Silymarin—the bioactive compound found in milk thistle (Silybum marianum)—has earned its reputation as a powerhouse in natural health. From supporting liver function to boosting antioxidant defenses and enhancing skin radiance, its versatility has made it a staple in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and even skincare products. As global demand for high-quality botanical extracts grows, Bulgaria has emerged as a key player in the industry. With its sun-drenched fields, rich herbal heritage, and advanced extraction facilities, this Balkan nation is home to some of the most trusted silymarin suppliers in the world.
In this guide, we're highlighting the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Bulgaria. These companies aren't just businesses—they're custodians of a tradition that blends age-old herbal wisdom with cutting-edge science. Whether you're a pharmaceutical company seeking pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, a supplement brand in need of bulk botanical extracts, or a cosmetics manufacturer hunting for pure, potent ingredients, you'll find a partner here that aligns with your goals. Let's dive in.
| Company Name | Location | Key Products | Certifications | Core Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian Botanical Extracts Co. | Sofia | Silymarin (80-95% purity), milk thistle extract, bulk botanical extracts | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU | Vertically integrated, traceable sourcing |
| ThistlePure Manufacturing Ltd. | Plovdiv | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, standardized milk thistle extract | ISO 13485, FDA-registered, Kosher | Pharma focus, high-purity formulations |
| Balkan Herbals Wholesalers | Varna | Bulk silymarin powder, organic milk thistle extract, herbal blends | EU Organic, Halal, GMP | Wholesale pricing, global logistics |
| GreenBio Extracts Bulgaria | Ruse | Cosmetic-grade silymarin, milk thistle oil extract, botanical serums | ECOCERT, COSMOS, ISO 22000 | Cosmetics expertise, sustainable packaging |
| Nature's Extract Trading | Burgas | Silymarin isolate, milk thistle seed extract, bulk botanical extracts | ISO 9001, GMP, FSSAI | Trader network, fast international delivery |
| Milk Thistle Masters Ltd. | Stara Zagora | Organic silymarin, cold-pressed milk thistle extract | USDA Organic, Soil Association, GMP | Organic focus, small-batch production |
| Balkan Pharma Extracts | Sofia | USP-grade silymarin, pharmaceutical blends, custom formulations | FDA, EMA, ISO 17025 | Regulatory compliance, R&D support |
| Herbal Essence Bulgaria | Veliko Tarnovo | Silymarin powder, milk thistle extract for supplements, herbal teas | EU Organic, GMP, HACCP | Nutraceutical expertise, flexible MOQs |
| BioSilymarin Industries | Pleven | High-potency silymarin (95%+), micronized milk thistle extract | ISO 9001, GMP, Halal | High-purity focus, technical support |
| Bulgarian Herb Traders | Gabrovo | Bulk silymarin, milk thistle extract, botanical extract blends | ISO 22000, GMP, Kosher | Wholesale pricing, global distribution |
1. Bulgarian Botanical Extracts Co. (Sofia)
Founded in 2001, Bulgarian Botanical Extracts Co. (BBEC) is a name that resonates with trust in the botanical extract industry. Based in Sofia, the capital city, BBEC has built its legacy on one principle: "From seed to extract, we control every step." This vertically integrated approach is what makes them stand out. They work with over 70 local farmers across the Thracian Plain—an area renowned for its nutrient-rich soil—to grow organic milk thistle. By owning the entire supply chain, they ensure complete traceability, so you know exactly where your silymarin comes from.
BBEC's product line is impressive, but their silymarin offerings steal the show. They produce silymarin in purities ranging from 80% to 95%, using a gentle, solvent-free extraction process that preserves the compound's bioactivity. This makes their extracts ideal for pharmaceutical formulations, where potency and consistency are non-negotiable. They also offer bulk botanical extracts, including standardized milk thistle extract, for nutraceutical brands looking to create liver-support supplements or antioxidant blends.
Certifications? They've got them all: ISO 9001 for quality management, GMP for manufacturing practices, and EU Organic certification for their organic line. What really sets them apart, though, is their commitment to sustainability. Their extraction facility runs on 30% solar power, and they recycle 95% of their water used in production. Clients often praise their transparency—they're happy to share farm audits, extraction reports, and third-party lab results. With clients in Germany, the UK, and the US, BBEC has proven they can scale without compromising quality. Whether you're a startup or a Fortune 500 company, they'll treat your order with the same care.
2. ThistlePure Manufacturing Ltd. (Plovdiv)
If pharmaceuticals are your focus, ThistlePure Manufacturing Ltd. in Plovdiv is your go-to. Established in 2005, this company has carved a niche as Bulgaria's leading producer of pharmaceutical-grade silymarin. Their facility, located just outside Plovdiv—the country's second-largest city—is a state-of-the-art hub that meets the strictest global standards. Walk through their doors, and you'll find cleanrooms, advanced HPLC testing labs, and a team of pharmacists and chemists dedicated to perfection.
ThistlePure's claim to fame? Their silymarin is consistently rated at 95% purity, with minimal impurities. This level of precision is why pharmaceutical companies worldwide turn to them for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). They also produce standardized milk thistle extract, calibrated to specific silymarin concentrations, making it easy for formulators to create consistent dosages. And for clients in regulated markets, they're FDA-registered and hold ISO 13485 certification, ensuring compliance with medical device and pharmaceutical regulations.
What do clients love most? Their attention to detail. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination—results are available in a comprehensive COA (Certificate of Analysis) with every order. They also offer custom formulations, working with clients to develop silymarin blends tailored to specific therapeutic needs. With a production capacity of 500 kg of silymarin per month, they can handle large-scale orders, but they're also flexible enough to support small-batch R&D projects. It's no wonder they've partnered with leading pharmaceutical firms in Europe and North America.
3. Balkan Herbals Wholesalers (Varna)
For businesses that need bulk quantities at competitive prices, Balkan Herbals Wholesalers in Varna is a game-changer. Located on the Black Sea coast, this family-owned company has been connecting Bulgarian botanical extract producers with global buyers since 1995. Think of them as the bridge between small-scale Bulgarian farms and international markets—they aggregate products from trusted local manufacturers to offer a wide range of silymarin and milk thistle extract options, all at wholesale rates.
Their catalog includes bulk silymarin powder (available in 25 kg drums), organic milk thistle extract (certified by the EU Organic label), and even herbal blends that combine silymarin with other popular extracts like turmeric or green tea. What's their secret? By buying in bulk from producers, they can pass savings on to clients, making them a favorite among supplement brands and cosmetic manufacturers working with tight budgets. They also offer flexible packaging options—from small sachets for sample testing to pallet-sized orders for mass production.
Balkan Herbals prides itself on its logistics expertise. With a warehouse in Varna's free trade zone, they can ship to anywhere in the world quickly and efficiently. They handle all customs paperwork, ensuring smooth delivery to EU, US, and Asian ports. And for clients concerned about quality, they provide third-party lab reports for every product, verifying purity, potency, and safety. Their customer service team, fluent in English, German, and Russian, is available 24/7 to answer questions. Whether you're a supplement brand in Canada or a cosmetics company in Australia, they'll make sure your order arrives on time and as promised.
4. GreenBio Extracts Bulgaria (Ruse)
Skincare and cosmetic brands, take note: GreenBio Extracts Bulgaria in Ruse is where science meets beauty. This innovative company specializes in cosmetic-grade silymarin and milk thistle extracts designed to enhance skin health. Founded in 2010 by a team of biochemists and cosmetic scientists, GreenBio recognized early on that silymarin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a star ingredient in serums, creams, and masks.
Their flagship product? A cold-pressed milk thistle oil extract that's rich in silymarin and essential fatty acids—perfect for nourishing dry or aging skin. They also offer a water-soluble silymarin powder that dissolves easily in toners and serums, delivering targeted antioxidant protection. What sets their extracts apart is their focus on bioavailability: their patented microencapsulation technology ensures that silymarin penetrates the skin's deeper layers, where it can work its magic. It's no surprise that their clients include luxury cosmetic brands in France and South Korea.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. GreenBio uses eco-friendly, recyclable packaging for all products, and their extraction process uses 70% less energy than traditional methods. They're certified by ECOCERT and COSMOS, two of the most rigorous standards for natural cosmetics. And if you're looking for something unique, their R&D team can create custom formulations—like silymarin-infused hyaluronic acid serums or anti-aging blends with retinol. With a small-batch production option, even indie beauty brands can afford to experiment with their high-quality extracts.
5. Nature's Extract Trading (Burgas)
Nature's Extract Trading in Burgas is a trader with a difference—they don't just sell extracts; they build partnerships. Since 2008, this company has focused on sourcing the finest silymarin and milk thistle extracts from Bulgaria's top manufacturers, then delivering them to clients worldwide with a personal touch. Their team includes botanical experts who visit each supplier's facility regularly to ensure quality, so you can trust that every product meets their strict standards.
Their product range includes silymarin isolate (a highly purified form ideal for pharmaceutical use), milk thistle seed extract (rich in fiber and nutrients for supplements), and bulk botanical extracts for food and beverage applications. They're particularly popular among health food companies looking to add natural antioxidants to energy bars, smoothies, or functional drinks. What clients love most is their flexibility—they can source custom purities (from 50% to 95% silymarin) and packaging sizes, and they're always open to negotiating prices for long-term contracts.
With offices in Burgas and London, Nature's Extract Trading has a global reach. They work with clients in over 30 countries, including the US, Australia, and India, and they specialize in navigating international regulations—whether it's FDA compliance for the US market or FSSAI approval for India. Their fast delivery times are another highlight: they stock popular silymarin products in their Burgas warehouse, so most orders ship within 48 hours. For businesses that need reliability and a personal touch, this trader is a top choice.
6. Milk Thistle Masters Ltd. (Stara Zagora)
Milk Thistle Masters Ltd. in Stara Zagora is all about organic excellence. This small-batch producer has made a name for itself by focusing solely on organic milk thistle and silymarin, grown and processed without synthetic chemicals. Founded in 2012 by a group of environmentalists and herbalists, their mission is to prove that organic extracts can be just as potent—if not more so—than conventional ones.
Their farm, located in the Rose Valley region of Bulgaria (famous for its rose oil), uses biodynamic farming practices to cultivate milk thistle. The result? A plant that's robust, nutrient-dense, and packed with silymarin. They use a cold-press extraction method that avoids heat and harsh solvents, preserving the extract's natural integrity. Their organic silymarin is certified by the USDA Organic and Soil Association labels, making it a hit with eco-conscious brands in Europe and North America.
While they're small (production capacity of 100 kg of silymarin per month), they make up for it with quality and passion. Each batch is hand-tested by their team of herbalists, and they provide detailed soil and harvest reports to clients who want full transparency. They're also happy to offer samples—so you can test their organic milk thistle extract before committing to a bulk order. It's this attention to detail that has earned them a loyal following among natural supplement brands and holistic health companies.
7. Balkan Pharma Extracts (Sofia)
Balkan Pharma Extracts in Sofia is where science and regulation meet. This company specializes in producing silymarin that meets the strictest pharmaceutical standards, including USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) monographs. Founded in 2008, they've invested heavily in research and development, working with universities in Bulgaria and Germany to optimize their extraction processes and ensure their silymarin is among the purest in the world.
Their product line includes USP-grade silymarin, which is used in prescription medications for liver disorders, as well as custom pharmaceutical blends tailored to specific therapeutic needs. They also offer technical support to clients, helping them navigate regulatory hurdles like FDA filings or EMA (European Medicines Agency) submissions. Their team includes regulatory experts who can assist with documentation, stability testing, and clinical trial support—making them a valuable partner for pharmaceutical companies launching new products.
Certifications are their strong suit: they're FDA-registered, EMA-compliant, and hold ISO 17025 accreditation for their in-house testing lab. They also participate in proficiency testing programs to ensure their analytical methods are accurate. With a focus on consistency, they guarantee that every batch of silymarin meets the same high standards, with minimal variation in potency or purity. For pharmaceutical companies that can't afford mistakes, Balkan Pharma Extracts is a reliable choice.
8. Herbal Essence Bulgaria (Veliko Tarnovo)
Herbal Essence Bulgaria in Veliko Tarnovo is a nutraceutical-focused manufacturer that understands what supplement brands need: high-quality ingredients that consumers can trust. Since 2005, they've been producing silymarin and milk thistle extract specifically for the supplement industry, with a focus on creating extracts that are easy to formulate and appealing to health-conscious shoppers.
Their bestseller? A standardized milk thistle extract with 80% silymarin, designed for liver support supplements. It's available in powder or capsule form, making it easy for brands to incorporate into their products. They also offer silymarin powder for functional foods, like protein bars or meal replacements, and even herbal teas infused with milk thistle extract. What sets them apart is their focus on consumer education—they provide marketing materials and scientific studies to help brands highlight the benefits of silymarin to their customers.
Certifications include EU Organic, GMP, and HACCP, ensuring their products are safe and high-quality. They're also flexible with MOQs—starting at just 5 kg for powder extracts—making them accessible to small and medium-sized supplement brands. With a dedicated customer service team that speaks English, German, and French, they're easy to work with, even for international clients. And with a track record of on-time deliveries and consistent quality, it's no wonder they've become a staple in the nutraceutical industry.
9. BioSilymarin Industries (Pleven)
BioSilymarin Industries in Pleven is all about pushing the boundaries of silymarin potency. This innovative manufacturer has developed a proprietary extraction process that yields silymarin with purities of 95% or higher—among the highest in the industry. Founded in 2010 by a team of chemical engineers, their mission is to create silymarin that's not just pure, but also highly bioavailable.
Their high-potency silymarin is micronized, meaning the particles are ultra-fine, making it easier for the body to absorb. This is a game-changer for supplement and pharmaceutical brands, as it means lower dosages can deliver the same benefits. They also produce a water-soluble silymarin extract, which is ideal for liquid supplements like drops or syrups. Their production facility is equipped with state-of-the-art centrifuges and filtration systems, ensuring every batch is consistent and pure.
While they're focused on high purity, they don't skimp on sustainability. Their extraction process uses 50% less energy than traditional methods, and they recycle all plant waste as fertilizer for local farms. Certifications include ISO 9001 and GMP, and they're currently working on obtaining Halal certification to expand into new markets. With a team of technical support specialists, they're happy to assist clients with formulation advice and dosage recommendations. For brands that want the most potent silymarin on the market, BioSilymarin Industries delivers.
10. Bulgarian Herb Traders (Gabrovo)
Rounding out our list is Bulgarian Herb Traders in Gabrovo, a wholesaler with a global vision. Since 1998, this company has been exporting Bulgarian botanical extracts to over 40 countries, with a focus on reliability and affordability. They work with a network of vetted local producers to offer a wide range of silymarin and milk thistle extract options, from conventional to organic, and everything in between.
Their core products include bulk silymarin powder (available in 1 kg to 1000 kg quantities), milk thistle extract (standardized to 80% silymarin), and botanical extract blends for custom formulations. They're particularly popular among cosmetic manufacturers in Asia and supplement brands in the Middle East, thanks to their Halal and Kosher certifications. What clients appreciate most is their transparent pricing—no hidden fees, just straightforward wholesale rates that make budgeting easy.
With a logistics team that specializes in international shipping, they can deliver to ports in Europe, Asia, and the Americas with minimal delays. They also offer door-to-door delivery for clients who prefer a hassle-free experience. While they're a large wholesaler, they pride themselves on personalized service—each client is assigned a dedicated account manager who can help with product selection, certifications, and order tracking. For businesses that need a reliable, affordable partner for bulk silymarin, Bulgarian Herb Traders is a top pick.
Why Choose Bulgarian Silymarin Suppliers?
Bulgaria's rise as a silymarin hub isn't accidental. The country's climate—hot summers, mild winters, and fertile soil—creates the perfect conditions for growing milk thistle with high silymarin content. Add to that a long tradition of herbal medicine, strict quality regulations, and a focus on sustainability, and it's clear why global brands turn to Bulgarian suppliers for their silymarin needs. Whether you're looking for pharmaceutical-grade precision, organic purity, or bulk affordability, the companies on this list offer something for every business.
As you explore your options, remember to prioritize certifications, traceability, and alignment with your brand values. Do you need organic certification? Look for companies like Milk Thistle Masters or Bulgarian Botanical Extracts Co. Need pharmaceutical-grade silymarin? ThistlePure Manufacturing or Balkan Pharma Extracts have you covered. And for bulk orders at wholesale prices, Balkan Herbals Wholesalers or Bulgarian Herb Traders are excellent choices.
At the end of the day, the best silymarin supplier is one that understands your unique needs and works with you to achieve your goals. With Bulgaria's top suppliers, you're not just buying an extract—you're investing in a partnership built on quality, trust, and a shared passion for natural health. Here's to finding your perfect match.
