each of these players brings something unique to the table—from organic certifications to cutting-edge extraction techniques—so you can find the perfect partner for your needs. Let's dive in.
1. BosnaBotanicals (Sarajevo)
When it comes to organic silymarin, BosnaBotanicals is a name that comes up time and again in local industry circles. Founded in 2005 in Sarajevo, this family-owned manufacturer has built its reputation on one core principle: "From seed to extract, we control every step." What does that mean for you? It means traceability, consistency, and a product you can trust.
BosnaBotanicals specializes in organic milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 80% to 95%—perfect for high-end supplements and pharmaceutical applications. They source milk thistle seeds from small-scale farmers in the Herzegovina region, where the plant thrives in the limestone-rich soil. "Our farmers have been growing milk thistle for generations," explains co-owner Amina Hadžić. "We work directly with them to ensure sustainable farming practices—no pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers. It's better for the land, and better for the final product."
Certifications matter here: BosnaBotanicals holds ISO 9001 for quality management and EU organic certification, making their silymarin a hit with European supplement brands. They also offer bulk botanical extracts, with minimum order quantities (MOQs) starting at 25kg for standard silymarin and 50kg for their ultra-pure, pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract. One local supplement brand owner put it best: "We've worked with suppliers across Europe, but BosnaBotanicals' silymarin is consistently the cleanest. Their lab reports are transparent, and their team is always available to answer questions—you don't get that level of care everywhere."
2. HerzegovinaHerbs (Mostar)
Tucked away in the historic city of Mostar, HerzegovinaHerbs has made a name for itself as a go-to supplier for pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract. Founded in 2010 by a team of biochemists and herbalists, this manufacturer focuses on precision—because when it comes to pharmaceuticals, there's no room for error.
What sets HerzegovinaHerbs apart? Their state-of-the-art extraction facility, equipped with CO2 supercritical extraction technology. Unlike traditional solvent-based methods, CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to draw out silymarin, resulting in a purer, more stable product with zero residual solvents. "We invested in this technology because we wanted to meet the strictest global standards," says lead chemist Dr. Luka Petrović. "Pharmaceutical companies can't afford inconsistencies, and our process ensures every batch of silymarin has a silybin content (the most active component of silymarin) of at least 90%."
HerzegovinaHerbs isn't just about tech, though. They also partner with over 50 local farmers in the Neretva Valley to grow non-GMO milk thistle, ensuring a steady, high-quality supply chain. The company is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified and regularly audited by international pharmaceutical bodies, making their silymarin a favorite among European and Middle Eastern pharma firms. "We recently started supplying a major German pharmaceutical company," Dr. Petrović adds. "Their team was impressed by our attention to detail—from seed selection to final testing. That's the HerzegovinaHerbs difference."
3. SilymarinPlus Biotech (Banja Luka)
For businesses that need more than just silymarin, SilymarinPlus Biotech in Banja Luka is a one-stop shop. Founded in 2012, this innovative manufacturer specializes in a range of botanical extracts, with silymarin being their flagship product. What makes them stand out? Their focus on versatility—whether you need a powder, liquid, or encapsulated silymarin, they've got you covered.
SilymarinPlus offers silymarin in concentrations from 60% to 95%, tailored to different industries. Their 60-70% silymarin powders are popular with cosmetic brands (think anti-aging serums and liver detox masks), while their 85-95% pharmaceutical grade options are used in prescription and over-the-counter medications. "We work closely with our clients to understand their needs," says sales director Mirna Jovanović. "A skincare brand might want a water-soluble silymarin for easy formulation, while a supplement company might prefer a standard powder. We adjust our extraction process to deliver exactly what they're looking for."
Sustainability is also a priority here. The company runs on 100% solar energy and uses recycled packaging for all bulk orders. They're ISO 14001 certified for environmental management, which has helped them attract eco-conscious clients in Scandinavia and North America. "One Canadian supplement brand told us our sustainability practices were a deciding factor," Mirna notes. "They wanted to align their brand with suppliers who care about the planet, and we were able to deliver that—along with top-tier silymarin."
4. BalkanExtracts Ltd. (Tuzla)
If you're in the market for bulk botanical extracts at competitive prices, BalkanExtracts Ltd. in Tuzla should be on your radar. Established in 2008, this wholesaler and manufacturer prides itself on making high-quality silymarin accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. "We started because we noticed a gap," says founder Emir Kovačević. "Big suppliers often have sky-high MOQs, making it hard for startups or local brands to source quality ingredients. We wanted to change that."
BalkanExtracts offers silymarin in bulk quantities (starting at 10kg) with silymarin content ranging from 70% to 90%. Their sweet spot? The 80% silymarin powder, which balances quality and affordability—perfect for supplement brands, herbal tea companies, and even animal health products. "We sell a lot to local feed manufacturers," Emir adds. "Silymarin isn't just for humans; it's great for supporting liver health in livestock, too. Our bulk pricing makes it feasible for them to include it in their formulas."
Despite their focus on affordability, BalkanExtracts doesn't skimp on quality. They source milk thistle from trusted farms in the Posavina region and conduct third-party lab testing on every batch. "We're not the cheapest, and we don't want to be," Emir says. "But we are the most reliable for small to mid-sized orders. A local wellness brand once told us, 'Your 10kg MOQ let us launch our first liver supplement line without breaking the bank.' That's why we do what we do."
5. SarajevoPharma Ingredients (Sarajevo)
With over 15 years in the game, SarajevoPharma Ingredients is one of Bosnia's oldest and most respected silymarin manufacturers. Founded in 2008, this Sarajevo-based company has deep roots in the pharmaceutical industry, and their silymarin is trusted by some of the biggest names in global healthcare.
What's their secret? A relentless focus on research and development. SarajevoPharma has an in-house R&D lab where scientists work to optimize extraction methods and explore new applications for silymarin. "We were one of the first in the region to develop a microencapsulated silymarin," explains R&D head Dr. Lejla Hasanović. "Microencapsulation protects the silymarin from stomach acid, making it more bioavailable. It's a game-changer for supplements—your body absorbs more of the active ingredient."
SarajevoPharma's client list includes pharmaceutical giants in Germany, Austria, and Italy, and they're registered with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a supplier of pharmaceutical grade ingredients. Their silymarin is also Kosher and Halal certified, opening doors to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. "We recently shipped a large order to a Malaysian pharma company," Dr. Hasanović adds. "Their strict Halal requirements meant they needed a supplier who could trace every step of the process. Our documentation and certifications made it a smooth partnership."
6. MostarMilkThistle Co. (Mostar)
For businesses that prioritize "farm-to-bottle" transparency, MostarMilkThistle Co. is a standout choice. This family-run manufacturer, based in Mostar, owns and operates its own milk thistle farms in the Herzegovina region, giving them full control over the growing process. "We started as a small farm in 2010, growing milk thistle for local herbalists," says co-owner Irena Đukić. "Over time, we realized we could add more value by extracting the silymarin ourselves. Now, we grow, harvest, and extract all on-site."
MostarMilkThistle's farms use organic farming practices (though they're in the process of formal EU organic certification) and focus on biodiversity. "We plant milk thistle alongside other crops like clover and alfalfa to naturally enrich the soil and attract pollinators," Irena explains. "It's better for the ecosystem, and we believe it makes the milk thistle more nutrient-dense." Their extraction facility, while smaller than some of Bosnia's larger manufacturers, uses gentle ethanol extraction to preserve silymarin's bioactivity, resulting in a product that's popular with holistic health brands and natural skincare lines.
What really sets them apart, though, is their commitment to education. They offer farm tours for clients, so brands can see exactly how their silymarin is made. "A UK skincare brand visited last year," Irena recalls. "They wanted to film their 'ingredient story' for their website, and being able to show their customers our farms and extraction process was huge for their marketing. Transparency builds trust, and that's priceless."
7. TuzlaBotanical Traders (Tuzla)
Not all silymarin suppliers are manufacturers—and that's where TuzlaBotanical Traders comes in. This Tuzla-based trading company acts as a bridge between Bosnia's top silymarin producers and international buyers, making it easier for global brands to source from the region. "We know the local market inside out," says trader Adnan Selimović. "We work with 8-10 trusted manufacturers, so we can match clients with the perfect supplier based on their needs—whether they want organic, pharmaceutical grade, or bulk silymarin."
TuzlaBotanical Traders specializes in export, with a focus on markets in North America, Australia, and the Middle East. They handle everything from sourcing and quality control to logistics and documentation, taking the hassle out of international procurement. "A lot of our clients are first-time buyers from Bosnia," Adnan explains. "They might not know which manufacturers are reliable or how to navigate Balkan export regulations. We handle all that, so they can focus on their business."
One of their unique offerings is "custom blends"—combining silymarin with other botanical extracts like milk thistle extract (the whole plant extract, not just silymarin) or artichoke extract for synergistic liver support formulas. "A Canadian supplement company wanted a 'Liver Detox Complex' with silymarin, milk thistle extract, and dandelion root," Adnan says. "We sourced each ingredient from our network, blended them to their specs, and shipped it ready to encapsulate. It saved them time and money."
8. BanjaLuka Bulk Extracts (Banja Luka)
When it comes to sheer production capacity, BanjaLuka Bulk Extracts is hard to beat. This large-scale manufacturer, founded in 2007, operates one of the biggest extraction facilities in the Balkans, with the ability to produce up to 500kg of silymarin per month. "We're built for volume," says operations manager Dario Novak. "If you need a ton of silymarin, we can deliver—consistently, and on time."
BanjaLuka Bulk Extracts focuses on standardized silymarin (80% silymarin content) and sells primarily to large pharmaceutical companies, supplement manufacturers, and food additive suppliers. Their clients include multinational brands that need a steady, reliable supply for their global product lines. "We recently signed a two-year contract with a major US supplement company," Dario notes. "They needed 200kg of silymarin every quarter, and our capacity made us the obvious choice. We also offer just-in-time delivery, which helps them keep inventory costs low."
To ensure consistency at scale, BanjaLuka Bulk Extracts uses automated extraction and packaging equipment and has a team of quality control specialists who test every batch for purity, potency, and contaminants. "We're ISO 13485 certified, which is the standard for medical devices and pharmaceutical ingredients," Dario adds. "That gives our clients peace of mind that they're getting a product that meets the highest global standards—even at bulk volumes."
9. ZenicaHerbal Solutions (Zenica)
Innovation is the name of the game at ZenicaHerbal Solutions, a forward-thinking manufacturer in Zenica that's reimagining silymarin extraction. Founded in 2013 by a team of young scientists, this company is known for its cold-press extraction method, which they claim preserves more of silymarin's natural antioxidants than traditional heat-based methods. "Heat can degrade some of the delicate compounds in silymarin," explains founder Dr. Alma Hodžić. "Our cold-press process uses high pressure instead of heat, so the silymarin retains more of its bioactive properties. Early tests show it may be up to 15% more effective in supporting liver cell regeneration."
ZenicaHerbal's cold-pressed silymarin is pricier than standard extracts, but it's become a favorite among luxury supplement and skincare brands that market "high-potency" or "raw" ingredients. "A high-end Swiss skincare line uses our silymarin in their anti-aging serum, touting its 'intact antioxidant profile'," Dr. Hodžić says. "They're willing to pay a premium because their customers value that extra level of quality."
Beyond silymarin, ZenicaHerbal also produces small-batch, artisanal extracts for niche markets. "We recently launched a silymarin-infused honey in partnership with a local beekeeper," Dr. Hodžić adds. "It's a hit in health food stores—sweet, natural, and packed with liver-loving benefits. That's the fun of being a smaller company: we can experiment and innovate."
10. BijeljinaPharma Supplies (Bijeljina)
Rounding out our list is BijeljinaPharma Supplies, a trader and wholesaler based in Bijeljina that specializes in connecting Bosnian silymarin manufacturers with global markets—with a twist: they focus on emerging industries like sports nutrition and pet health. "Silymarin isn't just for liver support anymore," says owner Boris Milić. "Athletes use it to help their bodies process toxins from intense training, and vets recommend it for dogs and cats with liver issues. We saw an opportunity to help our manufacturing partners tap into these new markets."
BijeljinaPharma works with manufacturers to create tailored silymarin formulations for these niches. For example, they offer a micronized silymarin powder (extra fine particles) that dissolves quickly, making it ideal for sports drinks and protein powders. "A Croatian sports nutrition brand uses our micronized silymarin in their 'Recovery Formula' shake," Boris explains. "It mixes easily, no clumping, and their athletes report feeling less fatigued after hard workouts."
They also source milk thistle extract (the whole plant, not just silymarin) for pet supplement companies. "Milk thistle extract is gentler than pure silymarin, making it better for small animals," Boris notes. "We work with a manufacturer to standardize the silymarin content at 30%, which is safe and effective for pets. It's a growing market, and we're excited to be part of it."
| Supplier Name | Location | Key Products | Certifications | Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BosnaBotanicals | Sarajevo | Organic milk thistle extract, silymarin (80-95%) | ISO 9001, EU Organic (in progress) | 25kg (standard), 50kg (pharmaceutical grade) |
| HerzegovinaHerbs | Mostar | Pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract (90%+ silybin) | GMP, ISO 13485 | 50kg |
| SilymarinPlus Biotech | Banja Luka | Silymarin (60-95%), liquid extracts, encapsulated silymarin | ISO 14001, Halal, Kosher | 15kg |
| BalkanExtracts Ltd. | Tuzla | Bulk silymarin (70-90%), milk thistle extract | ISO 9001 (third-party tested) | 10kg |
| SarajevoPharma Ingredients | Sarajevo | Microencapsulated silymarin, pharmaceutical grade extracts | EMA registered, GMP | 100kg |
| MostarMilkThistle Co. | Mostar | Farm-grown milk thistle extract, organic silymarin (70-85%) | Organic (in progress), third-party lab tested | 5kg (small-batch) |
| TuzlaBotanical Traders | Tuzla | Silymarin (various grades), custom botanical blends | Depends on manufacturer partner | 10kg (varies by product) |
| BanjaLuka Bulk Extracts | Banja Luka | Bulk silymarin (80% standard), pharmaceutical grade | ISO 13485, GMP | 100kg |
| ZenicaHerbal Solutions | Zenica | Cold-pressed silymarin (85-95%), artisanal extracts | ISO 9001, third-party potency tested | 5kg (small-batch) |
| BijeljinaPharma Supplies | Bijeljina | Micronized silymarin, pet-safe milk thistle extract | Depends on manufacturer partner | 15kg |
From organic farms in Herzegovina to high-tech labs in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina's silymarin suppliers are proving that quality, sustainability, and innovation can go hand in hand. Whether you're a pharmaceutical giant needing pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract, a startup supplement brand hunting for bulk botanical extracts, or a skincare formulator seeking clean, potent ingredients, there's a supplier on this list that aligns with your goals.
When choosing a supplier, remember to prioritize certifications (GMP, ISO, organic) if they matter for your market, ask about their sourcing and extraction methods, and don't be afraid to request samples. Many of Bosnia's suppliers are happy to send small test batches so you can verify quality before committing to a large order. And with the country's growing reputation for ethical, science-backed botanical extracts, partnering with a Bosnian silymarin supplier isn't just a business decision—it's a choice to support a community of farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing the best of nature to the world.
So whether you're based in Europe, North America, or beyond, consider Bosnia and Herzegovina for your next silymarin order. You might just find that the Balkans' best-kept secret is the ingredient partner you've been searching for.



