If you've ever wandered the bustling markets of Cameroon—from the vibrant stalls of Douala to the community hubs of Yaoundé—you've probably noticed a quiet revolution unfolding. Natural health supplements, once niche, are now front and center, with locals and businesses alike seeking out ingredients that blend tradition with science. Among these, silymarin has emerged as a standout. Derived from the milk thistle plant, this powerful extract is celebrated for its liver-supporting properties, making it a staple in everything from pharmaceuticals to daily health tonics. But with so many options out there, how do you find a supplier you can trust? Whether you're a small health shop owner stocking shelves, a pharmaceutical company in need of high-grade raw materials, or a wholesaler looking to source bulk botanical extracts, this guide is for you. We've scoured Cameroon's growing botanical market to bring you the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders who are setting the standard for quality, reliability, and customer care.
Why Silymarin Matters in Cameroon's Health Landscape
Before we dive into the list, let's take a moment to understand why silymarin has become such a hot commodity in Cameroon. For decades, traditional healers here have turned to milk thistle (known locally as "herbe au chardon") to treat liver ailments, from mild indigestion to more serious conditions. Today, modern science backs up these age-old uses: silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle extract, is renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect liver cells from damage and support overall liver function.
The demand for silymarin in Cameroon has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by a few key trends. First, there's a growing awareness of preventive health—more Cameroonians are prioritizing supplements that support long-term wellness, and silymarin fits the bill perfectly. Second, the pharmaceutical industry here is expanding, with local manufacturers producing generic drugs and herbal remedies that require high-quality silymarin as a key ingredient. And third, international buyers are increasingly looking to Cameroon for sustainable, ethically sourced botanical extracts, thanks to the country's rich biodiversity and commitment to organic farming practices.
But with demand comes the need for reliable suppliers. Not all silymarin is created equal: purity, extraction methods, and certification matter. That's why we've focused on suppliers who not only offer competitive prices but also prioritize quality control, transparency, and customer support. Whether you need small batches for a local supplement line or bulk orders for export, these are the names you'll want to know.
Meet the Top 10: Silymarin Suppliers Shaping Cameroon's Market
1. GreenRoot Botanicals Ltd.
Nestled in the agricultural heartland of Bafoussam, GreenRoot Botanicals has earned a reputation as Cameroon's go-to source for premium silymarin. What sets them apart? A vertically integrated model that starts with their own organic milk thistle farms. By controlling every step—from planting non-GMO seeds to using cold-press extraction methods—they ensure their silymarin is free from pesticides and retains maximum potency.
GreenRoot caters to a diverse clientele: local health stores love their small-batch "pure silymarin" powders, while pharmaceutical companies rely on their pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract, which meets strict ISO 9001 standards. They also specialize in bulk botanical extracts, making them a favorite among wholesalers exporting to neighboring Nigeria and Ghana. "We believe in 'farm to formula' transparency," says CEO Amara Nkosi. "When you buy from us, you're not just getting a product—you're getting a story of sustainable farming and careful craftsmanship."
Key products: Organic silymarin powder (80-95% purity), milk thistle extract capsules, bulk silymarin extract (50kg+ bags). Certifications: Organic EU, ISO 9001, GMP.
2. Cameroon Natural Extracts (CNE)
Based in Douala, Cameroon's largest port city, CNE has built its brand on speed and reliability. For businesses that need silymarin in a hurry—whether it's a last-minute order for a cosmetics manufacturer or a rush shipment for a pharmaceutical trial—CNE delivers. Their secret? A state-of-the-art warehouse stocked with ready-to-ship inventory and a logistics team that knows the ins and outs of Cameroon's transport networks.
While they're known for quick turnaround, CNE doesn't skimp on quality. Their silymarin is sourced from partner farms in the Northwest Region, where milk thistle grows wild in nutrient-rich soil. They offer both standard and high-potency options, including a 95% pure silymarin extract that's popular with skincare brands (silymarin's antioxidant properties make it a hit in anti-aging serums). "We started as a small trading company 10 years ago," recalls founder Jean Baptiste, "but today, we're one of the few botanical extracts suppliers in Cameroon with the capacity to fulfill orders of 1000kg+ in under 48 hours."
Key products: Bulk silymarin extract (standard and high-potency), milk thistle seed oil, silymarin liquid extract. Certifications: ISO 22000 (food safety), Halal certified.
3. EcoHerb Trading Co.
EcoHerb Trading Co. in Yaoundé is a family-run business with a big vision: to make Cameroon a leader in sustainable botanical exports. Founded by Marie and Claude Tchoumi, who grew up helping their grandmother harvest medicinal herbs, the company prides itself on fair trade practices. They work directly with 20+ small-scale farmers in the Adamawa Region, ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their milk thistle crops and invest in eco-friendly farming techniques (like crop rotation to preserve soil health).
EcoHerb's silymarin is a favorite among health-conscious consumers and organic supplement brands. Their "EcoPure" line is certified organic by both Cameroon's Ministry of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), making it easy to export to Western markets. They also offer custom blends, such as silymarin mixed with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion and burdock. "We don't just sell extracts—we build partnerships," says Marie. "Many of our farmers have been with us since day one, and that trust translates to better quality for our clients."
Key products: USDA organic silymarin powder, milk thistle + dandelion extract blends, bulk organic milk thistle seeds. Certifications: USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified, GMP.
4. PharmaExtracts Cameroon
For pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, PharmaExtracts Cameroon is the gold standard. Located in the industrial zone of Bonaberi, this manufacturer specializes in ultra-pure silymarin extracts designed for medical use. Their lab is equipped with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) machines to test every batch for potency and contaminants, ensuring their products meet the strict standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).
PharmaExtracts' claim to fame? Their pharmaceutical grade silymarin extract, which has a purity level of 98%—one of the highest in West Africa. This makes it ideal for use in prescription liver medications and clinical trials. They also offer technical support, providing clients with detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) reports and with regulatory filings. "In pharma, precision is everything," explains head chemist Dr. Felix Ngangoum. "Our clients trust us because we treat every batch like it's going into a life-saving drug—which, in many cases, it is."
Key products: 98% pure silymarin extract (pharmaceutical grade), silymarin research samples, custom formulations for drug manufacturing. Certifications: WHO-GMP, ISO 13485 (medical devices), CE marked.
5. AgroBio Export Ltd.
AgroBio Export Ltd. in Limbe is all about scale. As one of Cameroon's largest exporters of botanical extracts, they specialize in bulk orders, making them a top choice for international buyers—especially those in Europe and the Middle East. Their silymarin is sourced from a network of 50+ farms across the Southwest Region, where the tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil produce milk thistle with naturally high silymarin content.
What makes AgroBio stand out is their commitment to innovation. They recently invested in a new supercritical CO2 extraction facility, which uses carbon dioxide instead of solvents to extract silymarin. This method is not only more environmentally friendly but also results in a purer, more stable extract. "We're seeing a huge demand for clean-label ingredients," says export manager Aissatou Diop. "Our CO2-extracted silymarin has no residual solvents, which is a big selling point for organic food and beverage companies."
Key products: Bulk silymarin extract (CO2-extracted), organic milk thistle powder, silymarin for food supplements. Certifications: EU Organic, Kosher, REACH compliant.
6. Cameroon Herbal Remedies (CHR)
Cameroon Herbal Remedies, based in Bamenda, is a bridge between tradition and modernity. Founded by a team of traditional healers and biochemists, CHR combines ancestral knowledge with scientific rigor to create silymarin products that honor Cameroon's herbal heritage. Their flagship offering? A "traditional strength" silymarin extract made using a cold maceration method passed down for generations, which they say preserves more of the plant's natural compounds.
CHR caters to both local and international markets. In Cameroon, their small-batch silymarin tinctures are sold in neighborhood pharmacies and herbal shops, loved for their gentle, easy-to-digest formula. Internationally, they've gained a following among holistic health brands looking for ethically sourced, culturally rooted ingredients. "Our elders taught us that the best medicine comes from respecting the plant," says head herbalist Ngangoum Rose. "We don't rush the extraction process—we let the milk thistle steep slowly, just like our grandmothers did. The result is a silymarin that feels alive."
Key products: Traditional silymarin tincture, organic milk thistle tea blends, silymarin capsules (traditional formula). Certifications: Cameroon Traditional Medicine Board certified, Organic Africa.
7. BioNatura Wholesale
For businesses on a budget, BioNatura Wholesale in Ebolowa offers quality silymarin at competitive prices—without cutting corners. They source their milk thistle from partner farms in the South Region, where labor costs are lower, and pass those savings on to clients. But don't let the affordability fool you: BioNatura has a strict quality control process, with every batch tested for purity and potency in their in-house lab.
BioNatura specializes in serving small to medium-sized businesses, from local supplement makers to online health stores. They offer flexible ordering options, including sample sizes (starting at 100g) for businesses testing new products, and bulk discounts for orders over 50kg. "We know how hard it is to start a business," says owner Paul Mbarga. "That's why we keep our minimum order quantities low and our customer service high. Whether you need 1kg or 100kg, you'll get the same attention to detail."
Key products: Standard silymarin extract (70-80% purity), milk thistle seed powder, bulk silymarin for budget brands. Certifications: GMP, ISO 17025 (lab testing).
8. Tropical Extracts Ltd.
Tropical Extracts Ltd., located in Kribi, is a hidden gem in Cameroon's botanical scene. While they're relatively new (founded in 2018), they've quickly made a name for themselves by focusing on niche markets. Their specialty? Silymarin for the cosmetics industry. They produce a ultra-fine silymarin powder that's easily absorbed into skincare products, where it acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals and soothe sensitive skin.
Tropical Extracts works closely with cosmetic formulators to create custom silymarin blends, such as silymarin combined with hyaluronic acid or vitamin E for anti-aging creams. They also offer private labeling services, helping small beauty brands launch their own silymarin-based products. "The beauty industry is all about results," says cosmetic scientist Dr. Linda Fomum. "Our silymarin has been tested in clinical trials and shown to reduce redness and improve skin hydration—data that our clients love to share with their customers."
Key products: Cosmetic-grade silymarin powder, silymarin skincare blends, private-label silymarin capsules. Certifications: Cosmetics GMP, Ecocert.
9. North Cameroon Botanicals (NCB)
North Cameroon Botanicals, based in Garoua, is a testament to the diversity of Cameroon's botanical landscape. While most silymarin suppliers focus on the southern regions, NCB sources its milk thistle from the Sahel savannas of the North, where the dry climate and long hours of sunlight produce a unique strain of milk thistle with a slightly different phytochemical profile. Some clients claim this "savanna silymarin" has stronger anti-inflammatory properties—though NCB is quick to note that more research is needed.
NCB is committed to empowering local communities. They work with women's cooperatives to harvest milk thistle, providing training and fair wages to over 100 farmers. "In the North, many women struggle to find steady income," says founder Adamou Mahamat. "By involving them in every step—from harvesting to sorting—we're not just making silymarin; we're building stronger communities." Their silymarin is popular with ethical brands and NGOs looking to support sustainable development in Cameroon.
Key products: Savanna-sourced silymarin extract, milk thistle oil, organic silymarin for ethical brands. Certifications: Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic.
10. Global Extracts Cameroon
Rounding out our list is Global Extracts Cameroon, a subsidiary of a multinational botanical company with headquarters in France. Based in Douala, they bring global expertise to the local market, offering a range of silymarin products that meet the strictest international standards. Their biggest advantage? Access to a global network of labs and researchers, which allows them to stay ahead of trends and offer cutting-edge formulations.
Global Extracts specializes in high-tech applications of silymarin, such as nano-encapsulated silymarin for better absorption in supplements and silymarin-loaded liposomes for skincare. They also offer comprehensive technical support, including stability testing and regulatory guidance for clients exporting to the EU, US, and Asia. "We understand that navigating international regulations can be overwhelming," says technical director Pierre Dubois. "Our team includes experts in FDA and EFSA requirements, so we can help our clients get their products to market faster."
Key products: Nano-encapsulated silymarin, liposomal silymarin for skincare, pharmaceutical grade silymarin for global markets. Certifications: FDA registered, EMA compliant, ISO 14001 (environmental management).
Quick Reference: Top Silymarin Suppliers in Cameroon
| Supplier Name | Location | Key Products | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreenRoot Botanicals Ltd. | Bafoussam | Organic silymarin powder, milk thistle extract capsules | Vertically integrated organic farming, cold-press extraction |
| Cameroon Natural Extracts (CNE) | Douala | Bulk silymarin extract, silymarin liquid extract | Quick turnaround, logistics expertise |
| EcoHerb Trading Co. | Yaoundé | USDA organic silymarin, custom herbal blends | Fair trade, family-run, traditional + modern methods |
| PharmaExtracts Cameroon | Bonaberi | 98% pure pharmaceutical grade silymarin | WHO-GMP certified, lab-tested for pharma use |
| AgroBio Export Ltd. | Limbe | CO2-extracted silymarin, bulk organic powder | Large-scale exports, innovative extraction |
| Cameroon Herbal Remedies (CHR) | Bamenda | Traditional silymarin tincture, herbal tea blends | Traditional cold maceration, cultural heritage focus |
| BioNatura Wholesale | Ebolowa | Budget-friendly silymarin extract, sample sizes | Small to medium business support, flexible orders |
| Tropical Extracts Ltd. | Kribi | Cosmetic-grade silymarin, skincare blends | Custom cosmetic formulations, private labeling |
| North Cameroon Botanicals (NCB) | Garoua | Savanna-sourced silymarin, women's cooperative products | Ethical sourcing, community empowerment |
| Global Extracts Cameroon | Douala | Nano-encapsulated silymarin, liposomal formulations | Global expertise, high-tech applications |
As Cameroon's love affair with natural health continues to grow, the silymarin market here is only getting stronger. From family-run farms in the North to high-tech labs in Douala, the suppliers on this list represent the best of what the country has to offer: passion, innovation, and a deep respect for the power of plants. Whether you're in need of pharmaceutical grade silymarin for a life-saving drug, bulk botanical extracts for a wholesale business, or a small batch of organic tincture for your local health shop, there's a supplier here that fits your needs.
Remember, the best supplier isn't just about price—it's about trust. Look for certifications that matter to you (organic, GMP, fair trade), ask about their sourcing practices, and don't hesitate to request samples. After all, the quality of your silymarin is the foundation of the products you create, and Cameroon's top suppliers are ready to help you build something great. Here's to healthier communities, sustainable businesses, and the magic of milk thistle—one extract at a time.



