If you've ever dived into the world of natural supplements, pharmaceuticals, or even skincare, you've probably come across silymarin. Derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, this powerful compound is celebrated for its liver-supporting properties, making it a staple in everything from herbal remedies to high-end wellness products. And if you're based in Djibouti or looking to source silymarin in the Horn of Africa, you're in luck—this small but strategically located nation has emerged as a hidden gem for botanical extracts trade, thanks to its bustling ports, growing logistics network, and connections to global suppliers. Whether you're a local business owner hunting for bulk botanical extracts, a pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, or a startup creating the next big skincare line, finding the right supplier can make all the difference. In this guide, we're breaking down the top 10 silymarin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Djibouti, so you can source with confidence and quality.
1. Djibouti Botanical Solutions
Founded in 2005, Djibouti Botanical Solutions (DBS) has grown from a small family-run business to one of the country's most trusted names in silymarin and milk thistle extract. What sets DBS apart? Their unwavering focus on pharmaceutical-grade quality. They source milk thistle seeds primarily from organic farms in Ethiopia and Kenya, then process them in a state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Djibouti City—equipped with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification and ISO 9001 standards. Whether you need silymarin in powder form, liquid extracts, or standardized concentrations (they offer 80% to 95% silymarin purity), DBS can tailor orders to fit your needs. They specialize in bulk orders, making them a favorite among regional pharmaceutical companies and large-scale supplement brands. Plus, their proximity to the Port of Djibouti means faster shipping times to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. Customer service is another highlight—their team of botanists and quality control experts are always on hand to answer questions, provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) documents, and ensure your order meets exact specifications.
2. Red Sea Silymarin Traders
As the name suggests, Red Sea Silymarin Traders has deep roots in Djibouti's maritime trade scene. Established in 2010, they've built a reputation as go-to wholesalers for bulk botanical extracts, with silymarin being their crown jewel. Unlike some suppliers that focus solely on local production, Red Sea Traders partners with leading milk thistle extract manufacturers in India and China—known for their high-volume output and competitive pricing—then imports and distributes across Djibouti and neighboring countries like Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. This global network lets them offer some of the most flexible pricing in the market, especially for businesses looking to stock up on large quantities (think 500kg+ orders). Their product range includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 40% to 90%. They also provide custom packaging options, from small foil pouches for retail to large drums for industrial use. For new buyers unsure about minimum order quantities, Red Sea Traders offers trial samples (500g to 1kg) so you can test quality before committing. Just note that their specialty is wholesale, so they're best suited for businesses rather than individual consumers.
3. Horn of Africa Extracts Ltd.
Horn of Africa Extracts Ltd. (HAE) prides itself on being a "local-first" supplier. Founded in 2012 by a team of Ethiopian and Djiboutian agronomists, HAE works directly with small-scale farmers in northern Ethiopia to grow milk thistle, ensuring fair prices and sustainable farming practices. This vertically integrated model not only supports local communities but also gives HAE full control over the supply chain—from seed to extract. Their processing facility, located in Djibouti's Free Economic Zone, uses cold-press extraction methods to preserve silymarin's potency, resulting in a product that's popular among natural supplement brands and herbal medicine practitioners. In addition to pure silymarin powder, HAE offers milk thistle extract blends (like silymarin combined with dandelion or artichoke extract, both known for liver support). They're also certified organic by the EU's Organic Certification Body, making them a top choice for companies marketing organic or natural products. While their prices are slightly higher than importers, many buyers appreciate the transparency—you can even request a tour of their partner farms or processing plant to see the journey of your silymarin firsthand.
4. Gulf Health Ingredients
For businesses in the cosmetics and skincare industry, Gulf Health Ingredients is a name worth remembering. Though they offer a wide range of botanical extracts, their silymarin-rich milk thistle extract has gained a loyal following for its skin-soothing properties (silymarin is known to reduce inflammation and protect against environmental stressors). Established in 2015, Gulf Health focuses on cosmetic-grade ingredients, with silymarin extracts that are tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants—critical for products applied directly to the skin. They offer both water-soluble and oil-soluble versions, making them versatile for creams, serums, masks, and even hair care products (yes, silymarin can also support scalp health!). Beyond silymarin, they stock other popular botanical extracts like green tea, aloe vera, and rosehip, making them a one-stop shop for skincare formulators. Their minimum order quantities are lower than some bulk suppliers (starting at 1kg), which is great for small to medium-sized beauty brands. They also provide technical support, helping customers determine the right silymarin concentration for their formulas (typically 0.5% to 2% for skincare products). With a warehouse near Djibouti's International Airport, they can also arrange fast air shipping for urgent orders.
5. Djibouti Bulk Botanicals
True to its name, Djibouti Bulk Botanicals (DBB) is all about scale. If you're a large-scale manufacturer or distributor needing metric tons of silymarin, this is your supplier. Founded in 2008, DBB has built relationships with industrial-scale milk thistle extract producers in Turkey and Bulgaria, allowing them to import and store massive quantities in their 10,000-square-meter warehouse in Djibouti's Port Zone. Their silymarin offerings include both standard (80% purity) and ultra-high purity (95%+) options, with prices that drop significantly for orders over 1 ton. What makes DBB stand out is their logistics expertise—they handle all customs clearance, storage, and transportation, so you don't have to navigate Djibouti's import regulations alone. They also offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, which is a big plus for international buyers. While they don't specialize in small orders (minimum is 500kg), their reliability and ability to meet tight deadlines have made them a trusted partner for multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in East Africa. Fun fact: They're one of the few suppliers in Djibouti that can arrange shipping via both sea (Port of Djibouti) and rail (through the new Djibouti-Ethiopia Railway), giving customers cost-saving options.
6. East Africa Pharma Supplies
East Africa Pharma Supplies (EAPS) caters specifically to the pharmaceutical industry, and their silymarin is held to the highest standards. With a focus on USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) compliant products, EAPS sources silymarin from GMP-certified manufacturers in Germany and Slovenia—regions known for strict pharmaceutical regulations. Their product line includes silymarin powder for tablets, capsules, and injectables, as well as pre-formulated blends for liver support supplements. What sets EAPS apart is their rigorous quality control process: every batch undergoes third-party testing at laboratories in Dubai or Nairobi, with results provided to customers before shipment. They also offer stability testing services, helping pharmaceutical companies ensure their silymarin-based products have a long shelf life. While their prices are on the higher end, the peace of mind that comes with pharmaceutical-grade certification is worth it for companies prioritizing regulatory compliance. They're also registered with Djibouti's Ministry of Health, making them a preferred supplier for government health projects and NGOs working on public health initiatives in the region.
7. Marina Natural Extracts
Marina Natural Extracts is a relative newcomer to Djibouti's botanical scene, but they've quickly made a name for themselves with their focus on innovation. Founded in 2018, this female-led business specializes in organic and sustainably sourced botanical extracts, with silymarin being their star product. What makes them unique? They've developed a water-based extraction method that uses 30% less energy than traditional solvent-based methods, reducing their carbon footprint and appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Their silymarin is sourced from wild-harvested milk thistle in the Ethiopian highlands (with proper permits to ensure sustainability) and processed in a solar-powered facility—something they highlight in their marketing materials for brands targeting environmentally aware consumers. Marina also offers "traceable" silymarin, where customers can scan a QR code on their packaging to view the origin of the milk thistle seeds, extraction date, and even photos of the farmers who grew them. While they're still building their bulk capacity (current max order is 200kg), their commitment to sustainability and storytelling has made them a hit with small-batch supplement brands and eco-luxury skincare lines. They also offer educational workshops for customers interested in learning more about natural extraction methods—perfect for startups looking to deepen their product knowledge.
8. Savannah Silymarin Co.
Savannah Silymarin Co. is all about accessibility. They understand that not every business needs a truckload of silymarin, which is why they've carved out a niche as "the small-business supplier" in Djibouti. Founded in 2013, Savannah offers retail-sized quantities (starting at 100g) alongside bulk options, making them ideal for local herbalists, small supplement makers, and even hobbyists experimenting with natural remedies. Their product range includes both pure silymarin powder and pre-mixed milk thistle extract capsules (empty capsules filled with silymarin, ready for branding). They also stock milk thistle tea bags and tinctures, though their main focus is on raw extract sales. While they don't produce their own extract (they source from certified suppliers in India), they've built trust by providing detailed lab reports with every order and offering a 30-day return policy if the product doesn't meet expectations. Located in the heart of Djibouti City's Central Market, they're easy to visit in person—great for new customers who prefer to inspect products before buying. Plus, their friendly staff speaks French, Arabic, and English, making communication a breeze for international buyers.
9. Djibouti Organic Extracts
As the demand for organic products continues to rise, Djibouti Organic Extracts (DOE) has positioned itself as a leader in organic silymarin and milk thistle extract. Certified by both the USDA Organic and EU Organic programs, DOE sources milk thistle seeds from organic co-ops in Sudan and South Sudan, where farmers avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Their extraction facility, located in Djibouti's Industrial Zone, uses ethanol (instead of harsh solvents) to produce a clean, organic-certified silymarin extract that's popular among health food brands and natural medicine practitioners. In addition to standard silymarin powder, they offer "whole plant" milk thistle extract, which includes other beneficial compounds from the seeds (like flavonoids and fatty acids) for a more holistic product. DOE also prioritizes fair trade—they pay farmers 15% above market rates to support sustainable farming practices and community development. While their organic certification means prices are higher than conventional silymarin, many customers are willing to pay the premium for the organic label, which can command higher retail prices. They also offer private labeling services, helping small brands create custom packaging for their organic silymarin products.
10. African Botanical Trading Hub
Rounding out our list is the African Botanical Trading Hub (ABTH), a regional distributor that connects Djibouti to a network of silymarin and botanical extract producers across the continent. Founded in 2017, ABTH doesn't manufacture its own products but acts as a middleman, vetting suppliers in countries like Morocco (known for high-quality milk thistle), Tunisia, and South Africa, then importing and redistributing their extracts in Djibouti. This model gives them access to a diverse range of silymarin products—from budget-friendly conventional extract to ultra-premium, research-grade silymarin (99% purity) for pharmaceutical trials. What makes ABTH valuable is their market expertise—they stay up-to-date on regional regulations (like import requirements in Saudi Arabia or Nigeria) and can help customers navigate paperwork, tariffs, and shipping logistics. They also offer market research reports, helping businesses understand trends in silymarin demand across Africa. For large buyers, ABTH can even arrange direct partnerships with their supplier network, cutting out the middleman for future orders. Their office in Djibouti City's business district is staffed with trade experts who speak multiple African languages, making them a great resource for buyers expanding into new regional markets.
Key Comparison: Top Silymarin Suppliers in Djibouti
| Supplier Name | Product Focus | Certifications | Minimum Order | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Djibouti Botanical Solutions | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin, milk thistle extract | GMP, ISO 9001 | 100kg | Custom concentrations, fast shipping via Port of Djibouti |
| Red Sea Silymarin Traders | Bulk silymarin, milk thistle extract (conventional/organic) | ISO 14001 (environmental) | 500kg | Competitive pricing, global supplier network |
| Horn of Africa Extracts Ltd. | Organic milk thistle extract, silymarin blends | EU Organic | 50kg | Local sourcing, sustainable farming partnerships |
| Gulf Health Ingredients | Cosmetic-grade silymarin, skincare extracts | ISO 22716 (cosmetics GMP) | 1kg | Water/oil-soluble options, technical support for formulators |
| Djibouti Bulk Botanicals | Industrial-scale silymarin (80-95% purity) | USP, EP compliant | 500kg+ | Massive storage capacity, flexible shipping (sea/rail) |
| East Africa Pharma Supplies | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin for tablets/capsules | USP, EP, GMP | 200kg | Third-party testing, stability testing services |
| Marina Natural Extracts | Eco-friendly silymarin, traceable extracts | Organic (pending EU certification) | 10kg | Solar-powered processing, QR code traceability |
| Savannah Silymarin Co. | Small-batch silymarin, pre-mixed capsules | ISO 9001 | 100g | Retail-friendly quantities, 30-day return policy |
| Djibouti Organic Extracts | USDA/EU certified organic silymarin | USDA Organic, EU Organic, Fair Trade | 50kg | Ethanol extraction, fair trade pricing for farmers |
| African Botanical Trading Hub | Regional distribution of diverse silymarin products | Varies by supplier (certifications provided) | 100kg | Market expertise, regulatory support, pan-African network |
What to Look for When Choosing a Silymarin Supplier in Djibouti
Whether you're a pharmaceutical giant, a boutique skincare brand, or a local supplement maker, Djibouti's silymarin suppliers offer something for every need. From pharmaceutical-grade purity to eco-friendly, traceable extracts, the options are as diverse as the businesses they serve. Remember, the best supplier isn't just the one with the lowest price—it's the one that aligns with your quality standards, order size, and long-term goals. Many of these suppliers are happy to provide samples, lab reports, or even facility tours, so don't hesitate to reach out and start a conversation. With Djibouti's strategic location and growing reputation as a botanical trade hub, sourcing silymarin here could be the key to taking your business to the next level. Here's to healthy livers, thriving businesses, and the power of natural extracts!



